Kent State University at Kent
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,384
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$5,179/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
9.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
102%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at Kent State University is $12,846. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $40,674. Five years after graduation, earnings are $40,179, and after ten years, earnings increase to $45,388. The median debt for students is $24,500, and nearly half of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 60% one year after graduation, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. The five-year earnings are slightly lower than the one-year earnings, and the ten-year earnings are higher.
To calculate the break-even timeline, the tuition cost is divided by the difference between the one-year earnings and the median debt. The break-even point is approximately 0.7 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,846
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$40,179
Graduation Rate
65%
Receive Financial Aid
50%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $51,384 | $62,436 | 968% |
| Psychology, General. | $51,384 | $34,961 | N/A |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | $51,384 | $49,026 | 446% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $51,384 | $50,908 | 519% |
| Design and Applied Arts. | $51,384 | $45,915 | 325% |
| Marketing. | $51,384 | $52,972 | 600% |
| Library Science and Administration. | $51,384 | $43,917 | 247% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $51,384 | $44,278 | 261% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $51,384 | $34,702 | N/A |
| Public Health. | $51,384 | $42,596 | 196% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $51,384 | $41,097 | 137% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $51,384 | $105,388 | 2640% |
Peer Comparison
102%
20yr ROI
-11%
20yr ROI
108%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
212%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.