Music at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's music program produces graduates earning $24,340 in their first year—about $9,000 less than the typical Ohio music graduate and well below even the national median of $26,000. Among the 50 Ohio schools offering music degrees, Kent State ranks in just the 25th percentile for earnings, trailing not only University of Akron but also several regional Ohio University campuses where music graduates earn around $36,000. The modest earnings growth to $25,707 by year four suggests these graduates aren't quickly closing the gap.

The debt picture is more encouraging: at $28,000, it's near both state and national averages and ranks in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of music programs leave students with more debt). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.15 is manageable compared to many arts programs. Still, taking on $28,000 in debt to earn less than $25,000 annually means several years of tight budgets after graduation.

For families considering Kent State's music program specifically, the comparison to other Ohio options is hard to ignore. If your child can gain admission to Akron or one of Ohio University's campuses, they're looking at 40-50% higher starting salaries with similar debt loads. Unless Kent State offers a specific faculty mentor, ensemble opportunity, or location advantage that other programs can't match, the financial case for choosing it over stronger-earning Ohio alternatives is weak.