Kent State University, located in Kent, Ohio, is a prominent public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence and a rich history. Established in 1910, the university has evolved into a comprehensive institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. One of its notable features is the vibrant campus culture, which fosters inclusivity and diversity among its student body. With over 300 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and athletic teams, students have ample opportunities for involvement and personal growth. The university’s motto, "The Truth Will Make You Free," reflects its dedication to academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge.

Kent State University boasts a strong emphasis on research and innovation, with state-of-the-art facilities that support various fields of study, including the sciences, arts, and humanities. The university is home to several research institutes and centers that facilitate groundbreaking work in areas such as aviation, public health, and fashion design. The faculty comprises accomplished scholars and professionals who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. Additionally, Kent State has a strong focus on student success, offering comprehensive career services that assist students in securing internships and job placements after graduation. With a commitment to athletic excellence, Kent State’s Golden Flashes compete in the Mid-American Conference, providing students with exciting opportunities to engage in sports and promote team spirit. Overall, Kent State University is a dynamic institution that prepares students for a successful future, both academically and personally.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Kent State University

Kent State University has shown notable trends in tuition costs and graduation rates over recent years. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased from $9,816 in 2014 to $11,373 in 2023, representing a rise of approximately 15.9%. For out-of-state students, the tuition skyrocketed from $17,776 to $20,287, marking a significant increase of 14.2%. This escalation in tuition is a common trend observed across many public universities, reflecting the increasing financial pressures faced by institutions and the higher demand for quality education.

Another critical metric is the graduation rate. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students has significantly improved, climbing from about 25.3% in 2013 to 47.7% in 2023. This increase of nearly 88% indicates that more students are successfully completing their degrees within the expected timeframe, which can be attributed to enhanced academic support services and retention strategies implemented by the university.

Retention rates have also been relatively stable, fluctuating around 77% to 82% over the years. However, the most recent data shows a slight decline to 77.7% in 2023. This drop might suggest challenges in maintaining student engagement or satisfaction, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected student experiences nationwide.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio, which is an important indicator of the quality of education, has remained steady at 19:1 in the last two years. This ratio suggests that students continue to have reasonable access to faculty for support and mentorship, which is crucial for academic success.

Overall, Kent State University exhibits a trend of rising tuition and improving graduation rates, yet it faces challenges in retention during transitional periods. These metrics are vital for prospective students and stakeholders in assessing the university's commitment to educational quality and student success.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Kent State University

The graduation data from Kent State University reveals noteworthy trends in various academic disciplines for the year 2023. Among the undergraduate programs, Psychology stands out with 337 graduates, indicating a strong interest in mental health and well-being, which aligns with the increasing societal focus on psychological issues. This trend mirrors national data where psychology programs often attract a significant number of students, reflecting heightened awareness of mental health.

In the realm of business education, Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Management produced robust graduation numbers, with 232 and 154 graduates, respectively. This suggests a thriving interest in the fashion and marketing industries, potentially fueled by the growth of e-commerce and social media, which have transformed traditional marketing and retail paradigms.

Interestingly, many programs, particularly in the biological sciences, reported no graduates at the undergraduate level, such as Cell Biology and Anatomy. This could indicate a need for enhanced recruitment strategies or adjustments in curriculum to attract more students into these fields, which are critical for advancements in healthcare and research.

Furthermore, the absence of graduates in certain master’s and doctorate programs raises questions about the appeal and accessibility of advanced degrees in those areas. For instance, while the Library and Information Science program has a significant number of master’s graduates (146), the lack of bachelor’s graduates may suggest a disconnect in the pipeline for aspiring professionals in this field.

Overall, Kent State University’s graduation data provides a glimpse into the evolving academic landscape, highlighting areas of strength and those that may require strategic attention to meet future workforce demands.

Analysis of Kent State University's Admission Data

Kent State University has shown a fluctuating trend in its rankings over the years, culminating in a ranking of 231 in 2025. This decline in ranking is concerning and prompts a closer examination of the admission rates and enrollment figures. The male admission rate was approximately 85.6% in 2023, while the female admission rate was about 89.5%. These rates indicate a competitive admission process, although they remain relatively high, suggesting that the university is accessible to a broad range of applicants. The enrollment numbers have also varied, with 4,281 students enrolled in 2023. However, the number of applicants being denied admission has been significant, with 2,440 applicants rejected that same year. This indicates that while the university may have a relatively high admission rate, the sheer volume of applications continues to increase, leading to a larger number of denials. Furthermore, the number of students deferring their admission has also been noteworthy, with over 13,600 applicants deferring in 2023. This trend could reflect broader societal shifts, such as the impact of the pandemic on college choices or students opting to take gap years. Overall, while Kent State University remains a popular choice for many students, the recent decline in rankings alongside the high number of denials and deferrals raises questions about its reputation and the factors influencing student decisions. Continuous efforts will be necessary to improve its standing and attract prospective students in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Kent State University

The admission data from Kent State University reveals interesting trends in student performance on standardized tests, specifically the SAT and ACT, from 2007 to 2023. Over the years, the number of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, with notable peaks and dips. For instance, in 2009, 37% of admitted students submitted SAT scores, which is significantly higher compared to just 5% in 2007, indicating a changing landscape in admissions practices or student preferences.

The scores themselves exhibit a somewhat stable range, particularly in the SAT reading and math sections, where the 25th percentile scores have generally remained between 440 and 530, while the 75th percentile scores have shown a mild upward trend, peaking at 620 in 2018 and 2019. This could suggest that while the overall quality of incoming students has improved, there remains a consistent level of diversity in student capabilities.

Moreover, the percentage of students submitting ACT scores has also varied, reflecting broader trends in college admissions that emphasize multiple pathways to demonstrating academic readiness. The data for 2023 indicates a slight increase in the number of students submitting scores, which may correlate with a growing confidence in standardized testing amidst evolving educational policies and practices.

These trends are reflective of nationwide shifts in college admissions, where institutions are increasingly considering a holistic review process that evaluates students beyond test scores alone. As colleges adjust to these changes, it will be important to monitor how these metrics evolve in response to both societal and educational developments.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Kent State University

The student demographic data for Kent State University in 2023 reveals notable trends in gender distribution and enrollment across different categories of students. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 4,281 students, with a significant majority of 63.7% being female, indicating a strong presence of women in the incoming class. This trend continues among undergraduate seniors, where 62.2% are also female, reflecting a consistent pattern of female enrollment across different undergraduate levels.

Interestingly, while the proportion of male students is slightly higher among transfer students at 44.4%, the overall representation of females remains dominant. Graduate students also show a similar trend, with 66.4% being female. This dominance of female students in higher education is becoming increasingly apparent across many universities in the United States, raising discussions about gender equity in academic fields traditionally dominated by males.

The data also highlights the ethnic diversity within the student body, particularly among white students, who make up a large portion of the total enrollment. However, to fully understand the diversity dynamics, it would be beneficial to have complete data on the racial and ethnic breakdown for all student categories.

This demographic information provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of higher education, emphasizing the importance of supporting female students and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure a balanced representation across all student groups. As discussions around equity in education continue to evolve, universities like Kent State play a crucial role in shaping the future of their student bodies.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Kent State University

The age distribution of students at Kent State University reveals a predominantly younger demographic, with the majority of students falling within the traditional college age range of 18 to 24. Notably, the largest group is comprised of undergraduate females aged 18-19, totaling 4,956, which underscores the university's appeal to younger students, particularly female undergraduates.

As students progress into their early twenties, the number of undergraduates remains robust, with 2,660 males and 4,465 females aged 20-21. This trend reflects the university's commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of young adults during this crucial phase of their lives. Interestingly, the graduate population begins to emerge significantly within the age brackets of 22-24, indicating a transition where students either continue their education or enter the workforce.

It is also noteworthy that while the number of students decreases as age increases, there remains a presence of older students in their prime working years, specifically those aged 25-29, where both male and female graduate students are well represented. This demographic shift may suggest that the university is increasingly becoming a destination for working professionals seeking further education.

The data points towards a healthy balance of traditional and non-traditional students, which is vital for fostering a diverse learning environment. Given current trends in higher education, where lifelong learning is becoming more prevalent, Kent State University appears well-positioned to adapt to the evolving needs of its student body. Overall, the age composition reflects a vibrant student community, with opportunities for mentorship and peer learning across different age groups.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at Kent State University

The data on international student enrollment at Kent State University reveals significant trends over the years, highlighting both growth and decline in the presence of international students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

From 2004 to 2012, there was a remarkable increase in the number of international undergraduates, with the percentage rising from 0.92% to 4.69%. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including the university's efforts to enhance its global appeal and the increasing demand for higher education in the United States among international students. Notably, 2012 marked a peak in undergraduate enrollment, reaching 1,045 international students.

However, the following years saw fluctuations, particularly a decline in international undergraduate numbers, which dropped to 642 by 2023. This trend could be reflective of broader changes in immigration policies, the global pandemic's impact on international travel, and an increasingly competitive global education market.

Conversely, the graduate student population experienced a contrasting trend, with the percentage of international students rising notably to 18.18% in 2023. This suggests that Kent State University may be becoming a more desirable destination for graduate students, possibly due to specific programs or research opportunities that attract international talent.

Overall, while the university has witnessed a decline in international undergraduate enrollment in recent years, graduate programs have seen a positive trend. This dichotomy presents an opportunity for the university to reassess its strategies for attracting undergraduate international students while capitalizing on its strengths in graduate education.

Here are some notable universities surrounding Kent State University:

1. Case Western Reserve University - Ranked 51st in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.

2. Carnegie Mellon University - With a rank of 21st, Carnegie Mellon is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and arts programs, making it a leader in innovation and creativity.

3. Oberlin College - This liberal arts college, ranked 55th, is celebrated for its commitment to social justice and a progressive education.

4. Kenyon College - Ranked 45th, Kenyon is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and beautiful campus.

5. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - This comprehensive university ranks 70th and is known for its research initiatives and wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

6. Ohio State University-Main Campus - With a rank of 41st, Ohio State is one of the largest universities in the U.S. and offers a diverse array of programs and research opportunities.

These institutions provide a variety of educational experiences and are highly regarded in their respective fields.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Kent State University

The crime statistics at Kent State University reveal a notable decline in the average crime rate per 1,000 students over the years from 2013 to 2023. The highest recorded average was 20.33 in 2014, while 2021 saw a drastic drop to just 4.21, indicating a significant improvement in campus safety and security measures.

Among the various types of offenses, arrests related to firearms and drug-related incidents have shown fluctuations. In 2013, there were four incidents involving firearms on campus, but this number varied over the years, demonstrating the challenges in maintaining safety in educational environments. Interestingly, the data indicates a concerning trend in incidents of domestic violence and dating crimes, which have also been focal points in university safety discussions nationwide.

The decline in crime rates can be attributed to various factors, including increased campus security, community outreach programs, and a growing awareness of personal safety among students. However, the data also suggests that ongoing vigilance is necessary, as crime rates can fluctuate based on numerous external influences.

This analysis reflects broader trends in university environments across the United States, where campuses are increasingly prioritizing safety and well-being. Continuous efforts to foster a secure atmosphere are vital, especially in the light of rising concerns about safety in educational institutions.

For more details on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.