Journalism at Kent State sits in a university that genuinely has a research profile in the field, alongside its better-known Fashion and Nursing programs. The Journalism B.S. follows Kent State's general, accessible undergraduate admission process rather than running its own separate numeric pathway, so the real planning work is the same as for any other Kent State major: clear the university-wide GPA and English bars comfortably.
This article covers the acceptance picture, cost, admission requirements, English-test rules, and career outcomes for Journalism specifically.
Acceptance Rate
Kent State does not publish a Journalism-specific acceptance rate; admission into the Journalism B.S. follows the university's general undergraduate process rather than a separate, capped-seat review. Kent State's overall undergraduate acceptance rate is commonly cited in the 85-87% range by third-party sources, and the university's admission model is built around meeting a stated GPA and English-proficiency threshold rather than competing for a small, fixed number of seats.
Fees and Cost of Attendance
Journalism students pay Kent State's standard university-wide tuition; we found no evidence of a separate, higher tuition rate for Journalism specifically.
| Cost item | Undergraduate (International) |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | ~$24,298/year |
| Living expenses (housing, food) | ~$14,360/year |
| Medical insurance and books/supplies | ~$3,935/year |
| Total estimated cost of attendance | ~$42,593/year |
For comparison, Ohio resident tuition runs roughly $13,850/year. For the full university-wide cost and aid picture, see the Kent State guide.
Admission Requirements
- Completed online application, plus a $70 non-refundable application fee
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a US 4.0 scale
- Kent State is test-optional: SAT/ACT are not required for admission
- Secondary school diploma/certificate and transcripts, with certified English translations if not originally in English
- Copy of passport biographical page
- Evidence of English proficiency (see below), unless exempt
- Financial documentation, required after acceptance to support I-20/visa processing
- Application deadlines: June 1 for Fall entry, October 1 for Spring entry
We found no evidence of a Journalism-specific GPA or portfolio requirement beyond Kent State's general undergraduate bar in the sources reviewed; confirm directly with the School of Media and Journalism if you want a program-specific target.
How to Get Into Kent State's Journalism Program
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Clear the 2.5 GPA floor with real margin. Because Kent State is test-optional and the stated minimum is modest, your transcript strength relative to that floor is the clearest lever you control.
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Use the conditional admission / ESL pathway if you're close but not quite at the English threshold. Kent State admits undergraduates conditionally if they meet academic requirements but fall short on English proficiency, routing them through the university's ESL Center before they start their program.
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Build a writing portfolio even though it isn't a formal admission requirement. Journalism programs generally reward demonstrated writing and reporting experience (school newspaper, blogging, video production) once you're in the program, so arriving with some portfolio pieces gives you a head start in first-year coursework and internship applications.
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Apply well before the stated deadlines (June 1 Fall / October 1 Spring). International admission decisions typically arrive faster than visa and I-20 processing timelines, so early application gives more runway.
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Confirm whether Journalism or Kent State's broader Media and Journalism programs (such as Applied Media) best match your career goals, since the college offers several closely related but distinct degree tracks.
English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/TOEFL)
Journalism follows Kent State's university-wide undergraduate English proficiency minimums; there is no separately published Journalism-specific override in the sources reviewed, though journalism coursework carries a genuinely heavy writing load worth planning around regardless.
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 71 |
| PTE Academic | 48 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 |
Applicants can also meet the requirement by completing Kent State's own ESL Level 8 program or an ELS Level 112 program. For the full set of waivers, see the Kent State guide.
Career Outcomes
Kent State's School of Media and Journalism draws on the university's research strength in the field, and graduates move into roles across reporting, broadcast, digital media, and public relations. Notable employers cited in Kent State's own broader outcomes reporting include ESPN, reflecting real media-industry placement alongside Kent State's Northeast Ohio regional pipeline. A single, confirmed Journalism-specific employment rate or starting salary was not found from a primary Kent State source during this research; Kent State's university-wide reported outcomes show roughly 93% of bachelor's degree respondents employed or continuing education within 12 months of graduation.
Journalism degrees are generally not STEM-designated, so graduates typically rely on the standard 12-month OPT period rather than the 24-month STEM OPT extension available to Kent State's engineering and computing graduates.
FAQ
Does Kent State publish an acceptance rate for Journalism specifically? No. Journalism follows Kent State's general undergraduate admission process, with an overall university-wide acceptance rate commonly cited around 85-87%.
What GPA do I need for Kent State's Journalism program? The same as Kent State's general undergraduate minimum: 2.5 on a US 4.0 scale. No separate, higher Journalism-specific threshold was confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Do I need a writing portfolio to apply? Not as a formal admission requirement, but having writing or reporting samples ready gives you a head start once coursework and internship applications begin.
What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for Kent State Journalism? The same as the university-wide minimums: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 71, PTE 48, or Duolingo 100.
Does a Kent State Journalism degree qualify for STEM OPT? No. Journalism degrees are not STEM-designated, so graduates use the standard 12-month OPT period.