Psychology at Kent State University at Geauga

Kent State Geauga's psychology program produces graduates earning about $3,000 less than the typical Ohio psychology major and $7,000 less than top programs like Kenyon or Muskingum. While the program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide—meaning it outperforms about 30 other Ohio psychology programs—it falls to just the 25th percentile nationally, suggesting limited competitiveness beyond state borders.

The financial picture is manageable but modest. With $25,000 in debt and starting salaries around $28,500, graduates face nearly a full year's earnings in student loans. The 23% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing salaries to nearly $35,000, though this still trails stronger programs significantly. The debt load matches both state and national medians, so the challenge isn't excessive borrowing but rather limited earning potential.

For families considering this program, the key question is career goals. If your child plans to pursue graduate school in psychology—where the undergraduate institution matters less—this could work as an affordable stepping stone. However, for those entering the workforce directly, the earnings gap compared to other Ohio options represents real money over a career. The program delivers predictable but unremarkable outcomes in a field that already faces income challenges.