Kent State University at Stark
Out-of-state tuition
$17,969
In-state $8,211
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
3,526
Student-faculty ratio 24:1
Peer median 18 : 1
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Kent State University at Stark, located in North Canton, Ohio, is a vibrant regional campus of the Kent State University system. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to student success, the university serves over 5,000 students and offers a range of undergraduate degree programs in various fields, including business, education, and health sciences. The campus prides itself on providing a personalized educational experience, with small class sizes that foster meaningful interactions between students and faculty. This close-knit community contributes to a supportive learning environment, where students can thrive academically and socially.
In addition to its strong academic offerings, Kent State University at Stark boasts impressive facilities and a rich array of extracurricular activities. The campus features modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and a state-of-the-art library, all designed to enhance the learning experience. Students can engage in numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, promoting a well-rounded college experience. The university's commitment to community service and civic engagement is evident through various outreach initiatives, encouraging students to connect with and contribute to the local community. With its strong emphasis on student development and success, Kent State University at Stark is an excellent choice for those seeking a quality education in a supportive environment.
Analysis of Key Trends at Kent State University at Stark
Kent State University at Stark has seen notable changes in several key metrics over the past decade, particularly in tuition, student retention rates, and graduation rates.
Firstly, the rising cost of tuition is a significant concern. In-state undergraduate tuition increased from $5,554 in 2014 to $7,428 in 2024, representing a staggering 33.6% rise. Out-of-state tuition also saw a substantial increase, from $13,514 to $16,541 during the same period. This trend aligns with national patterns where college tuition continues to escalate, raising concerns about accessibility for prospective students.
In terms of student retention, the data reveals a worrying decline. The retention rate for undergraduate students peaked at 66.2% in 2018 but fell to 48.1% by 2023. This steep decline in retention suggests that the university may be facing challenges in providing the necessary support for students to continue their education, which could be linked to rising tuition costs or other institutional factors.
Graduation rates have also been concerning. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates dropped dramatically from 7.1% in 2013 to only 0.19% in 2023, indicating a significant decrease in the number of students completing their degrees within the expected timeframe. This trend raises questions about the effectiveness of academic programs and student support services.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio, which saw fluctuations over the years, indicates a potential impact on the quality of education. The ratio stood at 20 students per faculty member in 2013, improved to 19 in 2023, suggesting a modest improvement in faculty availability. However, as the student population has decreased, this might not translate into enhanced educational experiences for remaining students.
Overall, these trends highlight an urgent need for Kent State University at Stark to address rising tuition costs, improve student retention and graduation rates, and ensure adequate support for its students to foster a more conducive learning environment.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Akron, about 15 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), about 45 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. James C. Hannon (Interim Dean & Chief Administrative Officer)
- Phone
- 3304999600
- City
- North Canton, Ohio
- Address
- 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720-7599
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Kent State University at Stark
The graduation data from Kent State University at Stark reveals significant insights into the academic landscape of the institution. Notably, the highest number of graduates is observed in the field of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with 400 graduates in associate degrees. This reflects a growing trend in higher education, where liberal arts disciplines are gaining popularity among students seeking versatile skills applicable in various career paths.
In contrast, specialized fields such as Criminal Justice and Computer Support show a limited number of graduates, indicating perhaps a narrower interest or fewer programs available at the associate degree level. The lack of international students graduating in these fields can also highlight potential barriers to entry or a lack of awareness about these programs among international applicants.
Moreover, the absence of graduates in master’s and doctorate programs across most disciplines suggests that the university may focus more on undergraduate education. This could be seen as a strategic decision to cater to a demographic that prioritizes immediate employment over advanced degrees. Universities across the United States are increasingly emphasizing practical skills in response to job market demands, and the data here may reflect that trend.
Overall, the graduation data points to a diverse yet focused educational environment at Kent State University at Stark, with a noteworthy emphasis on liberal arts. As the landscape of higher education evolves, it will be interesting to observe how these trends shift in response to societal and economic changes, particularly with an increasing demand for specialized skills in the workforce.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | $41,006-$42,637 | ||
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $41,006-$42,637 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Arts. | - | ||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | $29,021 | ||
| Music Technology. | $34,179 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Support Specialist. | $44,207-$50,402 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $38,743 | ||
| Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | $34,569 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology, General. | $36,312 |
Students
3,569 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 54.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,153
- First-year undergraduates 259
- Graduate students 43
- Transfers and others 1,114
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,526)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Kent State University at Stark for 2023
In 2023, Kent State University at Stark showcases a diverse student body across various classifications. The data indicates that there are 374 new undergraduate students, with a notable gender distribution of 40.6% male and 59.4% female. This trend of a higher female enrollment is consistent with national statistics in higher education, where women have increasingly outnumbered men in many universities.
The returning undergraduate population is significantly larger, with 2,067 students, again reflecting a similar gender imbalance at 37.3% male and 62.7% female. This consistent pattern suggests that the university may be appealing more to female students, which could be attributed to various factors including academic programs, campus culture, and support services tailored to women.
The transfer student demographic is smaller, with only 161 individuals, maintaining a comparable gender ratio of 39.1% male and 60.9% female. Interestingly, the graduate student category has only three enrolled students, all of whom are female, indicating a potential area for growth in attracting graduate-level students.
Additionally, the data reveals that the majority of students across classifications identify as White, with 301 new undergraduates and a total of 1,654 returning undergraduates belonging to this demographic. This raises questions about the university's outreach and recruitment strategies for minority groups, especially in light of ongoing discussions about diversity and inclusion within higher education.
Overall, while Kent State University at Stark reflects broader trends in gender enrollment, there is still room for improvement in diversifying its student population and enhancing support for underrepresented groups.
Age Composition of Students at Kent State University at Stark in 2023
The age distribution of students at Kent State University at Stark reflects a predominantly young demographic, with the majority of students falling under the age of 24. Notably, the largest group is composed of students under 18 years old, with a total of 751 students, where males account for 253 and females for 498. This suggests that the university attracts a significant number of students who are likely still in high school or taking dual-enrollment courses.
As we examine the 18-19 age bracket, we see a total of 696 students, again skewed towards females, further emphasizing the trend of higher female enrollment in undergraduate programs. The 20-21 age group continues this trend, with 796 students overall, representing the peak of undergraduate enrollment.
In contrast, the representation of older students (ages 25 and above) is markedly lower, with only 115 students aged 25-29 and even fewer in the subsequent age ranges. The number of graduate students is negligible, as indicated by the absence of graduate males and low representation of graduate females across all age categories.
This age composition could be indicative of broader trends in higher education, where younger students are increasingly pursuing higher education immediately after high school. The lack of older students may reflect barriers to education such as financial challenges, family responsibilities, or a shift in societal norms regarding age and education.
Ultimately, the data suggests that while Kent State University at Stark caters well to younger demographics, there may be opportunities to better support non-traditional students seeking to further their education later in life.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
17 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016
2 in 2025 · 5.7% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Kent State University at Stark
The data regarding international student enrollment at Kent State University at Stark reveals intriguing shifts over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students fluctuated, with a notable peak in 2017 at nearly 5,000 students. Interestingly, the number of international undergraduates has also varied significantly, with a marked increase in 2008 where the percentage rose to 0.71%.
The most striking trend is the substantial growth in the proportion of international undergraduates, especially in recent years. For instance, in 2022, the percentage reached 0.82%, indicating a growing acceptance and integration of international students within the university community. This aligns with broader trends in higher education, where institutions increasingly recognize the value of diverse student bodies.
However, the data for graduate students tells a different story. The number of graduate students remains relatively low, with significant gaps in reporting. The percentage of international graduate students peaked at 16.67% in 2022, but the overall numbers have been inconsistent, with many years showing no recorded international graduate students at all. This inconsistency raises questions about the university's efforts to attract and retain graduate students from abroad.
Overall, the increase in the international undergraduate population suggests that Kent State University at Stark is successfully appealing to this demographic, likely due to a combination of academic offerings and support services. However, there remains an opportunity to enhance the graduate program's appeal to international students, potentially enriching the academic environment further.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$29,779
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $17,969
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $8,211
- Room and board
- $11,810
- Graduate tuition
- $24,361
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 30% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 50%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$26.5M
Expenses$28.6M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
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Kent State University at KentKent · 19.8 mi
U.S. News #236
-
College of WoosterWooster · 26.3 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland · 45.0 mi
U.S. News #44
-
Oberlin CollegeOberlin · 50.0 mi
Liberal Arts #59
-
Kenyon CollegeGambier · 60.9 mi
Liberal Arts #41
-
Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township · 68.6 mi
U.S. News #219
-
Washington and Jefferson CollegeWashington · 79.2 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Denison UniversityGranville · 79.3 mi
Liberal Arts #31
-
Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh · 81.4 mi
U.S. News #156
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Kent State University at Stark:
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Case Western Reserve University - Ranked 53rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Case Western Reserve University is a prestigious research university located in Cleveland, Ohio. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, law, medicine, and business.
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Carnegie Mellon University - With a ranking of 24th, Carnegie Mellon University is renowned for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it offers a unique blend of academic rigor and creative exploration.
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The College of Wooster - This liberal arts college is ranked 75th and is known for its emphasis on independent research and a close-knit community. It provides a personalized education experience that prepares students for various careers.
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Oberlin College - Oberlin College, ranked 51st, is celebrated for its commitment to academic excellence and social justice. It offers a liberal arts education with a strong focus on the arts and music.
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Kenyon College - Ranking 39th, Kenyon College is known for its picturesque campus and strong liberal arts curriculum. It emphasizes writing and critical thinking skills across disciplines.
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Ohio State University-Main Campus - Ranked 43rd, Ohio State University is one of the largest universities in the United States, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, renowned research opportunities, and vibrant campus life.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic landscape surrounding Kent State University at Stark.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Kent State University at Stark
The crime statistics at Kent State University at Stark from 2013 to 2023 reveal a notable decline in reported offenses over the years. In 2013, the average crime rate was 1.44 per 1,000 students, which increased to a peak of 2.66 in 2014. However, this spike was not sustained, and subsequent years saw a significant drop in crime rates, culminating in several years with zero reported offenses.
This downward trend may reflect effective crime prevention strategies and enhanced campus safety measures. For instance, years like 2016, 2021, and 2023 recorded no criminal incidents, indicating a potentially safer campus environment. Furthermore, the types of crimes reported predominantly involve firearm-related arrests, which, while serious, remained relatively low in number compared to national statistics on campus safety.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on addressing issues such as domestic violence and substance abuse on college campuses. The statistics suggest that Kent State University at Stark might be benefiting from these broader initiatives, contributing to a safer educational environment.
It is important to note that while the data shows a positive trend, the university must remain vigilant and proactive in its approach to campus safety to ensure that these improvements are sustained. The overall low crime rates should encourage prospective students and their families, but continuous efforts in crime prevention are essential to maintain this status.
For more information on crime rate calculations, you can visit: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Kent State University at Stark include Brannon Braga (Television producer and screenwriter, Star Trek franchise), Darrell Issa (U.S. representative from California, businessman) and Ronnie Harris (1968 Olympic lightweight boxing gold medalist).
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Brannon Braga 1965–
Television producer and screenwriter, Star Trek franchise
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Darrell Issa 1953–
U.S. representative from California, businessman
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Ronnie Harris 1948–
1968 Olympic lightweight boxing gold medalist
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.