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88.0%Acceptance
$12,846Tuition
19,134Students
66%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$45,388Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Kent State University at Kent

Kent State has built its reputation around strong professional programs, particularly journalism, fashion design, and architecture. The university enrolls 19,134 students on a large suburban campus in Ohio. Notable graduates include comedian Drew Carey and actor Michael Keaton, reflecting the school's strength in media and creative fields. With an 88% acceptance rate, Kent State welcomes most applicants who meet basic requirements.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $19,614 after aid, with lower-income families paying around $15,000. Graduates earn a median of $45,388 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,500 reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $260, which most graduates can handle given the employment rate of 96.4%.

The student body leans heavily female at 62% and draws primarily from Ohio, with 80% of students coming from in-state. Kent State competes in Division I athletics as the Golden Flashes, offering 15 varsity sports. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but the university's research focus provides opportunities for motivated students to get involved in faculty projects across various disciplines.

Academics & Faculty

Kent State operates as a full research university with nearly 19,134 students spread across multiple campuses. The school gained national recognition for its journalism program, which has produced notable media figures and maintains strong industry connections. Fashion design and architecture programs also draw students from across the country, offering hands-on training in specialized facilities. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, especially in introductory courses. About 65% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face in navigating a large university system. Kent State's research focus creates opportunities for undergraduates to work alongside faculty, though students must be proactive in seeking these experiences.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Full-Time Faculty
57.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
65.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
65.5%
Retention Rate
78.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,388
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $89,685
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $73,635
Information Science/Studies. Master $72,734
Curriculum and Instruction. Doctoral $71,957
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $69,338
Engineering Technology, General. Master $67,660
Computer Science. Bachelor $64,493
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Doctoral $63,005
Public Administration. Master $58,673
Construction Management. Bachelor $57,619

View all 278 programs →

Campus Life

Kent State's 19,134 students spread across a sprawling campus in northeastern Ohio, about 45 minutes southeast of Cleveland. With housing capacity for 5,674 students, roughly 30% live on campus, creating a blend of residential and commuter energy. You'll definitely need a winter coat here - Kent gets serious snow and frigid temperatures from December through March.

The campus buzzes with activity around the student recreation center and library commons, while downtown Kent offers coffee shops, bars, and casual dining within walking distance. Students flock to Cleveland on weekends for pro sports, concerts, and city nightlife. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, but Kent's strong programs in journalism, fashion design, and architecture foster tight-knit communities within majors. With 15 varsity sports and 482 student-athletes, Golden Flashes games draw decent crowds, especially basketball. The May 4th memorial on campus serves as a sobering reminder of the university's place in American history, creating a campus culture that values both remembrance and progress.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
5,674 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

81 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 18 15 0 0
Rape 7 7 0 0
Stalking 11 2 1 0
Fondling 5 2 2 0
Aggravated Assault 2 1 0 1
Burglary 1 0 3 0
Arson 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 1 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–33°F
July Avg
60°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
43.1"
Annual Snowfall
45.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly 80% of students come from Ohio, reflecting Kent State's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition that draws middle-class families statewide. Women make up 62% of enrollment, a split that aligns with the university's well-known programs in fashion design, nursing, and education. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking upward mobility. The diverse mix includes students from across Ohio's cities and small towns who value Kent State's combination of strong academics, Division I athletics, and reasonable cost compared to private alternatives.
Men
37.9%
Women
62.1%
White
74.6%
Black
9.1%
Hispanic
4.5%
Asian
2.3%
In-State Students
79.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.4%

Location

Kent State sits in Kent, Ohio, about 40 miles southeast of Cleveland. The university dominates this classic college town of roughly 30,000 residents, where students make up over half the population during the academic year. Kent blends small-town charm with Big Ten energy, featuring tree-lined streets, local coffee shops, and campus-centered nightlife. The surrounding region offers rolling hills and suburban communities within easy reach of both Cleveland's urban amenities and Ohio's rural countryside. With 79.77% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains a distinctly Midwestern feel. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Kent State with similar schools in the region.
Address
Kent, Ohio 44242-0001
Kent State University at Kent campus
Kent State University at Kent campus
Kent State University at Kent campus
Kent State University at Kent campus
Kent State University at Kent campus
Kent State University at Kent campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,388
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,321
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,500
Loan Repayment Rate
47.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$260/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Kent State University at Kent?

Kent State admits 88% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990-1220 on the SAT. This open admissions approach reflects the university's commitment to providing educational opportunities across a broad range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Kent State University at Kent cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,614 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $12,846 while out-of-state students pay $22,316. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $24,500 in debt.

What academic programs is Kent State University at Kent known for?

Kent State has built a strong reputation in journalism, fashion design, and architecture programs. With 19,134 students and a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, the university offers comprehensive research opportunities. The school's media and design programs have produced notable alumni including TV personalities and fashion industry leaders.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at Kent State University at Kent?

About 65% of students graduate within six years, and 96% find employment after graduation. Recent graduates earn a median salary of $45,388 ten years after enrollment. The university's strong alumni network includes celebrities like Michael Keaton and Drew Carey, reflecting its broad career preparation.

Where is Kent State University at Kent located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Kent, Ohio, a large suburban college town that revolves around university life. Housing capacity serves 5,674 students out of the total 19,134 enrollment. With 15 NCAA Division I sports teams and 482 student athletes, the Golden Flashes create a active campus atmosphere.

Is Kent State University at Kent historically significant?

Kent State carries profound historical weight as the site of the 1970 campus shootings during Vietnam War protests. The university has 78% of students returning for their second year, showing its ability to build community despite this difficult past. Today it focuses on being a comprehensive research university while maintaining its role in American social history.