Cincy State grads’ earnings are #1 in Ohio

An article in the Cincinnati Business Courier on September 23, 2025, noted that graduates of Cincinnati State have the highest earnings of any community college grads in Ohio. (The article may require a subscription to read.)

WKRC-TV (Local 12) also shared information from the Business Courier article.

• Cincinnati State graduates earn an average of $54,309 per year, according to data from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).
• The ODHE also reported that Cincinnati State is first in Ohio for the average amount graduates earn per year when compared to what employed high school graduates earn in the region. Cincinnati State graduates earn an average $20,716 more per year than employed high school graduates. 

The Business Courier article quoted Cincinnati State President Monica Posey, who said, “We knew we had a strong, career-focused program, but you never know how the data’s going to fall. We were very pleased, and we felt it just affirmed everything we’ve been doing.”

President Posey added that the College’s co-op program contributes to graduate success.

“We have the cooperative education program [that places students] in jobs that are tied to their field of study,” she said. “We’re building [the students’] relationships with the employers as well.”

Dr. Posey also said the high earnings of Cincinnati State grads are “a testament to the fact that we make a difference. We make a difference in people’s ability to earn a good wage. We make a difference for their family.”

Unlike many other community colleges, Cincinnati State’s enrollment has increased this fall. The Business Courier reported that more than 13,000 students are expected to attend CState during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The article also pointed out that Cincinnati State’s top ranking in graduate earnings will improve the College’s access to state subsidy funding, since graduate employment is now one of the factors used by the state to determine community college success, along with student completion of courses and degrees, and other factors.