Computer Programming at Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH · Public · Associate Degree

A 87% acceptance rate means Kent State University at Kent is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 19,134 in Kent, OH.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,388/yr, roughly in line with the $41,895 national median for Computer Programming. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 15.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Programming career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $36,388 far exceeding the $17,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #33 ranking among 35 Computer Programming programs places Kent State University at Kent in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $36,388 to $40,794 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
49
Score
52
High End
Earnings $36,388/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (22% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$415K
2.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
16.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$25,692
Out-of-state: $44,632
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,750
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,794
12% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Programming graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Software developers $133,080 +15.8% 13%
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610 +10.0% 12%
Computer programmers $98,670 -6.0% 5%
Software developers
$133,080
+15.8% growth 13% AI-proof
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
$102,610
+10.0% growth 12% AI-proof
Computer programmers
$98,670
-6.0% growth 5% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Computer Programming Career Guide

What can you do with a Computer Programming credential from Kent State University at Kent? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Computer Programming career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Programming Overview

Computer Programming at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kent State University at Kent

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 49/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Programming at Kent State University at Kent?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Computer Programming. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Programming at Kent State University at Kent?
AI exposure of 78% is a real factor. For Kent State University at Kent specifically, the gap between optimistic ($415,204) and pessimistic ($380,699) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Will Computer Programming graduates from Kent State University at Kent find jobs?
With approximately 162,300 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer Programming offers a very large employment pool. Kent State University at Kent graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →