Kent State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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.
⬡ LangSmith103e227c-c458-4e05-aa0f-8354aab62c6aData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Kent State University facts and stats
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.
⬡ LangSmithe7d74dce-4a6b-455e-9e39-2bfec19115eaKent, OH
How do your scores compare at Kent State?
Key Kent State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
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
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
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.
⬡ LangSmithfb5c6c6d-74fa-4928-9ba7-b57497361218Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Kent State University?
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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.
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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.
⬡ LangSmith834245ef-f168-4aa3-9f79-b05d48dff4e6Student life at Kent State University
31% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Ohio University
Athens, OHAcceptance rate: 85.2%
SAT: 1100–1280
ACT: 22–28
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHAcceptance rate: 85.3%
SAT: 1160–1350
ACT: 24–29
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford, OHAcceptance rate: 75.4%
SAT: 1240–1378
ACT: 25–30
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OHAcceptance rate: 81%
SAT: 1020–1300
ACT: 19–26
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