Political Science and Government at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's political science program starts graduates at just $31,389—about $6,000 below Ohio's median and in the bottom quarter both statewide and nationally. That's a concerning gap in a state where Miami University and Ashland University graduates start $13,000-$15,000 higher. The debt load of $25,000 matches the state median, but when paired with below-average starting salaries, it creates a tighter financial situation in those crucial first years.

The positive story here is trajectory: earnings jump 35% to $42,383 by year four, suggesting graduates gain valuable skills and connections over time. That growth is meaningful, though even at year four, earnings still trail what top Ohio programs deliver right out of the gate. The moderate sample size gives this data reasonable reliability, though it reflects outcomes from 30-100 graduates.

For families, the question is whether the initial earnings gap is worth it. Kent State's low admission standards and modest debt mean access isn't the issue—it's the financial reality of those first few years. If your student has offers from higher-ranked Ohio programs like Miami or Xavier, the earnings difference is substantial. If Kent State is the most affordable option and your child plans to pursue graduate school or work in public service (where salary progression matters more than starting pay), the modest debt and strong growth trajectory make this workable, but expect a lean start.