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 Salem gives you a low sticker price with a shaky path to finishing. Net price sits under $12,000 a year, and median debt of $24,500 is manageable against median earnings around $45,000 ten years out. The problem is the 28% graduation rate. If you leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump, which is the single biggest financial risk here.
The two bachelor's programs with reported earnings tell different stories. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions pays about $44,000, roughly $9,000 more than General Studies and Humanities, for nearly the same debt load. If you enroll here, Allied Health is the program that actually justifies the borrowing. General Studies at under $35,000 barely clears the cost of the degree, and it carries the highest debt of the two at $27,000.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay roughly $8,500 to $9,100 a year. Above $75,000, your price jumps to around $14,400 to $14,900, close to the full sticker. For lower-income families, the math is reasonable. for higher earners, you are paying near the top with no discount to soften it.
This school is a fit if you live near Salem, want the Allied Health track, and can commit to finishing. A 61% retention rate means four in ten first-years don't return, so momentum matters more here than at most schools. Look elsewhere if you want General Studies as a standalone degree or if you can't reliably graduate, because the return only shows up with a completed credential in a program that pays.
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.