Kent State University Student Demographics: A Comprehensive Overview
Kent State University (KSU), a public research university in Kent, Ohio, established in 1910, has evolved from a normal school focused on training public school teachers to a comprehensive university with a wide array of programs and research opportunities. This article delves into the demographic composition of Kent State University, examining aspects such as enrollment, race and ethnicity, gender distribution, age diversity, geographic diversity, and financial aid. Understanding these demographics provides valuable insights into the university's commitment to diversity, accessibility, and student success.
Historical Context and Growth
Kent State University was established in 1910 as an institution for training public school teachers. It was part of the Lowry Bill, which also created a sister school in Bowling Green, Ohio - now known as Bowling Green State University. Initially known as the Ohio State Normal College At Kent, it was later named Kent State Normal School in honor of William S. Kent, who donated significant portions of land to the school. The first president, John Edward McGilvrey, envisioned a large university and instructed architect George F. Hammond to design a master plan. Classes began in 1912, and the school graduated 34 students in its first commencement on July 29, 1914. In 1915, it was renamed Kent State Normal College due to the addition of four-year degrees.
The university experienced significant growth in enrollment and physical size, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, with the establishment of regional campuses. In 1961, black squirrels were introduced to the campus, becoming unofficial mascots. Kent State gained international attention on May 4, 1970, due to the Kent State shootings during an anti-war protest. In 1971, the university established the Center for Peaceful Change, now known as the Center for Applied Conflict Management, as a "living memorial" to the students who had died. In March 1991, Kent State appointed Carol Cartwright as president, the first female to hold such a position at any state university in Ohio. In 1994, Kent State was named a "Research University II" by the Carnegie Foundation.
Overall Enrollment
As of fall 2024, Kent State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 20,841 students. The university's setting is suburban, with a campus size of 786 acres. The student-faculty ratio is 20:1, and it operates on a semester-based academic calendar. Kent State University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.
In 2023, Kent State University at Kent had a total enrollment of 26,106 students. The full-time enrollment at Kent State University at Kent is 20,011 students and the part-time enrollment is 6,095. This means that 76.7% of students enrolled at Kent State University at Kent are enrolled full-time.
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Kent State University at Stark had a total enrollment of 3,433 students in 2023. The full-time enrollment at Kent State University at Stark is 907 students and the part-time enrollment is 2,526. This means that 26.4% of students enrolled at Kent State University at Stark are enrolled full-time.
Race and Ethnicity
Kent State University demonstrates a commitment to diversity, with a significant percentage of students representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
The enrolled student population at Kent State University at Kent, both undergraduate and graduate, is 71.2% White, 8.23% Black or African American, 4.23% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Two or More Races, 2.5% Asian, 0.123% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0689% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
The enrolled student population at Kent State University at Stark is 79.8% White, 7.05% Black or African American, 4.28% Two or More Races, 4.19% Hispanic or Latino, 1.31% Asian, 0.117% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0583% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
Kent State University has a diverse student body with 22% students of color and 2% international students, creating a rich multicultural learning environment that celebrates students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
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In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at Kent State University at Kent is white (5,074 degrees awarded). There were 10.7 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american (474 degrees). The most common race/ethnicity at Kent State University at Stark is white (350 degrees awarded). There were 13.5 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american (26 degrees).
Gender Distribution
Kent State University's student body exhibits a notable gender distribution, with a higher proportion of female students compared to male students.
Kent State University has a gender distribution of 62% female students and 38% male students.
In 2023, 2,037 more women than men received degrees from Kent State University at Kent. At Kent State University at Stark, 113 more women than men received degrees.
Students enrolled at Kent State University at Kent in full-time Undergraduate programs are most commonly White Female (46.9%), followed by White Male (27.9%) and Black or African American Female (5.6%). Students enrolled in full-time Graduate programs are most commonly White Female (34.7%), followed by White Male (15.8%) and Black or African American Female (3.29%).
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Students enrolled at Kent State University at Stark in full-time Undergraduate programs are most commonly White Female (49.5%), followed by White Male (33.7%) and Two or More Races Female (3.08%).
Age Diversity
Kent State University serves a diverse student population across multiple age demographics. The university enrolls 62% traditional college-age students (18-21 years old) and 7% non-traditional students aged 25 and older. The age diversity score this school received indicates it is doing a good job attracting students of all ages.
Geographic Diversity
Kent State University attracts students from across the United States and internationally, with 19.07% of Kent State students come from out of state, and 1.63% come from out of the country. Kent State ranks 755 out of 2,183 when it comes to geographic diversity. The undergraduate student body is split among 35 states (may include Washington D.C.).
Costs and Financial Aid
Understanding the costs associated with attending Kent State University and the availability of financial aid is crucial for prospective students and their families.
The school's in-state tuition and fees are $13,628; out-of-state tuition and fees are $23,872. Fifty-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $18,340.
In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Kent State University at Kent is $11,595, which is $−19,408 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $20,333. 78% of undergraduate students attending Kent State University at Kent received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 50% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. In 2021 the default rate for borrower's at Kent State University at Kent was 0%, corresponding to 0 out of the 8,448 total borrowers.
In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Kent State University at Stark is $7,325, which is $−4,866 less than the national average for Baccalaureate/Associates Colleges ($12,192). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $10,977. 42% of undergraduate students at Kent State University at Stark received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 36% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. In 2021 the default rate for borrower's at Kent State University at Stark was 0%, corresponding to 0 out of the 8,448 total borrowers.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention and graduation rates are key indicators of student success and institutional effectiveness.
The four-year graduation rate is 49%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $40,179. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Kent State University at Kent was 79%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Doctoral Universities (84%), Kent State University at Kent had a retention rate lower than its peers.
The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Kent State University at Stark was 53%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Baccalaureate/Associates Colleges (62%), Kent State University at Stark had a retention rate lower than its peers.
In 2023, 51% of students graduating from Kent State University at Kent completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 67% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 69% within 200%. The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Kent State University at Kent is Female and Asian (73.1% graduation rate).
Programs and Opportunities
Kent State University offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities to support student success and engagement.
The university has interdisciplinary programs in Biomedical Sciences, Digital Science, Financial Engineering, and Information Architecture and Knowledge Management. The College of Aeronautics and Engineering offers four aeronautics degrees: Flight Technology, Aviation Management, Air Traffic Control, and Aeronautical Engineering. The Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising has programs in Florence, Hong Kong, and New York City, and affiliations in Paris and London. Kent State University offers numerous cultural organizations, diversity programs, and multicultural events that celebrate the rich backgrounds of our student community.
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