What Students Say?
Likes
- It is a public university. They have diverse international students from all over the world.
- Facilities provided to international students, which make it easy for ongoing processes and finding new things across the campus.
Dislikes
- Location- Kent is a small town which limits the job search within the city as compared to major cities like California, and Seattle.
- Weather- Kent is located in the north side of Ohio which experiences long winters, and as an Indian, I don't like it much.
I applied in multiple colleges before I got into Kent State University: University of Alabama at Birmingham (Admitted) Oregon State University (Rejected) The University of Dayton (Admitted) Kent State University (Admitted) George Mason University (Rejected) San Francisco University (Admitted) Drexel University (Admitted) I applied for 7 universities from which I got selected in 5 universities and got rejected in 2, maybe they don't find me a good fit for their program. I chose this university because of its ranking, it is a public university, was getting the course I wanted, and also it was cheaper compared to my other admits. The most popular intake, offering the widest range of courses and scholarships is the fall intake (August).The process will take nearly a year including the visa process if you want to apply for fall 2025 then you should start by Nov 2024 and should take the exam by Oct or Sep.You should apply for the admission process by early Nov or Dec while preparing for the exam you should ready your documents as well.
Course Curriculum
Difficulty: Engineering courses, especially, are known for being challenging. The workload is often intensive, with a focus on problem-solving and applied learning. Theoretical vs. Practical: The curriculum usually offers a mix of both theoretical and practical learning. In the early stages, more emphasis is placed on foundational theory (math, physics, and core engineering principles). As you progress, courses become more practical with labs, projects, and real-world applications. In upper-level courses, internships or co-ops may also be part of the curriculum.
Exams
- For international students, applying to universities in the U.S. requires a combination of standardized test scores, documentation, and sometimes an interview. IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5. TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 71. Official Transcripts: From your high school or undergraduate institution (for graduate programs). English Proficiency Test Scores: As mentioned above (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.). Statement of Purpose (SOP): It is required for the master's programs Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Generally not required for undergraduate applicants but required for Master's programs (usually 3 LORs). Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume Passport Copy - Requirements are not that much as it has an 88% acceptance rate you should have having 3.0 GPA out of 4 GRE, SAT, and GMAT are optional IELTS requires at least 6.5 bands. I submitted my all academic records with 3 LORs and 1 SOP for the admission process.
Placement
Most Indian students in the USA prefer working part-time in roles that offer flexibility and align with their schedules. Common part-time jobs include: 1. On-Campus Positions: These include roles in the library, campus bookstore, dining services, or administrative offices. On-campus jobs are often preferred because they are more accommodating to students’ schedules and are sometimes easier to obtain. 2. Retail and Food Service: Jobs in stores, cafes, and restaurants are popular due to their flexibility in hours. 3. Tutoring or Teaching Assistant Positions: Many students seek jobs related to their field of study, such as tutoring peers or working as a teaching assistant. 4. Internships: Some students opt for internships related to their field, which can sometimes be paid part-time positions. Indians prefer working part-time in following fields: 1.On-Campus Jobs: These are the most common due to the ease of availability and the fact that they don't usually require special work permits. Examples include Library assistants Teaching assistants (TAs) or research assistants (RAs) Lab assistants Administrative roles in university offices Cafeteria or dining services 2. Off-Campus Jobs (for students with appropriate work authorization, like CPT or OPT): Retail jobs (stores, supermarkets) Food services (cafes, restaurants) Tutoring jobs (for school children or other students) I just joined this program so can't tell you about the employment for 6 months. The salary range for graduates from an engineering program can vary based on factors such as location, industry, and specific engineering discipline. On average, in the USA, recent engineering graduates can expect to earn between $60,000 and $85,000 per year. Internships are a common route to full-time employment. Many students convert their internships into job offers, as companies often prefer to hire individuals who have already demonstrated their skills and fit within the company.
Fees
$19000 per year is my total fees including tuition, books, accommodation, etc. Living Expenses- $13000 Medical Insurance and Books/Supplies- $4700 My monthly expenses are nearly $500 including rent, gas, electricity and food and transportation is zero because I live near the college and the bus is free for all students, even the gym is free in the college.
Scholarship
No, I did not receive any scholarship from Kent State University. Some of my classmates receive scholarships, but I do not know what's the actual amount they receive for this course. On an average international students receive $2000 to $20000 scholarship based on merit-based scholarship. For Undergraduate students, they receive 80% of the scholarship from this college.
Faculty
The class size can range from 50 to 100 students. However, for upper-level courses in engineering, the class sizes tend to be smaller, averaging around 20 to 40 students. There are a lot of Indian students you can find here. The faculty ratio is 1:20 on average in the master's program. The combination of theory and practical learning provides a strong foundation for students entering the workforce.
Campus Life
Events and Fests: Kent State hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Popular ones include: FlashFest: A large annual festival featuring live music, food vendors, and activities to kick off the school year. Homecoming: Includes a parade, football game, and various student activities celebrating school spirit and alumni. International Education Week: Celebrates cultural diversity with events, performances, and international food tastings. Kaleidoscope: An annual showcase of student talent, including music, dance, and performances.
Hostel
Many first-year students choose on-campus housing for convenience and proximity to classes. On-campus options include dormitories with various amenities like meal plans, laundry facilities, and communal spaces. University Housing Portal: For on-campus options. Online Platforms: Websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com are popular for off-campus housing. Student Groups: Many students join groups on platforms like Discord or Telegram to connect with other students and find roommates or housing leads. Facebook groups for Kent State international students are also commonly used.