Analysis
Kent State's Industrial Engineering program trails the pack significantly, with first-year earnings of $56,274 landing in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Ohio's nine programs. That's nearly $14,000 below Ohio's median and over $18,000 behind the national median—a substantial gap that even the program's relatively moderate debt load of $29,000 can't offset. Ohio State's industrial engineering grads, for context, earn $80,876 their first year out.
The program does show solid 23% earnings growth over four years, reaching $69,147, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 is manageable. But starting this far behind means playing catch-up throughout your career. Even after four years, graduates still earn less than the typical first-year salary at most competing programs.
For families weighing this against other Ohio options, the math is straightforward: you're paying similar debt for significantly lower earnings. Unless location in Kent is essential or other industrial engineering programs aren't accessible, this investment faces an uphill battle to match the returns available at Ohio State or even the regional Ohio University campuses, which all report higher starting salaries.
Where Kent State University at Kent Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Kent State University at Kent graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent State University at Kent | $56,274 | $69,147 | +23% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $80,876 | $95,405 | +18% |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $70,199 | $74,580 | +6% |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $70,199 | $74,580 | +6% |
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $70,199 | $74,580 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Industrial Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kent State University at KentKent | $12,846 | $56,274 | $69,147 | $29,000 | 0.52 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $80,876 | $95,405 | $21,875 | 0.27 |
 Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville | $6,178 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe | $6,178 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton | $6,178 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster | $6,178 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $74,709 | — | $24,889 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with industrial engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Validation Engineers
Manufacturing Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Kent State University at Kent, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 48 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.