Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's geosciences program sits squarely in the middle of the pack, outperforming 60% of Ohio geology programs with first-year earnings of $40,005. While those numbers trail Ohio State by about $1,150 annually, Kent State graduates carry significantly more debt than the state median ($27,000 vs. $19,500). That debt load still translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67—meaning graduates owe roughly eight months of salary, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold where debt equals a full year's income.

The program shows steady if unspectacular growth, with earnings climbing 8% to $43,344 by year four. This pattern tracks with typical geoscience career trajectories, where early work in field sampling or junior analyst roles gradually transitions into more specialized positions. The moderate sample size suggests a stable program without red flags in the data quality.

For Ohio families, Kent State delivers middle-of-the-road value: better than most in-state alternatives but at a higher debt cost than schools like Ohio State or Akron. If your student is committed to geosciences and Kent State's broader campus environment appeals, the numbers support enrollment. Just budget carefully for that above-average debt load, and encourage summer internships that can accelerate the transition to higher-paying roles.