Architecture at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's architecture program starts graduates at just $34,723—landing in the bottom 5th percentile nationally—but the picture brightens considerably over time. By year four, earnings jump 60% to $55,436, surpassing both the national median ($47,046) and Ohio's median ($35,370). While that first-year number falls short of University of Cincinnati grads who start at $44,598, Kent State graduates eventually catch up and potentially overtake their peers from pricier programs.

The $26,000 debt load is reasonable and matches Ohio's state median, creating a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that challenging first year. This matters because architecture often requires additional credentials or experience before hitting higher salary brackets—the strong growth trajectory here suggests graduates are successfully navigating that professional development path.

For parents, the key question is whether their student can weather those early career years at below-average pay. If they can manage that initial period (perhaps with some financial support or by minimizing living expenses), this program appears to deliver solid mid-career outcomes at a reasonable debt cost. The moderate sample size gives reasonable confidence in these numbers, and Kent State's accessibility (87% admission rate) means it's attainable for most serious applicants.