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's financial return is mixed. The median graduate earns $45,388 ten years out while carrying $24,500 in debt, so the typical path here pays the loans back but leaves little cushion. Whether you come out ahead depends heavily on your major.
Computer Science is the clear winner. It pays roughly $19,000 more per year than the school-wide median while carrying less debt than nursing, which makes it the strongest financial bet on campus. Construction Management and Nursing both clear $57,000 and hold up well against Ohio's job market for skilled trades and healthcare. Accounting sits at the bottom of the top five and still beats the median, so the business path is safe if not lucrative. The gap between Computer Science and Accounting is about $14,000 a year for similar debt, so the major you pick matters more than the school you pick.
The risk is being in a program that isn't on this list. If your degree pulls the median down toward $45,388, that $24,500 in debt gets heavy fast on a modest starting salary. A 65.5% graduation rate also means you have a real chance of leaving with debt and no degree, which is the worst financial outcome available.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $15,000 a year, about $10,000 less than families over $110,000. That makes Kent State a solid value if you qualify for need-based aid and enter a high-earning major.
This school fits you if you're targeting computing, nursing, or construction and want in-state Ohio pricing. Look elsewhere if you're undecided or drawn to a low-earning field, since the debt here doesn't bend to match a low salary.
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.