Cleveland State University vs Capital University: which has better ROI?
Capital University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,304 in 15.6 years versus 15.7 years at Cleveland State University, on median earnings of $54,143 vs $52,131 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Cleveland State University | Capital University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,764 | $22,576 |
| Total net cost | $59,056 | $90,304 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,131 | $54,143 |
| Median debt | $21,797 | $26,889 |
| Payback | 15.7 yrs | 15.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $16,364 | $25,356 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Cleveland State University or Capital University?
Cleveland State University, at $14,764 a year after aid versus $22,576 — a gap of $7,812 a year, or $31,248 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Cleveland State University or Capital University graduates earn more?
Capital University graduates report a median $54,143 ten years after entry, $2,012 more than the $52,131 at Cleveland State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Cleveland State University or Capital University?
Cleveland State University: its completers carry a median $21,797 in federal loans versus $26,889 at Capital University, a difference of $5,092. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
60% of students finish at Capital University, against 51% at Cleveland State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.