At $11,310/yr net price, Kent State University at Stark 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) | $11,310 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,388/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,388/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.3% |
| 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 | $8,024/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,366/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,043/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,275/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,719/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,635 | $28,013 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $41,193 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $34,978 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 | $18,977 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $21,508 | $19,501 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $19,455 | $28,000 |
The Risk Factor
37.3% of students at Kent State University at Stark 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 Stark delivers poor financial returns for most students. With median earnings of just $45,388 ten years after graduation and a 37% graduation rate, your chances of completing a degree that pays off are limited.
Business Administration stands out as the only program worth pursuing financially, generating $73,635 in median earnings despite carrying $28,013 in debt. This major provides strong ROI in the Akron-Canton job market where corporate headquarters and manufacturing create management opportunities.
Every other major shows concerning earnings potential. Criminal Justice graduates earn just $21,508 annually while carrying nearly $20,000 in debt. Liberal Arts programs produce graduates earning between $25,000-$35,000, making loan repayment difficult on such low salaries.
The 53% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled, and those who leave face the worst financial outcome of all: debt without a degree. Your risk of non-completion is substantial at Kent State Stark.
The $11,310 net price appears affordable, but only 29% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support. Merit scholarships are minimal compared to other regional options.
Kent State Stark makes financial sense only if you plan to major in Business Administration and can commit to completing your degree. Local working adults seeking career advancement in management may find value here. Everyone else should consider other universities with stronger graduation rates and higher-earning programs. The combination of low earnings and poor completion rates creates significant financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kent State University at Stark worth the money?
Kent State Stark offers a low net price at $11,310 per year, but graduates earn only $45,388 annually after 10 years. With a 37% graduation rate and $24,500 in median debt, the return on investment is weak for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Kent State University at Stark?
Business Administration pays the highest at $73,635 annually, making it the only program that clearly justifies the cost. Most other popular programs like Criminal Justice ($21,508) and Liberal Arts ($25,194-$34,978) lead to below-average earnings.
How much debt do Kent State University at Stark graduates have?
Graduates carry $24,500 in median debt, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with low post-graduation earnings in most programs, even this moderate debt burden can be challenging to repay.
Does Kent State University at Stark have a good graduation rate?
Only 37% of students graduate from Kent State Stark, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.