Public

Large

Mid-American Conference

Kent State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1020 to 1230

ACT Range18 to 25

Average GPA3.61

Acceptance Rate86.3%

You can treat Kent State as a realistic option with its 86% admit rate, but the 3.61 average GPA shows your grades still carry weight. Because Kent State is test optional and ACT scores are submitted more often, aim around a 25 ACT or 1230 SAT if you want your score to strengthen your application.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Kent State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Kent State University enrolls 20,841 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Kent State has an 82% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 64%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1.

Location

Kent, OH

Undergrad Enrollment20,841

Freshman Retention82%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio20:1

Graduation Rate64%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Kent State?

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Key Kent State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Kent State, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes if you want another chance to improve your score or superscore. Because Kent State’s Regular Decision deadline is August 1, a December senior-year retake should still leave plenty of time for scores to arrive.

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What you'll actually pay

Kent State is a public university in the Mid-American Conference, with in-state tuition of $13,054 and out-of-state tuition of $22,904. About 63% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is February 1.

In-State Tuition$13,054

Out-of-State Tuition$22,904

Room and Board$13,440

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application Fee$50

Students on Aid63%

Average Aid Package$15,635

Average Debt at Grad$30,460

Kent State’s out-of-state tuition is $22,904, while in-state tuition is $13,054, and room and board adds $13,440. About 63% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $15,635, which can lower the net price for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $30,460.