Music at Kent State University at Stark

Kent State at Stark's music graduates face a troubling combination: earnings that lag significantly behind other Ohio music programs while dealing with substantial debt. With first-year earnings of $24,340, graduates earn roughly $9,000 less annually than the typical Ohio music graduate—placing this program in just the 25th percentile statewide. That gap is particularly stark when you consider that several Ohio University campuses and the University of Akron produce graduates earning above $36,000.

The debt picture offers modest relief. At $28,000, graduates borrow slightly more than state and national medians, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.15 remains manageable compared to many arts programs. The real challenge is that earnings barely grow—increasing only $1,400 over four years. This stagnation means graduates aren't quickly outgrowing their debt burden, and they're not catching up to their peers at other Ohio institutions.

For parents, this program represents a below-average option in a competitive state market. If your child is set on studying music in Ohio and cost is a primary concern, exploring the University of Akron or regional Ohio University campuses could deliver 40-50% higher earnings with similar debt levels. Kent State at Stark might work if your student plans to supplement their degree with private instruction or performance opportunities that aren't captured in these employment data, but the numbers alone don't make a compelling case.