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 gives you a low sticker price but shaky odds of finishing. Net price sits under $11,000 a year, and median debt of $24,500 is manageable against $45,388 median earnings ten years out. The financial math on paper is fine. The problem is whether you graduate at all.
The 25.8% graduation rate and 28.57% retention rate are the real story here. Most people who start do not come back for a second year, and most who enroll never finish. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome in higher education, and this campus puts you at high risk of it. That risk outweighs the affordable price.
Among listed bachelor's programs, Allied Health pays about $44,170, roughly $9,000 more than Liberal Arts and General Studies at $34,978. If you come here, Allied Health is the clear financial choice, and it ties into local demand for healthcare workers in the Ashtabula region. General Studies pays less and carries higher debt at $27,000, a weak combination.
Net price barely moves by income at the bottom. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $8,900. above $48,000, cost jumps past $13,000 and climbs to $14,459 for families over $110,000. Lower-income families get the better deal here, but the gap between tiers is small.
This school fits you if you live near Ashtabula, want an Allied Health credential, and can commit to finishing despite the low completion odds around you. If you are unsure about staying enrolled or drawn to General Studies, look elsewhere. The affordability only pays off if you walk away with the degree, and most people here do not.
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.