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Head to head · Ohio

Kent State University at Kent vs Ohio State University-Main Campus

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, Ohio State University-Main Campus is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Kent State University at Kent is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeKent State University at KentOhio State UniversityDifference
Under $30k$15,280$4,885$10,395
$30–48k$15,718$5,751$9,967
$48–75k$17,296$9,807$7,489
$75–110k$23,685$20,461$3,224
Over $110k$26,278$27,359$1,081

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

What are your student's real admit chances? The math, shown →

Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →

Four years, at $75–110k

Kent State University at Kent$99,832
Ohio State University-Main Campus$86,243
Difference over four years$13,589

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate86% · 61%
Average SAT1099 · 1387

Listed Kent State University at Kent first, then Ohio State University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$45,388 · $60,409
Graduate in four years49% · 72%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$24,500 · $19,976

Again Kent State University at Kent first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Kent State University at Kent — every income band · Ohio State University-Main Campus — every income band · All Ohio public colleges