Agricultural Business and Management at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's agricultural business program sits in an unusual position—one of only six schools offering this degree in Ohio, yet relying on estimated outcomes because too few graduates report their earnings. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, first-year earnings around $48,000 slightly edge out the Ohio state median of $46,261, though they fall short of what Ohio State graduates typically earn.

The estimated $20,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, which suggests graduates could theoretically pay off loans within a year of aggressive repayment. However, this relatively low debt figure doesn't tell you whether Kent State specifically keeps costs down or simply reflects national patterns for ag business students. Given that other Ohio schools in this field report median debt above $22,000, the lower estimate could be meaningful—or it could just be statistical noise from a small graduating class.

The real challenge here is that you're making a decision with limited visibility. While the national benchmarks suggest agricultural business degrees generally produce viable outcomes, you don't know how Kent State's program specifically performs. If your student is committed to this field and Kent State offers particular advantages—location, internship networks, faculty expertise—the estimated numbers don't raise red flags. But if proximity to actual agricultural centers or track record matters, Ohio State's documented $50,565 outcomes provide more certainty, even if they come at a potentially higher cost.