Urban Studies/Affairs at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's Urban Studies program delivers something surprisingly valuable for an accessible public university: manageable debt paired with steady earning potential. At $32,083, graduates leave with debt levels in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. That's a genuine advantage for students at a school serving a substantial working-class population (39% receive Pell grants).

The earnings story is more nuanced. Starting at $38,929, graduates earn slightly below the national median but match Ohio's median exactly, placing them in the 60th percentile among in-state options. Given Cleveland State's 95% acceptance rate and average SAT of 980, these outcomes suggest the program is delivering solid returns for students who might not have access to more selective institutions. The 10% earnings growth to $42,894 by year four shows reasonable progression, though graduates remain somewhat behind the national curve.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 is the key number here: it means less than one year's salary to pay off the median debt. For families concerned about financial burden, that's a manageable target. If your child is interested in urban planning or community development and Cleveland State offers the right financial package, this program won't leave them crushed by debt—though they should understand they're choosing mission-driven work over high earnings.