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 University at Stark gives you a low sticker price but weak completion odds, and that combination defines its financial picture. At $11,310 a year, you're paying far less than a private college, and your median debt of $24,500 stays manageable if you finish. The problem is finishing: only 37% of students graduate, and just 53% return for a second year. If you drop out with loans and no degree, this becomes a bad deal fast.
The two bachelor's programs with earnings data here both pay poorly. Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn about $34,978, which barely clears what many jobs pay without a degree, and they carry $27,000 in debt to get there. Music is worse: $19,455 in median earnings against $28,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio makes Music a program to avoid on financial grounds alone. Neither program justifies borrowing at these levels, so if you enroll, keep loans low and treat this as a transfer or feeder step toward a Kent State main-campus degree in a higher-paying field.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $8,024. over $110,000, you pay $14,719. That's a modest gap, so higher earners don't get much of a break here.
This school fits you if you're a local, budget-conscious student who can commute, avoid heavy borrowing, and either transfer up or target a specific regional job. Look elsewhere if you plan to major in Music, need strong graduate earnings to service loans, or aren't confident you'll finish. The overall median earnings of $45,388 suggest completers do fine, but the low graduation rate is the risk you're taking.
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.