At $19,614/yr net price, Kent State University at Kent 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) | $19,614 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,456 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,388/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,388/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.5% |
| 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 | $14,912/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,386/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,772/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,202/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,263/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. | Master | $89,685 | $37,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,635 | $28,013 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $72,734 | $37,683 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $71,957 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Master | $67,660 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $22,500 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Doctoral | $63,005 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $58,673 | $35,655 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $57,619 | $22,500 |
The Risk Factor
65.5% of students at Kent State University at Kent graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Kent State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $45,388 ten years after graduation despite a net price of $19,614 annually. This puts your earning potential well below what you'll find at stronger regional universities.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $89,685 in median earnings that justify the higher debt load of $37,500. Business Administration and Information Science also provide solid returns at $73,635 and $72,734 respectively, though Information Science carries concerning debt levels at $37,683. Education programs show decent earnings but you'll face limited salary growth in Ohio's teaching market.
Your biggest financial risk at Kent State is the 35% chance you won't graduate, leaving you with debt but no degree. The 78.79% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled, often due to academic or financial pressures.
Kent State makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or business and can graduate within four years. Ohio residents get the best deal given in-state tuition rates. You should look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts programs that show poor earning outcomes or if you need significant academic support to graduate.
Only 27% of students receive need-based aid, making Kent State less generous than many public universities. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize total costs, and consider starting at a community college for general requirements if you're budget-conscious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kent State University at Kent worth the cost?
Kent State's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing and business programs offer strong earning potential that justifies the cost, but graduates in many other fields earn only $45,388 after 10 years while carrying $24,500 in debt.
What are the best paying majors at Kent State University at Kent?
Registered Nursing leads with $89,685 median earnings, followed by Business Administration at $73,635 and Information Science at $72,734. These programs offer the strongest financial returns at Kent State.
How much student debt do Kent State University at Kent graduates have?
The median debt is $24,500, which is manageable for high-earning majors like nursing but could be problematic for lower-paying fields. With 10-year earnings averaging $45,388, many graduates face tight debt-to-income ratios.
Does Kent State University at Kent have good job placement after graduation?
Kent State's 65.5% graduation rate suggests retention issues, and the $45,388 median earnings after 10 years indicate mixed job market success. Career outcomes vary significantly by program, with nursing and business majors faring much better than average.