History at Kent State University at Stark

Kent State Stark's history program sits in an unusual sweet spot: while its initial earnings of $28,476 trail the national median by about $2,700, it outperforms 60% of Ohio history programs—the comparison that matters most for in-state students. More importantly, the program demonstrates unusually strong earnings momentum, with graduates seeing a 34% salary increase by year four, reaching $38,221. That trajectory suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into professional roles rather than remaining stuck in entry-level positions.

The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $27,000, graduates carry just slightly above the state median but enter the bottom 5th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 95% of history programs nationwide leave students with more debt. The nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't ideal at first glance, but it becomes manageable as salaries climb into the high $30,000s by year four.

For Ohio families, this program delivers solid value: below-average debt paired with above-average state earnings and genuine salary growth. The first year will be financially tight, but the earnings trajectory suggests graduates are finding pathways into teaching, public history, or administrative roles. If your student is committed to history and planning to stay in Ohio, this regional campus offers a more affordable entry point than larger state flagships while producing comparable mid-term outcomes.