Kent State University at Kent
Kent State University at Kent is a public university in Kent, OH ranked #1004 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 19,320 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.3%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer Systems Analysis.
Day to day, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, 80.9% first-year retention, and 63.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $20,787, about $3,789 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -51.7%, roughly 137.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,179. That's about $3,509 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Kent State University at Kent Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Kent State University at Kent graduates 63.7% of students within six years and keeps 80.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Kent State University at Kent's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,232 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,794 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,790 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $30,567 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 28.5% of Kent State University at Kent students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,280 to $26,278 depending on family income. Use Kent State University at Kent's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,685/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,278/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,179
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,179
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 47.1%
- Employment Rate 88.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Kent State University at Kent graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Kent State University at Kent vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Kent State University at Kent's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Kent State University at Kent's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Kent State University at Kent graduates earn $40,179 median, the -51.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 510-630
- SAT Math 500-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 19,320
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 80.9%
- Graduation Rate 63.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Kent State University at Kent
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Kent State University at Kent requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 86.3%, Kent State University at Kent is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 86.3% acceptance rate, Kent State University at Kent is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010 and 1240 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Kent State University at Kent undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Psychology, General, and Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Op draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.8%
- Psychology, General 6.4%
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Op 5.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.3%
- Design and Applied Arts 4.3%
- Marketing 4.0%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 3.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $98,308
- 2. Computer Systems Analysis $84,968
- 3. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $78,845
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Air Transportation $78,760
- 5. Industrial Engineering $76,477
- 6. Chemistry $76,430
- 7. Construction Management $75,683
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $74,512
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $72,738
- 10. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations $71,620
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $137,517
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $113,089
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $109,147
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) $98,947
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $96,226
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $86,024
- 7. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $84,011
- 8. Engineering Technology, General (Master's Degree) $78,419
- 9. Journalism (Master's Degree) $71,715
- 10. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $68,853
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $98,308—37% more than Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($71,620). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $137,517 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Kent State University at Kent. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 345 graduates)
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 309 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 234 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 216 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 198 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (83 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Design and Applied Arts
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Education, General
- Architecture
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Construction Management
- Computer Science
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- English Language and Literature, General
- Air Transportation
- Political Science and Government
- Industrial Engineering
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Journalism
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Chemistry
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Legal Support Services
- Anthropology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- American Sign Language
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Music
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Biotechnology
- Applied Mathematics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Dance
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Philosophy
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- International/Global Studies
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering Technology, General
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Online Master's Degrees (51 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Architecture
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Computer Science
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Music
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Design and Applied Arts
- Engineering Technology, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Chemistry
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- Communication and Media Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Applied Mathematics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Sociology
- Landscape Architecture
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Biology, General
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Construction Management
Online Doctoral Degrees (39 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Public Health
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Computer Science
- Music
- Mathematics
- History
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Anthropology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (12 programs)â–¼
- International and Comparative Education
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Music
- Gerontology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Education, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Legal Support Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Medicine
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 19,320
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 38.0%
- Female Students 62.0%
- Caucasian 73.0%
- Asian 2.4%
- Hispanic 4.9%
- Black 9.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Kent State University at Kent's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Kent State University at Kent's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Kent State University at Kent support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Kent State University at Kent, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 73.0% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 62.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Kent State University at Kent support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Kent State University at Kent, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Kent State University at Kent serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1004 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $20,787 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $40,179 median earnings. The 63.7% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 80.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Kent State University at Kent's Strengths
Ranked #1004 with a B grade, Kent State University at Kent prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Kent State University at Kent excel at providing affordable education ($20,787 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Kent State University at Kent's 80.9% retention and 63.7% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($40,179 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Kent State University at Kent and $20,787 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 63.7% six-year graduation rate sits 1.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.9% first-year retention is 4.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -51.7% return on investment is 137.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,179 run about 8% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,787 is roughly $770 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 80.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.0% employment rate within three years sits 19.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,787 is about $770 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 28.5% trails the national share by 5.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Kent State University at Kent is a public university based in Kent, OH and earns a B overall grade. It is currently ranked #1004 nationally Completion earns B+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 80.9% retention and 63.7% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -51.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,787 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $30,567.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,780 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $40,179 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 8% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 88.0%.
Plan around an ROI of about -51.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Kent State University at Kent admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Kent, OH 44242-0001
- Website www.kent.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$182.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate17.4%