Kent State University at Salem: $7,272 Tuition

$7,272Tuition

1,127Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,388Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Kent State University at Salem

Kent State Salem serves as a regional campus where students can start their Kent State education close to home. This branch campus enrolls 1,127 students in a rural-fringe setting that offers a more intimate college experience than the main campus. The student body is entirely in-state, creating a tight-knit community of Ohio residents. Women make up 74.45% of enrollment, reflecting the campus's strength in fields that traditionally attract more female students. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than you'd find at smaller colleges.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $11,593 after aid, which is reasonable for a four-year degree. However, graduates earn a median of $45,388 ten years after graduation, and many struggle with loan repayment. Only 47.06% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, with typical monthly payments of $260. The median debt of $24,500 represents more than half of what graduates earn in their first year out of school.

Academic outcomes present challenges that prospective students should understand. The four-year graduation rate sits at just 20.07%, while only 60.78% of students return for their second year. Many students transfer to complete their degrees at Kent State's main campus or other institutions, viewing Salem as a stepping stone rather than their final destination.

Academics & Faculty

Kent State Salem operates as a regional campus serving northeastern Ohio with a focus on accessible higher education and workforce preparation. The campus enrolls 1,127 students who benefit from smaller class sizes, though the 24:1 student-faculty ratio suggests limited one-on-one attention. Only 20% of students graduate within four years, and just 28% finish within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults and first-generation college students face at regional campuses. The school emphasizes practical programs that prepare students for local employment opportunities. Women make up nearly 75% of the student body, typical for campuses strong in education, nursing, and social services. Students appreciate the personalized atmosphere despite academic support challenges.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Full-Time Faculty: 45.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 20.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.2%
Retention Rate: 60.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,388
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$45,305
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$44,170
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$34,978
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$31,133
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,194
Computer Programming.	Associate	$23,456
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$21,508
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$20,140

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

Kent State Salem draws students primarily from the surrounding rural Ohio counties, with 100% of its 1,127 students coming from in-state. The campus sits in small-town Salem, about an hour's drive from both Youngstown and Akron, giving students access to larger cities when needed. Ohio winters mean heavy coats and snow boots are essential gear from December through March.

Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body at 74.45%, creating a female-majority environment. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of regional campuses, though the small overall enrollment keeps the community tight-knit. Most students commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus, which shapes the social active around daytime classes and activities. Weekend life often revolves around local hangouts in Salem or trips back home to family. The campus serves as a more affordable pathway to a Kent State degree, with graduates earning a median of $45,388 ten years after graduation while carrying manageable debt loads of $24,500.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1962

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–34°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.7"
Annual Snowfall: 31.8"

Student Demographics

Kent State Salem draws entirely from Ohio, reflecting its role as a regional campus serving local communities. Women make up three-quarters of the student body, likely driven by strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that traditionally attract female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the campus serves many first-generation and working-class families from eastern Ohio. The small enrollment of 1,127 creates an intimate learning environment where students from nearby towns can access Kent State's resources without leaving their home region.

Men: 25.6%
Women: 74.5%
White: 81.9%
Black: 7.3%
Hispanic: 4.0%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.1%

Location

Salem sits in eastern Ohio, about 20 miles from Youngstown and 60 miles southeast of Cleveland. The campus serves a rural area where 100% of students come from in-state. This small college town of roughly 12,000 residents sits in Columbiana County's rolling farmland and wooded hills. Salem's historic downtown square features local shops and restaurants that cater to the community's mix of college students and longtime residents. The area offers outdoor recreation at nearby state parks and lakes. The setting provides a quiet environment for study while remaining accessible to Ohio's larger metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Kent State University at Salem with similar schools in the region.

Address: Salem, Ohio 44460

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 student body like at Kent State University at Salem?

The campus enrolls 1,127 students with women making up nearly three-quarters of the student body at 74.45%. This regional campus draws exclusively from Ohio, creating a tight-knit community where students often know each other across different programs.

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

Students pay an average net price of $11,593 annually, with costs varying by family income. The campus keeps education accessible with in-state tuition at just $7,272, though only 31.09% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a moderate-income student base.

What are the graduation rates at Kent State University at Salem?

The campus has a 28.20% six-year graduation rate and 20.07% four-year rate, reflecting the challenges many regional campuses face. With a 60.78% retention rate, about two in five students leave after their first year, often transferring to the main Kent State campus or other schools.

What kind of academic experience can students expect at Kent State University at Salem?

Classes average 24 students per faculty member, creating a more intimate learning environment than typical state universities. As a regional campus of Kent State University, Salem offers foundational coursework and select degree programs while maintaining the resources and accreditation of the larger university system.

What are the career outcomes for Kent State University at Salem graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $45,388 ten years after enrollment with a strong 96.4% employment rate. However, only 47.06% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, and graduates carry a median debt of $24,500 with monthly payments around $260.

Where is Kent State University at Salem located and what's the campus environment like?

The campus sits in Salem, Ohio, a rural-fringe community that offers small-town charm with reasonable access to larger cities. Founded in 1962 as part of Kent State's regional campus expansion, Salem provides an affordable entry point into higher education for students preferring a smaller, more personal college experience.