Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations at Kent State University at Kent
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Kent State's specialized marketing program stands out for its strong earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing a solid 34% income boost from $36,625 in year one to $49,026 by year four. This growth pattern significantly outpaces many business programs where earnings often plateau earlier.
The program performs respectably against national competition, ranking in the 55th percentile for earnings while carrying slightly less debt than the national average. Within Ohio, it matches the state median for first-year earnings and debt levels, though with only six Ohio schools offering this specialized program, the comparison pool is limited. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.68 is reasonable for a business-oriented degree, meaning graduates can expect to earn back their student loan investment relatively quickly.
What makes this program particularly appealing is the earnings momentum—that $49,026 fourth-year median suggests graduates are finding their footing in sales and marketing roles that offer real advancement potential. For parents weighing this investment, the combination of manageable debt, decent starting salaries, and strong income growth creates a solid foundation for career development in marketing and sales fields.
Where Kent State University at Kent Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Kent State University at Kent graduates compare to all programs nationally
Kent State University at Kent graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent State University at Kent | $36,625 | $49,026 | $25,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $35,806 | — | $26,750 | 0.75 |
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 420 graduates with reported earnings and 432 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.