📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.

Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.

Average Federal Net Price: $18,013 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.

Who qualifies? Kent Campus students do not receive MSEP or border-rate tuition breaks. Only some regional campuses extend these offers to PA and WV students.

How much could you save? At Kent Campus, none—out-of-state students pay the full $23,590 tuition/fee rate. At certain regional campuses, savings equal the nonresident surcharge (several thousand per year).

Is it automatic? Regional-campus reciprocity is automatic based on residency. No separate application is needed.

Automatic Scholarship FAQ

Do I need to apply for these scholarships?
No. If your student is admitted by the July 3 priority date, they are automatically considered for Kent State’s Academic Achievement Award, President’s Achievement Award, or Founders Scholarship.

Does Kent State superscore the ACT or SAT?
No. Kent State uses your single highest ACT composite or SAT total from one test date. Submitting scores is optional.

Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes. Most automatic awards are renewable up to four years, provided GPA and credit minimums are met (details in award letter).

Can automatic scholarships be stacked?
Often yes, especially with donor/departmental awards. Large tuition-based awards may replace others. Confirm in your financial aid package.

What GPA and test scores win?
Higher scholarships go to higher GPA/rigor ranges (3.7+), ACT ~29+, SAT ~1350+. Each year’s applicant pool may shift thresholds.

Where should my student look instead? Competitive opportunities mainly live in the Honors College or through ScholarshipUniverse donor/departmental awards, which often require essays or recommendations.

Do these stack with automatic merit? Yes, many departmental awards can be added on top of automatic merit, though always confirm in your official aid package.

Are these worth applying for? Absolutely. While some are modest, they can cover extras like books, travel, or fees—and some (like Dream.US or ROTC) can cover nearly everything.

Do they stack? Yes. Most hidden gem awards can be layered on automatic merit and competitive scholarships, though ROTC tuition may replace other tuition-based awards.

How do I find them? Use ScholarshipUniverse, but also check departments, band, or ROTC offices directly for specialized deadlines and criteria.

Any deadlines to watch? ROTC runs fall/winter of senior year, SURE closes late February, Dream.US in January, departmental varies.

Is admission automatic? No. Students must be invited to apply and complete the Honors application.

Does Honors add extra time? No. Requirements can overlap with Kent Core and major classes, so graduation stays on track.

Extra costs? No extra tuition, but Honors housing is priced separately. Most say the perks outweigh any difference.

Deadlines? App invites begin Dec 1, priority by Jan 15. Separate deadlines for thesis, poetry, abroad.

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