Sociology at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's sociology program produces graduates earning substantially less than their peers across Ohio—landing in just the 25th percentile statewide. At $29,183 in the first year, graduates make roughly $7,300 less than the state median and trail in-state alternatives like Miami University ($43,150) and UC ($42,507) by significant margins. They're also earning $5,000 below the national median for sociology programs.

The $25,000 debt load is standard for the field, but it hits harder when paired with below-average earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, and those modest initial earnings make the first few years of repayment genuinely challenging. While earnings do grow 14% by year four to $33,392, that trajectory still leaves graduates earning less than most sociology majors made right out of college at stronger programs.

For Ohio families, this is a straightforward comparison problem. Other state universities are delivering markedly better outcomes in the same field for similar tuition costs. Unless your student has compelling reasons to attend Kent State specifically—location, specific faculty, or family circumstances—the data suggests looking at other Ohio sociology programs that position graduates for stronger earning potential from day one.