Fine and Studio Arts at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's Fine Arts program generates some of the lowest graduate earnings in Ohio—ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide and bottom 15% nationally. At $19,138 in year one, graduates earn roughly $5,800 less than the typical Ohio arts graduate and nearly $6,000 below the national median. For comparison, students at Bowling Green earn 63% more right out of college with the same degree.

The debt picture compounds the challenge. With $28,501 in loans—above both state and national medians—graduates face debt equal to 1.5 years of first-year income. While 55% earnings growth by year four is encouraging (reaching $29,592), that's still barely matching what some Ohio programs deliver in year one. The math means years of financial strain: these debt payments will consume a significant portion of take-home pay during the early career years when most young adults are trying to establish independence.

If your child is passionate about studio art, they could pursue this same degree at several other Ohio schools and start their career with better financial footing. The difference between Kent State and the top performers in Ohio could mean $10,000+ more in annual income from day one—enough to cover those loan payments with room to breathe.