Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Kent, Ohio
86.7% Acceptance Rate
Kent State University at Kent — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
86.7%Acceptance Rate
3.61Avg GPA
1095Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$29,345Annual Cost
$45,388Grad Salary
27.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
86.7%
Avg GPA
3.61
Avg SAT
1095
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1000–1230
ACT Middle 50%
18–25
Avg Net Price
$19,614
Need-Based Aid
27.4% receive Pell
Kent State University at Kent is a major public research university in Ohio known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement. Offering a wide range of programs in a dynamic campus environment, the university provides a transformative educational experience that prepares students for success in an interconnected world.
Kent State University at Kent Acceptance Rate
Kent State University at Kent maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 86.7%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 86.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.61 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.41 – 3.60
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.16
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Kent State University at Kent Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Kent State University at Kent follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of November 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Kent State University at Kent reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (Scholarship Priority: 2026/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Kent State University at Kent GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Kent State University at Kent is 3.61. Kent State University at Kent is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.81-4.01 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.31 and 3.61, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Kent State University at Kent GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Kent State University at Kent utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.61, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.61 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.41 – 3.60
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.21 – 3.40
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.20
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate is approximately 86% (2024-25 data); average admitted GPA is 3.6; middle 50% ACT range is 18?25 (test-optional); no essay required for general admission, though a personal statement is considered if submitted. Priority deadline: November 1; Honors College eligibility cutoff: December 1; general deadline: August 1. Application fee: $45 domestic, $70 international. KSU uses both its own application and Common App.
- School of Fashion is ranked #1 in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising in the Midwest; both Fashion Design and Merchandising require a mandatory internship AND a study-away experience as degree requirements. Study-away application opens December 1, closes December 15, first-come-first-served. NYC Fashion Studio charges Kent State tuition rates (not NYC program rates). More than 3,000 Fashion alumni work at major global brands.
- Honors College scholarship (up to full tuition): requires 4.0 GPA, December 1 admission cutoff, January 15 Honors application deadline, two short-answer essay questions. Total scholarships awarded to first-year students in 2024-25: $80 million. Total financial aid: $375 million to 26,000+ students. 93% of first-year students received financial assistance in 2024-25.
- Program-specific admissions: Architecture (3.0 GPA min), Cybersecurity Engineering (3.0 GPA, calculus placement), Nursing (math/biology/chemistry completion), Speech Pathology (3.0 GPA min), Music (audition required), Musical Theatre BFA (audition via Acceptd, February?March dates), Dance BFA (audition via Acceptd, solo + combinations + letter of recommendation). Students not meeting specific-major requirements may be admitted to a related pre-major or alternate program and can petition after first year in some cases.
- The Rigor Metric: At Kent State University at Kent, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Kent State University at Kent
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Kent State University at Kent's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Kent State University at Kent Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Kent State University at Kent Without SAT or ACT?
Kent State University at Kent considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Kent State University at Kent Average SAT Score: 1095
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Kent State University at Kent is 1095 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1095 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1095 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Kent State University at Kent allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1000, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Kent State University at Kent. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 555 | 500 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 560 | 500 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1095 | 1000 | 1230 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1000 then you are below most of the admitted students at Kent State University at Kent and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1230 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Kent State University at Kent with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Kent State University at Kent are good but the admission staff at Kent State University at Kent tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Kent State University at Kent ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Kent State University at Kent is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Kent State University at Kent slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 18 | 25 |
Can I get into Kent State University at Kent with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Kent State University at Kent — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Kent State University at Kent use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Kent State University at Kent — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Kent State University at Kent uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Kent State University at Kent
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Kent State University at Kent is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
The School of Fashion's Mandatory Internship and Study-Away Requirements Are Built Into the Degree - Plan for NYC or Florence in Year Two, Not as an Add-On
Kent State's School of Fashion - ranked #1 in Fashion Design in the Midwest and among the nation's top programs - requires all Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising students to complete both an approved internship AND a study-away experience before graduating. These are not elective enrichment opportunities; they are degree requirements. The study-away options include a semester at the university-operated NYC Fashion Studio in Manhattan's Garment District (where students pay Kent State tuition rates and participate in Fashion Week, industry internships, and employer networks), a semester in Florence, Italy, and study tours in Los Angeles and Atlanta. The study-away application opens December 1 and closes December 15 on a first-come, first-served basis - a student who misses this window must wait for a late application in January with limited seats remaining. Students should plan their four-year course sequence with study-away factored in from semester one, not as an afterthought in junior year when competition for the December window is highest.
December 1 Is the Honors College Eligibility Cutoff for Competitive Scholarships - Not Just a Priority Deadline
Kent State's merit scholarship structure has a hard internal gate: students must be admitted to KSU by December 1 to be considered for an invitation to apply to the Honors College, and Honors College membership unlocks the most substantial competitive merit awards, including awards ranging from $300 up to full tuition (general/instructional fees). Honors College admission requires a minimum 4.0 cumulative high school GPA and a separate application with two short-answer essay questions, due by January 15 of the application year. Students admitted after December 1 are still eligible for automatic merit consideration through the general August 1 deadline, but are categorically excluded from Honors College scholarship consideration - a meaningful financial distinction for high-GPA non-Ohio residents. The FAFSA priority deadline for maximum need-based aid is February 1. In 2024-25, Kent State awarded $80 million in scholarships to first-year students and $375 million in total financial aid across the institution.
Music, Musical Theatre, and Dance BFA Programs Require Auditions Independent of General Admission - Register on Acceptd Early
Kent State's College of the Arts has an explicitly accessible admissions philosophy - "no student is turned away for lack of formal training" - but the BFA programs in Musical Theatre and Dance, and all music performance programs, require separate auditions before admission to those specific degrees. Musical Theatre BFA auditions are held on specific dates in February and March (e.g., February 27?28 and March 6, 2026 for Fall 2026 admission) and require registration through Acceptd at least one week before the audition date. The Dance BFA audition requires a 1.5?2-minute solo, three combination videos (ballet, modern, jazz), a letter of recommendation from a dance instructor, and a video introduction. Students who apply to Kent State generally but do not register for BFA auditions on Acceptd will be admitted to the university but will not be considered for the BFA program - admission to the university and admission to the BFA degree are separate processes with separate timelines. Audition results arrive approximately two to three weeks after the audition date, with enrollment confirmation requested by May 15.
Fashion Students Should Engage the School's Industry Scholarship Network From Freshman Year, Not After Admission
Kent State's School of Fashion offers more than 60 scholarship opportunities specifically for design and merchandising students, spanning freshman through senior year, with awards tied to academic merit, financial need, program concentration, and geographic origin. Several competitions additionally connect students to national industry partners: as a member of the National Retail Federation, Kent State students are eligible to apply for NRF Foundation scholarships up to $25,000 with access to Retail's BIG Show and Digital Summit - opportunities restricted to NRF member university students only. The YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund provides a $5,000 award plus travel to the New York gala and a private internship fair. Students who arrive at Kent State with a Fashion major and do not engage the School's scholarship coordinator in their first year leave substantial industry-linked funding on the table. Additionally, the school's NYC Fashion Studio program allows undergraduate students to enroll at Kent State tuition rates while studying in Manhattan - making the NYC experience financially accessible compared to comparable programs at private fashion schools.
Expert Insight:
The most consistent financial-planning failure at Kent State involves students - particularly out-of-state students - who apply after December 1 and are surprised that Honors College scholarship consideration is closed. Because Kent State's acceptance rate is approximately 86% and general admissions are rolling, the process feels low-urgency to many applicants. The Honors College scholarship pathway, however, closes December 1 with no exceptions: students must be admitted by that date to receive an invitation to apply to Honors by January 15. Non-Ohio residents who miss December 1 and have a 4.0 GPA may have lost the most valuable scholarship bracket available to them. A secondary pattern specific to Fashion students: applying to the university in October, receiving an acceptance, and then missing the December 1?15 study-away application window in the first year because they did not know it existed - effectively delaying the study-away semester by an entire year and compressing the senior-year course sequence.
Kent State University at Kent Profile
Full Name
Kent State University at Kent
City
Kent
State
Ohio
ZIP Code
44242-0001
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Kent State University at Kent Degree Worth It?
Getting into Kent State University at Kent can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Kent State University at Kent offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Kent State University at Kent is $59,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.94%.
How much does a degree from Kent State University at Kent Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Kent State University at Kent is $29,345. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Kent State University at Kent is $19,614.
27.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 49.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Kent State University at Kent and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Kent State University at Kent, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Kent State University at Kent as your choice in the form.
How much does a Kent State University at Kent Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $45,388. An average Kent State University at Kent graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Kent State University at Kent. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Kent State University at Kent. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Kent State University at Kent. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Kent State University at Kent
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Kent State University at Kent Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $45,388 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29,345 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
27.4% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Kent State University at Kent is 86.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.61. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.31, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.31, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.21 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.61, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Kent State University at Kent is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1095 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1000–1230.
The application deadline for Kent State University at Kent is November 1. Admission decisions are released by January 15. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship priority deadline is Scholarship Priority: 2026/02/01. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.