Urban Studies/Affairs at Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,929/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (37% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #14 of 25 Urban Studies/Affairs programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Urban Studies/Affairs graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $501K $500K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 9.9x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,452
Out-of-state: $71,892 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,260
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,869
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,929/yr, Urban Studies/Affairs graduates from Cleveland State University land near the $40,998 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Urban Studies/Affairs career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $38,929/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #14 ranking among 25 Urban Studies/Affairs programs places Cleveland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 26% earnings increase from $38,929 to $48,869 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Cleveland State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Cleveland State University prioritizes broad access, serving 9,077 students in Cleveland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Cleveland State University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
Urban and regional planners $83,720/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Urban Studies/Affairs at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Urban Studies/Affairs at Cleveland State University?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Urban Studies/Affairs programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Urban Studies/Affairs at Cleveland State University?
The 37% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →