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Public, 4-year

Kent State University at Salem

Salem, Ohio · www.kent.edu/columbiana

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Out-of-state tuition

$17,969

In-state $8,211

Peer median $11,384

Undergraduates

1,633

Student-faculty ratio 26:1

Peer median 19 : 1

Graduation rate

1.7%

4-year; 6-year rate 2.6%

Peer median 4.8%

“Peers” are all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Kent State University at Salem, located in Salem, Ohio, is a branch campus of Kent State University, known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and welcoming environment. The university is recognized for its strong academic programs, particularly in fields such as nursing, business, and education. With a focus on experiential learning, students are encouraged to engage in internships and practical experiences that prepare them for their future careers. The campus boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, which enhance the educational experience and foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation.

A notable aspect of Kent State University at Salem is its vibrant campus culture, which promotes inclusivity and community involvement. Students have numerous opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports, which contribute to a well-rounded college experience. The university emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle, encouraging students to engage in physical fitness and wellness activities. Additionally, the campus is situated in a picturesque area, providing a serene setting for academic pursuits while still being close to larger urban centers. This combination of quality education, supportive community, and beautiful surroundings makes Kent State University at Salem an excellent choice for students seeking a fulfilling college experience.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Kent State University at Salem

Kent State University at Salem has witnessed significant changes in several metrics over the past decade, particularly in tuition fees, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.

Firstly, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has risen from $5,554 in 2014 to $7,428 in 2024, representing a staggering increase of approximately 33.6%. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition also saw a notable rise, from $13,514 to $16,541, which is an increase of about 22.4%. This trend highlights the growing financial burden on students, which may impact enrollment decisions and accessibility to higher education.

Moreover, student enrollment numbers have decreased significantly, from 1,878 undergraduates in 2013 to just 1,315 in 2023, which marks a decline of approximately 30%. This drop in enrollment raises concerns about the university's appeal and competitiveness in attracting new students, particularly in a climate where many institutions are fighting for enrollment stability.

The graduation rates also present a worrying trend. The on-time graduation rate has fallen drastically, with no recorded graduates from 2023, and the rate for 150% graduation time is alarmingly low. In 2013, the on-time graduation rate was 8.2%, which has since declined to 0% in 2023. This decline may indicate issues with student support systems or academic challenges that hinder timely graduation.

Retention rates have also fluctuated, decreasing from 61.7% in 2013 to approximately 48.4% in 2023. This decline suggests that a growing number of students are not persisting in their studies, which could be attributed to factors like rising tuition costs, decreased engagement, or inadequate support services.

Overall, these shifts in tuition, enrollment, graduation, and retention rates reflect significant challenges facing Kent State University at Salem, necessitating strategic interventions to improve student experience, outcomes, and institutional stability.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Akron, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), about 40 mi
Salem, Ohio
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Bradley A. Bielski (Dean and Chief Administrative Officer)
Phone
3303320361
City
Salem, Ohio
Address
2491 State Route 45 South, Salem, OH 44460

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1100 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's550 international (0.0%)
Top 9 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
28
Social Work
11
Insurance
6
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General
3
Computer Support Specialist
2
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other
2
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
1
General Studies
1
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Kent State University at Salem

The graduation data from Kent State University at Salem for 2023 reveals a pronounced emphasis on practical and applied fields, particularly in medical and health-related disciplines. The program in Medical Radiologic Technology/Science, which produced 25 bachelor's degree graduates, stands out as the most successful, indicating a strong demand for professionals in this area. This aligns with national trends where healthcare professions are experiencing growth due to an aging population and increasing healthcare needs.

Interestingly, many other programs, including those in business, education, and psychology, reported no graduates at the bachelor's or master's level. This raises questions about the viability and attractiveness of these programs to prospective students. The lack of graduates in these fields may reflect a broader trend in higher education where students are increasingly opting for degrees that promise better job prospects, particularly in STEM and healthcare-related fields.

The data also highlights a complete absence of international students graduating in any category, which could suggest the need for improved recruitment strategies to attract a diverse student body. As universities worldwide compete for international talent, Kent State might benefit from initiatives that promote its programs to global audiences.

Overall, the findings suggest that Kent State University at Salem is well-positioned in the healthcare sector but may need to reevaluate its approach to other traditional academic disciplines to bolster graduation rates and attract a broader range of students.

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

Liberal arts has 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
General Studies.$41,006-$42,637
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.$41,006-$42,637
Health professionshas 49 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.$58,951-$67,842
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$74,293
Public administrationhas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Human Services, General.-
Social Work.-
Educationhas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching.$35,879
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$35,879
Businesshas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business/Commerce, General.$41,080
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.$41,744
Insurance.-
Agricultural has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Computer Support Specialist.$44,207-$50,402
Homeland security has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$38,743

Students

1,633 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 32:68 · Freshman retention 47.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,633)

White
1,314 · 80.5%
Black
111 · 6.8%
Two or more races
74 · 4.5%
Hispanic
60 · 3.7%
Unknown
51 · 3.1%
Asian
14 · 0.9%
International
6 · 0.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
25.4%
18–19
23.6%
20–21
18.7%
22–24
11.9%
25 and over
20.4%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Kent State University at Salem (2023)

The student composition at Kent State University at Salem for 2023 reflects a diverse population with varying demographics among undergraduate freshmen, upperclassmen, transfer students, and graduate students. Notably, the total number of undergraduate freshmen is 96, with a significantly higher percentage of females (82.3%) compared to males (17.7%). This trend continues among upperclassmen, where there are 842 students, with 73.8% being female and 26.2% male.

The demographic breakdown within these categories shows a strong representation of White students, particularly among upperclassmen, where 688 out of 842 students identify as White. The data suggests that the institution may be attracting a predominantly White student body, raising questions about inclusivity and representation for underrepresented groups.

In contrast, the transfer student population, numbering 70, also exhibits a higher ratio of females (84.3%) compared to males (15.7%). This consistent trend across different student classifications may indicate broader societal patterns regarding gender enrollment in higher education, where females increasingly outnumber males.

The graduate student population, though the numbers are not explicitly mentioned, indicates a need for further exploration into the diversity and gender distribution within this group. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for the university to address potential disparities and enhance recruitment strategies aimed at creating a more balanced and inclusive environment for all students.

Overall, these demographics highlight the ongoing conversation about gender representation in higher education and the necessity for institutions to foster diversity across all student classifications.

Demographic Insights on Student Age Composition at Kent State University at Salem

The age distribution of students at Kent State University at Salem reveals a predominance of younger individuals, particularly those under 24 years old. In the under-18 category, there are 104 male undergraduate students and 168 female undergraduate students, indicating a strong female presence in this age group. As we move into the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets, the trend continues, with the number of female undergraduates significantly outnumbering male counterparts. For instance, in the 18-19 age group, there are 195 female undergraduates compared to only 58 males.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students reported in any age category, which might suggest a focus on undergraduate education at the university, or a potential area for growth as the institution could consider expanding graduate programs to attract older students. The age groups of 25-29, 30-34, and even older brackets show a decline in enrollment, with the numbers dwindling to single digits for the oldest categories.

This demographic trend aligns with national observations that younger students are increasingly attending college directly after high school. However, the low representation of older students could reflect broader societal trends where individuals over 30 are either entering the workforce, pursuing vocational training, or facing barriers in returning to education.

Overall, the data suggests a vibrant and youthful academic environment, yet it also raises questions about inclusivity and support for non-traditional students, which could enhance the educational landscape at Kent State University at Salem.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.4%

6 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.0%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.7%2020: 0.5%2021: 0.9%2022: 0.4%2023: 0.8%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.4%
2016Peer median 0.8%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2018 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%
20162018

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Kent State University at Salem

The data from Kent State University at Salem reflects a fluctuating trend in international student enrollment over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students has seen variations, with a notable peak in 2011 when the total undergraduate enrollment reached 1960. However, the percentage of international students remained quite low during this period, with figures as low as 0.05% in 2013.

Interestingly, the recent years show a more significant presence of international students. For instance, in 2021, the percentage of international students soared to 0.93%, which is a considerable increase compared to earlier years. This upward trend continued into 2023, where the percentage reached 0.76% with 10 international students among 1315 undergraduates. This suggests a growing appeal of the university to international students, possibly influenced by global trends in higher education and the increasing outreach of institutions in attracting diverse student populations.

On the graduate side, however, data is sparse, indicating a need for further investigation into the enrollment trends in this category. The lack of substantial figures in graduate enrollment could point to challenges in attracting international graduate students or a shift in focus towards undergraduate programs.

In conclusion, while Kent State University at Salem has made strides in increasing its international student population, particularly at the undergraduate level, continuous efforts and strategies are necessary to enhance its appeal to international students across all levels of study. The data reflects both challenges and opportunities for growth in this area.

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
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $23,440 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 30% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 50%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$10.6M

Government grants and contracts
$6.3M59.5%
Tuition and fees
$3.4M31.5%
Gifts and private grants
$323K3.0%
Sales and services of educational activities
$19K0.2%
Other
$618K5.8%

Expenses$10.2M

Instruction
$5.7M56.0%
Institutional support
$1.9M18.7%
Academic support
$773K7.6%
Student services
$699K6.8%
Scholarships
$624K6.1%
Public service
$459K4.5%
Research
$24K0.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$73,068peers $66,438
Professor
$93,454peers $76,496
Associate professor
$87,831peers $69,371
Assistant professor
$54,236peers $60,685
Lecturer
$68,043peers $52,953

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

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Kent State University at Salem:

  1. Carnegie Mellon University - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious university is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and the arts.

  2. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - With a rank of 67, this university offers a diverse range of programs and is recognized for its research initiatives and health sciences.

  3. Case Western Reserve University - Ranked 53rd, Case Western is known for its excellent programs in law, medicine, and engineering, making it a top choice for many students.

  4. Ohio State University-Main Campus - This large public university is ranked 43rd and is famous for its vibrant campus life and a wide array of academic programs.

  5. Duquesne University - With a rank of 151, Duquesne offers a strong liberal arts education and is particularly recognized for its programs in business and health sciences.

These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in various fields of study.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.7 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Crime Rates at Kent State University at Salem: A Positive Trend

The crime statistics for Kent State University at Salem over the past decade indicate a remarkably low incidence of criminal activity on campus. From 2013 to 2023, the data shows that the university maintained a crime rate of zero for most years, with only one recorded incident in 2015, reflecting an average of just 0.56 crimes per 1,000 students. This trend is particularly encouraging and suggests a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff.

The absence of serious offenses such as violent crimes, drug or alcohol-related arrests, and thefts further underscores the effectiveness of the university's security measures and community initiatives. The statistics align well with broader trends in higher education, where many institutions are striving to enhance campus safety through proactive measures.

Additionally, the fact that there have been no reported incidents of severe crimes such as murder, sexual assault, or robbery is promising for potential students and their families, who often prioritize safety when selecting a college. The low crime rate can be attributed to various factors, including active campus security, community engagement programs, and awareness campaigns about personal safety and crime prevention.

Overall, Kent State University at Salem demonstrates a commendable commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment, which is vital for fostering academic success and student well-being. As we continue to navigate discussions around campus safety, this university stands out as a positive example in the higher education landscape. For further insights on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

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.