Economics at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's economics program punches above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $56,731—nearly $5,000 above both the national and Ohio medians for economics degrees. Among Ohio's 42 economics programs, this places graduates around the 60th percentile, trailing selective liberal arts colleges like Oberlin but competing effectively with larger public universities. For a school with an 87% admission rate, that's a solid outcome.

The $25,000 in median debt sits below the national average, creating a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates owe roughly five months of their first year's salary—a comfortable position that allows for financial flexibility early in their careers. The relatively low debt burden compared to peer institutions (29th percentile nationally) is particularly noteworthy given Kent State's accessibility.

The main caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could vary more than usual. Still, for an economics degree from an accessible public university, Kent State delivers competitive earnings without the debt load of pricier alternatives. If your child is considering economics and prefers staying in Ohio, this program offers reasonable value—just recognize you're paying for solid preparation rather than the elite network that drives earnings at the state's top-tier private colleges.