Mathematics at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's math degree starts graduates at $41,164—roughly $8,000 below the median for Ohio math programs and $7,600 below the national benchmark. Among the state's 56 math programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable Ohio programs deliver stronger initial earnings. For parents comparing options, nearby Kent State and Ohio State both produce graduates earning $10,000-$13,000 more right out of the gate.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $26,000, it's actually manageable relative to those modest earnings (0.63 ratio), and students here borrow less than at many peer institutions. The 21% earnings bump by year four suggests the degree does build value over time, reaching nearly $50,000. However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these figures could shift significantly with more data.

For an open-admission school serving a heavily Pell-eligible population, Cleveland State provides an accessible math pathway. But parents should recognize the earnings gap: this program underperforms both state and national standards by meaningful margins. If location flexibility exists, stronger-earning Ohio programs are readily available at comparable public universities.