Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio · Public · 86.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 30/100 · Poor Value
Kent State University at Kent
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,232/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $23,082/yr |
| Average net price | $20,787/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $83,148 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,388 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $33,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $260 |
| Estimated payback period | 21.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 63.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 19,320 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,280 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,718 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,296 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,685 |
| $110,001+ | $26,278 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Kent State University at Kent with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $78,263 | B |
| Psychology | $42,328 | D |
| Design and Applied Arts | $56,540 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $62,265 | C |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $61,055 | C |
| Teacher Education | $41,717 | D |
| Marketing | $63,440 | C |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $48,569 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $71,330 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $49,375 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Kent State University at Kent is $13,232/year ($23,082/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,787/year, or roughly $83,148 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $15,280/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,278/year.
The median graduate leaves with $24,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $260 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $45,388 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.73 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 60.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 66.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 51.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 62.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 86.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 500-610 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 510-630 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-25 |
| Enrollment | 19,320 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 28.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,622 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent State University at Kent (this school) | 30 | $20,787 | $45,388 |
| University of Akron Wayne College | 48 | $6,032 | $46,600 |
| Boise State University | 45 | $21,610 | $51,658 |
| University of Akron Main Campus | 38 | $13,946 | $46,600 |
| East Tennessee State University | 35 | $15,983 | $44,859 |
| New Mexico State University-Main Campus | 31 | $8,889 | $39,067 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Kent State University at Kent. With a net cost of $20,787 per year and median graduate earnings of only $45,388 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 21.5 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $24,500 against $45,388 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.