About Kent State University at Stark
Kent State Stark serves as the regional campus for Ohio's sprawling Kent State system, drawing 2,626 students to its suburban North Canton location. This branch campus built its reputation on smaller class sizes and personalized attention in a more intimate college setting. The student-faculty ratio sits at 21:1, offering more direct access to professors than many large universities. Nearly all students come from Ohio, with 99.6% claiming in-state residency.
The financial picture reveals both opportunities and challenges. Students pay an average net price of $11,310 after aid, making it relatively affordable for Ohio families. Low-income students pay just $8,024 annually, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $14,719. Graduates earn a median of $45,388 ten years after starting college. With median debt of $24,500 and monthly loan payments around $260, most students find the investment manageable given regional salary expectations.
The graduation story tells a mixed tale. Only 24% of students finish in four years, while 37% complete degrees within six years. The retention rate of 53% suggests many students transfer or leave after their first year. Women make up 64% of the student body, and the campus maintains strong employment rates at 96.4% for graduates who stay in the region.
The financial picture reveals both opportunities and challenges. Students pay an average net price of $11,310 after aid, making it relatively affordable for Ohio families. Low-income students pay just $8,024 annually, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $14,719. Graduates earn a median of $45,388 ten years after starting college. With median debt of $24,500 and monthly loan payments around $260, most students find the investment manageable given regional salary expectations.
The graduation story tells a mixed tale. Only 24% of students finish in four years, while 37% complete degrees within six years. The retention rate of 53% suggests many students transfer or leave after their first year. Women make up 64% of the student body, and the campus maintains strong employment rates at 96.4% for graduates who stay in the region.
Academics & Faculty
Kent State Stark operates as a regional campus offering both undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on accessible higher education in northeastern Ohio. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personal attention than large research universities, though the 37% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many commuter students face balancing work and family obligations. Nearly all students (99.6%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community of local learners. The campus serves as a stepping stone for students who want Kent State's academic reputation without the large campus experience. Popular programs include business, education, and health sciences, designed to meet regional workforce needs in manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 50.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 23.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.3%
- Retention Rate
- 53.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,388
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,635 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $41,193 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $34,978 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $21,508 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $19,455 |
Campus Life
Nearly all students at Kent State Stark are Ohio residents (99.62%) who commute to this regional campus about 20 miles south of Cleveland. The campus sits in suburban North Canton, where students experience full Midwest seasons requiring both winter coats and summer gear. With just 2,626 students and a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll recognize faces across campus and build closer relationships with professors than at massive universities.
Women make up about two-thirds of the student body (64.05%), creating a different active than many colleges. Most students work part-time jobs while attending classes since this is primarily a commuter campus without traditional dorms or Greek life. Weekend activities center around Cleveland's sports teams, suburban shopping, and local hangouts rather than campus parties. The retention rate of 53.13% reflects the challenges many working students face balancing school with other responsibilities. Students here value the smaller class sizes and personal attention while staying close to home and family obligations in northeast Ohio.
Women make up about two-thirds of the student body (64.05%), creating a different active than many colleges. Most students work part-time jobs while attending classes since this is primarily a commuter campus without traditional dorms or Greek life. Weekend activities center around Cleveland's sports teams, suburban shopping, and local hangouts rather than campus parties. The retention rate of 53.13% reflects the challenges many working students face balancing school with other responsibilities. Students here value the smaller class sizes and personal attention while staying close to home and family obligations in northeast Ohio.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–33°F
- July Avg
- 61°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 47.5"
Student Demographics
Kent State Stark draws nearly its entire student body from Ohio, reflecting its role as a regional campus serving the North Canton area. Women make up about two-thirds of the 2,626 students, a split common among branch campuses that emphasize education, health, and business programs. The student body is predominantly white, mirroring the demographics of Stark County. With 29% receiving Pell Grants, the campus attracts working-class families seeking an affordable path to a Kent State degree without leaving home. Most students are commuters balancing studies with work and family obligations.
- Men
- 36.0%
- Women
- 64.1%
- White
- 79.1%
- Black
- 8.2%
- Hispanic
- 4.3%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 99.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.0%
Location
Kent State University at Stark sits in North Canton, Ohio, about 20 miles south of Cleveland. The campus serves a largely local student body, with 99.62% of students coming from in-state. North Canton offers a suburban setting in Stark County, known for its mix of residential neighborhoods and light industry. The area provides access to both urban amenities in nearby Cleveland and the quieter pace of smaller Ohio communities. With 2,626 students enrolled, the regional campus maintains a more intimate atmosphere than the main Kent State campus. The location appeals to students seeking university-level education while staying close to home in northeastern Ohio. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Kent State University at Stark with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- North Canton, Ohio 44720-7599
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 size at Kent State University at Stark?
Kent State University at Stark enrolls 2,626 students, making it a small regional campus. The student body is 64% female and 36% male, with nearly all students (99.62%) coming from Ohio.
How much does Kent State University at Stark cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $11,310 after financial aid, though this varies by income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,024, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $14,719.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Kent State University at Stark?
The student-faculty ratio is 21:1, which is typical for a regional campus setting. As part of the Kent State system, students get access to smaller class sizes while still benefiting from a major university's resources and degree programs.
What are the graduation rates at Kent State University at Stark?
The six-year graduation rate is 37.3%, while only 23.88% of students graduate within four years. These rates reflect the campus's role serving many working students and commuters who often attend part-time in the North Canton area.
Where is Kent State University at Stark located?
The campus sits in North Canton, Ohio, a large suburban community in Stark County. This location serves students throughout northeastern Ohio who want a Kent State degree without relocating to the main campus.
How much do Kent State University at Stark graduates typically earn?
Graduates earn a median of $45,388 ten years after graduation, with strong employment prospects at 96.4%. The typical monthly loan payment is $260, manageable given that median debt is $24,500 upon graduation.
