Marketing at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's marketing program struggles to compete within Ohio's crowded landscape. Graduates earn a median $43,706 in their first year—about $4,000 below the state median for marketing programs and roughly in line with the national average. More concerning, these earnings place Cleveland State in just the 40th percentile among Ohio marketing programs, meaning six out of ten similar programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates. When top Ohio programs like Miami University and Ohio State are producing graduates who earn $56,000-$59,000, the gap becomes significant.

The financial fundamentals aren't terrible: debt levels are reasonable at $24,219, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 means graduates typically owe about half their first-year salary. Earnings do grow 13% by year four, reaching $49,154—but even this improved figure falls short of where other Ohio marketing grads start. With 51 marketing programs in Ohio alone, students have plenty of alternatives that might justify the same or less debt while delivering stronger early-career outcomes.

For an anxious parent, the question is straightforward: if you're staying in-state anyway, why choose a program that underperforms half its competitors? Cleveland State's high admission rate (95%) and modest SAT average (980) suggest accessibility, but accessibility alone doesn't make this a strong value when comparable state schools deliver better returns. Unless Cleveland State offers specific industry connections or location advantages that matter to your student, you're likely better served exploring programs that place higher in Ohio's earnings distribution.