Analysis
Kent State Salem's insurance program lacks sufficient graduate data for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes, so we're working with national benchmarks: around $56,000 in first-year earnings and $22,000 in debt for bachelor's-level insurance programs. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within manageable territory—these graduates would devote roughly 10% of gross income to standard loan payments. That's a reasonable financial commitment if the degree actually delivers on the salary projection.
The challenge is uncertainty about this specific campus. Insurance is a steady, professional field with clear career paths in underwriting, claims, and risk management, but Kent State Salem's small graduate cohort means we can't verify whether their students achieve outcomes similar to larger programs. With only 65 schools nationwide offering insurance degrees and none of Ohio's 12 programs reporting data publicly, you're navigating a landscape with limited visibility. The satellite campus setting may offer smaller classes but could also mean fewer direct industry connections compared to urban programs near insurance hubs.
Given the estimates, this program appears financially viable if your student is committed to insurance careers specifically. However, the absence of actual graduate data means you're placing faith in the field's general prospects rather than this school's proven track record. If your student is certain about insurance, this looks workable. If they're exploring business options more broadly, a program with verified outcomes would reduce the guesswork.
Where Kent State University at Salem 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,272 | $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 Salem, approximately 31% 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.