Kent State University is a public research university in Kent, Ohio. It was founded in 1910 and is part of the University System of Ohio. Kent State has an enrollment of over 25,000 students and offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
However, Kent State has also been the subject of much criticism in recent years. In 2021, the university was ranked 252nd out of 389 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university has also been criticized for its handling of sexual assault cases, its high tuition costs, and its lack of diversity.
Sexual Assault Cases
Kent State has been criticized for its handling of sexual assault cases. In 2015, the university was placed on the U.S. Department of Education’s list of schools under investigation for possible violations of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by a former student who alleged that the university had failed to properly respond to her report of sexual assault.
The investigation is still ongoing, but Kent State has taken steps to improve its handling of sexual assault cases. The university has hired more staff to investigate complaints of sexual assault and has created a new office to support victims of sexual violence.
High Tuition Costs
Kent State’s tuition costs are among the highest in Ohio. In 2021-2022, the average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students was $10,632. The average cost of tuition and fees for out-of-state students was $18,240.
Kent State’s high tuition costs make it difficult for many students to afford a college education. The university offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for college, but many students still have to take on significant debt to attend Kent State.
Lack of Diversity
Kent State has been criticized for its lack of diversity. In 2021, the university’s student body was 76% white. The university’s faculty was 79% white.
Kent State has made efforts to increase diversity on campus. The university has created a new office of diversity and inclusion and has launched a number of initiatives to recruit and retain students and faculty from underrepresented groups.
Other Criticisms
In addition to the criticisms listed above, Kent State has also been criticized for its:
- Bureaucracy
- Lack of communication
- Poor customer service
- Unsafe campus
Conclusion
Kent State University is a large, public research university with a long history. However, the university has also been the subject of much criticism in recent years. Kent State has been criticized for its handling of sexual assault cases, its high tuition costs, its lack of diversity, and its bureaucracy.
Kent State has taken steps to address these criticisms, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be successful.
