Kent , Ohio , United States
Total Students
National Ranking
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. It was initially known under the working name of the Ohio State Normal College At Kent,[9] but was named Kent State Normal School in 1911 in honor of William S. Kent (son of Kent, Ohio, namesake Marvin Kent), who donated the 53 acres (21 ha) used for the original campus. The first president was John Edward McGilvrey, who served from 1912 to 1926.
McGilvrey had an ambitious vision for the school as a large university, instructing architect George F. Hammond, who designed the original campus buildings, to produce a master plan. Classes began in 1912 before any buildings had been completed at the campus in Kent. These classes were held at extension centers in 25 cities around the region. By May 1913, classes were being held on the campus in Kent with the opening of Merrill Hall. The school graduated 34 students in its first commencement on July 29, 1914.
In 1915, the school was renamed Kent State Normal College due to the addition of four-year degrees. By then additional buildings had been added or were under construction. Kent State's enrollment growth was particularly notable during its summer terms. In 1924, the school's registration for summer classes was the largest of any teacher-training school in the United States. In 1929, the state of Ohio changed the name to Kent State College as it allowed the school to establish a college of arts and sciences.
Top Ten Reasons to Apply to Kent State
More Than 262,000 Kent State alumni can’t be wrong.
Even Goldilocks would have chosen Kent State University. It’s not too big, not too small. It’s just right. Big enough to offer more than 340 undergraduate degree programs. Small enough to give you personal attention (more than half of our classes have 20 students or fewer), as well as opportunities to collaborate with and learn from internationally renowned scholars in your chosen field. Not only is Kent State counted among Ohio’s best colleges and universities, but it’s still accessible financially and academically to many different kinds of students. When you invest your willingness and hard work, Kent State offers academic support, real-world experience, diverse and inclusive campus culture, and the philosophy that new ideas matter.
You’ll be inspired.
There are literally hundreds of ways to become inspired at Kent State: immerse yourself in a residential learning community; study abroad for up to a full academic year through one of dozens of different programs; create your own undergraduate research project or join one of the projects already underway; explore your passion, whether that’s architecture, nursing, journalism, poetry, aviation, financial engineering or any number of possibilities.
It’s Ohio's first Tree Campus USA university.
Come and take a campus tour: you’ll be impressed! From the classic architecture of the front campus, to the modern rippled roof of the Mathematics and Computer Sciences Building, beautiful buildings are surrounded by park-like green spaces where you can toss a Frisbee or take a winter sled ride. (Yes, even our trees have won an award.) Plus, there’s always something going on: Concerts, lectures, celebrations; the Kent Student Center, coffee shops, fitness facilities and a multitude of dining options in a safe environment. Kent State University is the perfect place to call home.
Proximity to major metropolitan areas — Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown — puts students within reach of world-class dining, museums, professional sports and Fortune 500 companies (Think internships! Jobs!). Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport and Akron Canton Regional Airport make travelling to and from Kent State a breeze.
We keep you logged on and tuned in.
Did you know, liquid crystal technology was born right here at Kent State University and continues to be actively researched and explored by our faculty, researchers and students? Without liquid crystals, the world would not have flat panel monitors, calculators, cell phone displays or laptops.
It’s all about you.
Our Department of Residence Services uses a roommate matching system that takes your major and preferences into account when assigning roommates. Residence halls come equipped with high speed Internet, phone, cable, laundry rooms, 24-hour security and much more. Dining options abound, as do the ways in which you can pay for your meals. Kent State University’s Police Services was one of the first nationally accredited law enforcement agencies in Ohio and the second university police department in the United States to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). What more could you ask for?
You can design your own Kent State experience.
With more than 400 student organizations and opportunities for community involvement, leadership training, Greek life, cultural outreach, easily accessible professional sporting and arts events, plus thousands of campus events and activities – you will be able to customize your own version of the Kent State experience.
Your parents will love us.
We can’t help it really. There’s something about the reasonable costs, academic excellence, campus safety and superior programming that makes parents happy. When you bring your parents with you to a campus visit, you’ll see it too –– that goofy parental grin that tells you they’re pleased.
You'll FIT IN here.
Kent State students come for all 50 states and all over the world. When you add more than 2,000 faculty to that community, it means that you will have the opportunity to learn with and from a richly diverse group of people. Internships, education abroad, special programming, student organizations and the individual friendships you make while living and learning on campus will help you create a community where you will thrive.
We’ve got your major.
Nine colleges make up the university: College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability, and Technology; College of Architecture and Environmental Design; College of the Arts; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business Administration; College of Communication and Information; College of Education, Health and Human Services; College of Nursing; and the College of Public Health; plus the School of Digital Sciences.
Within the nine colleges and one independent school, there are more than 340 undergraduate degree programs of study. In addition there are opportunities within the Honors College (for students looking for a special challenge) and the Exploratory Program (for students who have not yet decided on a major). Chances are pretty good that we have what you’re looking for.
You’ll succeed.
Regardless of the major you choose, regardless of your career aspirations, a Kent State education will give you a strong foundation in the liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics.
Your college education is not just about processing facts; it’s also about developing a critical perspective and honing your analytical abilities – helping you to emerge a well-rounded graduate, ready for whatever comes your way. Those analytical and critical thinking skills will give you an edge over other graduates when it comes time for employment, a graduate program or launching the business of your dreams. (Yes, it’s still all about you.)
THE Ranking::
801
QS Ranking::
1001
Type of Accommodation::
On Campus
Annual Cost of living:
12000 USD/year
Average Annual UG Fee:
N/A
Average Annual PG Fee:
21952 USD
Application Fee:
50 USD