At $10,753/yr net price, Kent State University at Ashtabula graduates earn $45,388/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,388/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,753 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,012 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,388/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,388/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,922/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,863/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,336/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,223/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,459/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,638 | $21,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,305 | $17,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $25,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,379 | $15,100 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $34,978 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $31,133 | $17,942 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 | $18,977 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $23,456 | $17,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $21,508 | $19,501 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
25.8% of students at Kent State University at Ashtabula graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Kent State Ashtabula delivers poor financial returns with a 26% graduation rate that makes completing your degree a coin flip at best. The low net price of $10,753 appears attractive, but the median earnings of $45,388 ten years out barely justify the investment when most students never finish.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $52,638 in median earnings with reasonable debt of $21,000. Other allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment professions earning around $45,000 annually. These healthcare-focused majors align with northeast Ohio's medical job market and offer your best shot at positive returns.
Liberal arts graduates face harsh financial realities here, earning just $34,978 while carrying $27,000 in debt. The 29% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially, creating real risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your degree.
You should consider Kent State Ashtabula only if you're pursuing nursing or allied health and need an affordable local option. The school works for students with strong academic preparation who can handle the low-support environment successfully. If you need substantial academic support or want programs outside healthcare, you'll find better value elsewhere.
The 34% financial aid rate suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites at local community colleges before transferring in, though the poor retention rates indicate even this approach carries significant completion risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kent State University at Ashtabula worth the cost?
Kent State Ashtabula offers decent value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning around $52,600 annually. However, the 26% graduation rate is concerning, and non-healthcare majors typically earn less than $35,000 after graduation.
What is the job market like for Kent State University at Ashtabula graduates?
Nursing and allied health graduates from Kent State Ashtabula find good job prospects with median earnings of $45,000-$52,000. Liberal arts graduates face tougher prospects with median earnings around $35,000, which barely justifies the education cost.
How much debt do Kent State University at Ashtabula students graduate with?
Kent State Ashtabula graduates carry a median debt of $24,500, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates financial stress for lower-earning programs. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Which programs at Kent State University at Ashtabula have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI at Kent State Ashtabula, with graduates earning $52,600 annually against moderate debt levels. Other allied health programs provide decent returns, while liberal arts programs struggle to justify their cost with $35,000 median earnings.