Analysis
At just under $28,500 in first-year earnings, Kent State Stark's psychology program produces graduates who earn about $3,000 less than the typical psychology major nationally and $2,200 below Ohio's state median. Among Ohio's 74 psychology programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile—essentially middle-of-the-pack within the state but lagging behind national standards.
The financial picture isn't dire, with manageable debt of $25,000 creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88. Graduates see solid 23% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $35,000, though this still trails the national median. The program serves a significant population of Pell Grant recipients (29%), suggesting it provides access to lower-income students who might otherwise struggle to afford college.
For parents weighing this investment, Kent State Stark offers an affordable path to a psychology degree without crushing debt, but earnings expectations should be modest. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes. If your child is considering graduate school in psychology or related fields, the manageable debt load preserves that option. However, families expecting strong immediate earning potential might want to examine higher-performing Ohio programs like those at Kenyon or John Carroll, which produce graduates earning $10,000+ more annually.
Where Kent State University at Stark Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Kent State University at Stark graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent State University at Stark | $28,474 | $34,961 | +23% |
| University of Dayton | $32,953 | $50,757 | +54% |
| Miami University-Middletown | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,272 | $28,474 | $34,961 | $25,000 | 0.88 | |
| $69,330 | $39,203 | $42,073 | $19,000 | 0.48 | |
| $31,440 | $37,636 | $34,807 | $27,625 | 0.73 | |
| $49,100 | $36,602 | $43,225 | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Stark, approximately 29% 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 369 graduates with reported earnings and 539 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.