Design and Applied Arts at Cuyahoga Community College District

Cuyahoga Community College's design program sits squarely in the middle of Ohio's offerings—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide—but struggles against national competition, landing in just the 24th percentile. First-year graduates earn $22,517, about $1,000 below Ohio's median for this degree and roughly $5,300 below the national figure. Even nearby Sinclair Community College manages nearly $2,000 more in starting earnings. The debt load of $11,795 is slightly below Ohio's median and creates a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about half their first year's salary.

The earnings trajectory provides some reassurance: graduates see 16% income growth by year four, reaching $26,140. That's a meaningful improvement that narrows the gap with peers. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers are reasonably reliable, and the relatively affordable debt means this program won't saddle your child with crushing payments while they establish their career.

For families prioritizing low debt over maximum earning potential, this program delivers on the first goal but falls short on the second. If your child is committed to design work and plans to stay in Ohio, the middling state ranking and manageable debt make this a viable option—just understand they'll likely start behind graduates from stronger programs in the field.