Positive growth.
That's the outlook on current and future enrollment following the release of Kent State University's 15-day report, which locks in enrollment numbers for the Spring semester based on the preponderant headcount on the 15th day of the term.
"We are thrilled to see such a strong increase in our enrollment numbers this spring. This growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and the entire Kent State community," said Sean Broghammer, vice president for Enrollment Management. "Our commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for our students continues to attract more outstanding students to our university."
Student enrollment reached 31,631, a 1.3% increase across Kent State's eight-campus system compared to the previous Spring semester. This translates to an additional 412 students, including 184 students at the Kent campus and 224 students at the regional campuses.
The news follows strong Fall enrollment levels as first-year students returned to continue their education at a rate not seen since 2015 as Kent State University boasted an outstanding 82% retention rate. In addition, the university welcomed its largest freshman class to the Kent Campus since before the pandemic.
Kent State was a popular choice for new students for Fall semester, with the university receiving a total of 28,000 applications, which represents a 9% increase.
These enrollment gains follow the university's recognition for its excellence in online education, earning high marks with three programs ranked in the Top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released 2025 Best Online Programs rankings. Kent State's online programs have been ranked among the best in the nation, reflecting Kent State’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education.
Kent State's affordability fuels its increasing enrollment and strong retention of returning students. The university was recently ranked as the No. 1 most affordable college in Ohio by Money.com.
Creating opportunities to grow enrollment was also part of Kent State President Todd Diacon's recent address to the Greater Akron Chamber, where he highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, efficiency, student well-being and community partnership, reinforcing its role as a vital institution in the region.
“Kent State University is a university, not just for the fortunate few, but for the meritorious many,” Diacon said. "We've just become more efficient and effective."
The value of a college degree was another key topic. Diacon pointed out the long-term benefits of higher education, stating, “All the longitudinal data shows the benefits of having a college degree: $1 million more over your career in income, all levels of happiness indexes, contentment, all of those [go] way up for college graduates versus those who don’t have a college degree.”
Reflecting on his role, Diacon shared his enthusiasm for student engagement, describing first-year student move-in day and commencement as the best days at Kent State.
“One of the reasons I have the best job in America is because I’m always around 18-year-olds. So I always feel so young,” he remarked.