Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Kent State University at Kent: which has better ROI?
Ohio State University-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $69,356 in 5.8 years versus not at all at Kent State University at Kent, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $45,388 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Ohio State University-Main Campus | Kent State University at Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,339 | $20,787 |
| Total net cost | $69,356 | $83,148 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,409 | $45,388 |
| Median debt | $19,976 | $24,500 |
| Payback | 5.8 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $171,624 | -$142,588 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Kent State University at Kent?
Ohio State University-Main Campus, at $17,339 a year after aid versus $20,787 — a gap of $3,448 a year, or $13,792 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Ohio State University-Main Campus or Kent State University at Kent graduates earn more?
Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates report a median $60,409 ten years after entry, $15,021 more than the $45,388 at Kent State University at Kent. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Kent State University at Kent?
Ohio State University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $19,976 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Kent State University at Kent, a difference of $4,524. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
88% of students finish at Ohio State University-Main Campus, against 64% at Kent State University at Kent. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.