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Kent State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Kent State University accepts 86% of applicants. It is a public university in Kent, Ohio, with about 19,320 undergraduates. The sticker price is $27,691 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $20,294.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for Kent State University?
Most Ohio residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.2 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Kent State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1105, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Ohio resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 50% Target | 23% Reach |
| 2.7 | 51% Target | 23% Reach |
| 3.0 | 72% Target | 44% Target |
| 3.3 | 87% Likely | 66% Target |
| 3.5 | 93% Likely | 79% Target |
| 3.7 | 96% Likely | 87% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 92% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 92% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Kent State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $27,691 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $15,900 | $24,500 |
| $50k – $100k | $16,400 | $25,000 |
| $100k – $150k | $22,700 | $31,300 |
| $150k – $250k | $27,691 | $37,200 |
| Over $250k | $27,691 | $37,854 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Kent State University
What is the acceptance rate at Kent State University?
Kent State University admits 86% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Kent State University?
Most Ohio residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.2 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Kent State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1010–1240 on the SAT and 18–25 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Kent State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $27,691 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $20,294 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $15,900 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Kent State University?
51% of students finish their degree, and 81% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Kent State University
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati, OH · admits 85%
- Ohio UniversityAthens, OH · admits 85%
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green, OH · admits 81%
- University of ArizonaTucson, AZ · admits 86%
- University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI · admits 87%
- Washington State UniversityPullman, WA · admits 87%