Analysis
In a field where specialized knowledge commands a premium, Kent State's Insurance program positions graduates for a stable start, with first-year earnings around $56,000—a figure derived from national peers in this relatively niche major. With estimated debt of $22,400, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, meaning roughly five months of pre-tax income to cover the full balance. That's a manageable burden by most standards, though the lack of actual Kent State outcomes means we're working with national averages rather than this program's specific track record.
The real question is trajectory. Insurance careers often reward professional certifications and experience more than the degree itself, and that $56,000 starting point could rise significantly as graduates earn industry credentials. However, with only 65 bachelor's programs nationwide offering this specialization, you're betting on a less-traveled path. Kent State's high admission rate and broad accessibility suggest it's not filtering for elite students, which might mean the program itself—rather than student selectivity—drives outcomes.
For a risk-averse parent, the numbers suggest a reasonable floor: you're not staring at crushing debt for minimal returns. But verify whether Kent State maintains strong industry connections in Ohio's insurance sector, since relationships with employers could matter more here than the estimated figures suggest.
Where Kent State University at Kent Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Insurance bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,846 | $55,819* | — | $22,394* | — | |
| $11,205 | $78,796* | $96,327 | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| $50,110 | $70,752* | $85,642 | $24,125* | 0.34 | |
| $51,340 | $66,523* | $78,262 | $23,016* | 0.35 | |
| $22,082 | $66,080* | $78,623 | $26,000* | 0.39 | |
| $11,180 | $64,131* | $76,315 | $22,394* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819* | — | $22,728* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.