Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's entrepreneurship program starts graduates at $47,312—slightly above the national median but trailing the state average by a few hundred dollars. That 40th percentile ranking among Ohio schools is notable: you're paying for a flagship name but getting middle-of-the-pack results compared to state alternatives. The University of Dayton, for instance, sees graduates earning $8,500 more right out of the gate.

The $25,000 in debt translates to a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, and that's genuinely reasonable for a business degree. Earnings do grow 15% over four years to $54,490, which is solid but not spectacular—entrepreneurship programs often see variable trajectories depending on whether graduates launch ventures or take corporate jobs. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests this is an established program, though outcomes may vary more than at larger programs.

The fundamental question: if your child is staying in Ohio, why not aim for programs that deliver stronger placement? Kent State's 87% admission rate means access isn't an issue, but that same accessibility exists at schools producing better results. This works as a backup option if higher-performing Ohio programs don't pan out, but the middling state ranking suggests it shouldn't be the first choice for an aspiring entrepreneur willing to compare options.