Head-to-head · 2026
Chattanooga State Community College vs Cleveland State Community College
Compare average net price ($5,283 at Chattanooga State Community College; $6,384 at Cleveland State Community College), ROI score (17.79 vs 14.36), ten-year median earnings ($37,598 vs $36,671), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Chattanooga State Community College; Open / not reported at Cleveland State Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Chattanooga State Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Chattanooga State Community College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Chattanooga State Community College | Cleveland State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 17.79 ✓ | 14.36 |
| Avg net price | $5,283 ✓ | $6,384 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $37,598 ✓ | $36,671 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 25.9% | 36.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,419 | $7,954 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,284 | 1,975 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Cleveland State Community College costs $1,101 more per year than Chattanooga State Community College ($6,384 vs $5,283). Chattanooga State Community College graduates report $927 higher median earnings after ten years ($37,598 vs $36,671). On EduGradify's model that puts Chattanooga State Community College ahead on projected ROI (17.79 vs 14.36, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Chattanooga State Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Chattanooga State Community College vs Cleveland State Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Chattanooga State Community College or Cleveland State Community College the better value?
Chattanooga State Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.79 vs 14.36), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Chattanooga State Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,283 per year vs $6,384 at Cleveland State Community College. The annual difference of $1,101 adds up to about $4,404 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Chattanooga State Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $37,598 vs $36,671 at Cleveland State Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $927.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Chattanooga State Community College reports a A+ value grade; Cleveland State Community College reports A.