Human Resources Management and Services at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's HR program lands squarely in the middle of Ohio's offerings—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—which tells you something important: while it trails the national median by about $2,400 annually, it actually outperforms most Ohio alternatives. With nearly $23,000 in debt and first-year earnings just under $48,000, your child would face manageable monthly loan payments that shouldn't overwhelm an entry-level HR salary. The 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably in the acceptable range for a professional degree.

The gap between Kent State and Ohio's top programs is worth noting—Walsh University graduates earn nearly $33,000 more in their first year, and even Ohio State grads start $11,000 higher. However, those comparisons need context: Kent State's 87% admission rate and moderate selectivity suggest it serves a broader student population, and the tuition difference may make up some of that earnings gap over time.

For a student interested in HR who plans to stay in Ohio, this program offers reliable job placement at a reasonable price. The debt load won't be crushing, and the earnings put graduates ahead of most peers at similar Ohio schools. It's a solid middle-of-the-road choice—not elite outcomes, but far from risky.