At $11,593/yr net price, Kent State University at Salem 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) | $11,593 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,388/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,388/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.2% |
| 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 | $8,483/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,147/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,275/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,382/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,921/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,305 | $17,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $25,000 |
| 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
28.2% of students at Kent State University at Salem 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 University at Salem delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. The median 10-year earnings of $45,388 barely justify the costs, especially when paired with a concerning 28% graduation rate that leaves seven out of ten students without a degree.
Allied health programs offer the strongest financial prospects, with graduates earning around $44,000-$45,000 annually and carrying relatively manageable debt loads of $17,500-$25,000. These healthcare-focused majors align well with regional demand and provide the clearest path to positive returns. Business programs show mixed results, with general business majors earning just $31,133 while carrying nearly $18,000 in debt.
Liberal arts and general studies programs present significant financial risks. Despite similar debt burdens to other majors, these graduates earn substantially less, with some earning only $25,194 annually. This creates a debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment challenging.
The school's 61% retention rate signals academic and financial struggles that extend beyond graduation rates. Many students leave before completing their programs, often with debt but no degree to show for it.
Kent State Salem makes financial sense primarily for students pursuing allied health careers who can benefit from lower in-state tuition and regional healthcare job opportunities. Students interested in liberal arts or uncertain about their career direction should consider alternatives with stronger completion rates and employment outcomes. The school's low aid participation rate of 31% suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities, making it essential to have realistic financing plans before enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kent State University at Salem worth the cost?
Kent State Salem offers a low net price at $11,593 per year, but graduates earn just $45,388 ten years after enrollment. The 28% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Kent State University at Salem?
Allied Health programs at Kent State Salem lead to the highest earnings at around $45,000 annually. Business and Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less, with some Liberal Arts graduates making only $25,194.
How much debt do Kent State University at Salem graduates have?
Kent State Salem graduates carry a median debt of $24,500. With starting salaries around $45,000 for the best programs, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for those who complete their degrees.
What is the graduation rate at Kent State University at Salem?
Only 28% of students graduate from Kent State Salem. This low completion rate means most students leave without a degree but may still carry debt from their time enrolled.