Engineering Technology at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's Engineering Technology program lags significantly behind alternatives within Ohio and across the nation. Starting at $45,477, graduates earn roughly $24,000 less than the state median for this program—placing it in the bottom 10% both statewide and nationally. That earnings gap is substantial: Miami University's three campuses all report median earnings of $69,483, meaning their graduates earn 53% more right out of college. Even four years into their careers, Kent State graduates at $51,742 still trail the typical first-year salary at competing Ohio programs.

The $27,000 debt load is close to national norms, which makes the low earnings particularly problematic. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, graduates face manageable but not comfortable repayment relative to their income. Engineering technology typically offers solid middle-class earnings, but this program delivers bottom-tier outcomes in a field where most graduates do considerably better. The 14% earnings growth suggests some career progression, but graduates are essentially playing catch-up from a weak starting position.

For Ohio families, this program represents poor value when higher-earning alternatives exist in-state at similar or lower cost. If your child is set on Kent State specifically, they should understand they're likely accepting a $24,000+ annual earnings penalty compared to other Ohio engineering technology programs—a difference that compounds to hundreds of thousands over a career.