Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,474
25th percentile (40th in OH)
Median Debt
$25,000
2% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.88
Manageable
Sample Size
369
Adequate data

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

Kent State University at StarkOther psychology programs

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 Stark graduates compare to all programs nationally

Kent State University at Stark graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all psychology 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

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Kent State University at Stark$28,474$34,961$25,0000.88
Kenyon College$39,203$42,073$19,0000.48
Muskingum University$37,636$34,807$27,6250.73
John Carroll University$36,602$43,225$27,0000.74
Miami University-Hamilton$36,190$46,978$24,0940.67
Miami University-Middletown$36,190$46,978$24,0940.67
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Kenyon College
Gambier
$69,330$39,203$19,000
Muskingum University
New Concord
$31,440$37,636$27,625
John Carroll University
University Heights
$49,100$36,602$27,000
Miami University-Hamilton
Hamilton
$7,278$36,190$24,094
Miami University-Middletown
Middletown
$7,278$36,190$24,094

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.