Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University has an acceptance rate of 69.2%, annual tuition of $5,808, average net price of $15,048, and a national rank of #936 (Grade B), with a 52.2% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 41,254 undergraduates, and median earnings of $68,306 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Kennesaw State University is a public university in Kennesaw, GA. Students most often pursue General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations and Computer Science.
Day to day, students benefit from a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, and 76.7% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 89.5%, roughly 39.6 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Kennesaw State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Kennesaw State University graduates 52.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 51.5% and keeps 76.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Kennesaw State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,808 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,287 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,883 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,008 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 37.7% of Kennesaw State University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,235 to $19,309 depending on family income. Use Kennesaw State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,263/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,309/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $68,306
- 10-Year Median Earnings $57,552
- Average Years to Graduate 5.1 years
- Average Student Debt $23,833
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 49.9%
- Employment Rate 85.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Kennesaw State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Kennesaw State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Kennesaw State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Kennesaw State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Kennesaw State University graduates earn $68,306 median four years after graduation, +13% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 510-620
- SAT Math 490-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 41,254
- Full-Time Students 75.8%
- Part-Time Students 24.2%
- Retention Rate 76.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 52.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 51.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 23:1
How to Get Into Kennesaw State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Kennesaw State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 69.2%, Kennesaw State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 69.2% acceptance rate, Kennesaw State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1000 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Kennesaw State University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 6.8%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 6.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.0%
- Biology, General 4.3%
- Computer Science 4.2%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.1%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 4.0%
- Marketing 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations $111,624
- 2. Computer Science $106,400
- 3. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $106,304
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Construction Management $100,339
- 5. Computer Engineering $99,785
- 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General $96,325
- 7. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $89,755
- 8. Engineering Technology, General $89,552
- 9. Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $87,240
- 10. Civil Engineering $86,768
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degree) $132,957
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $124,846
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $124,663
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Statistics (Master's Degree) $119,338
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $98,191
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $95,775
- 7. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Master's Degree) $95,063
- 8. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (Master's Degree) $94,498
- 9. Computer Engineering (Master's Degree) $92,217
- 10. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $92,022
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations grads earn $111,624—29% more than Civil Engineering ($86,768). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $132,957 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Kennesaw State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 248 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 240 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 239 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 233 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 227 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Construction Management
- Computer Engineering
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Information Science/Studies
- Civil Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Programming
- Human Services, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Architecture
- Journalism
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- History
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Systems Engineering
- Public Health
- Geography and Cartography
- Anthropology
- Business/Managerial Economics
- International Business
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Dance
- Applied Mathematics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Music
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Construction Engineering
- Area Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Engineering-Related Technologies
- Philosophy
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Master's Degrees (20 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Administration
- Statistics
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Information Science/Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Mechanical Engineering
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Construction Management
- Area Studies
- Security Science and Technology
- Architecture
Online Doctoral Degrees (7 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Data Analytics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (10 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Philosophy
- Systems Engineering
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Design and Applied Arts
- Area Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (13 programs)▼
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Engineering-Related Technologies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Journalism
- Construction Management
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Information Science/Studies
- Housing and Human Environments
- Computer Science
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 41,254
- Full-Time Students 75.8%
- Part-Time Students 24.2%
- Male Students 50.1%
- Female Students 49.9%
- Caucasian 39.2%
- Asian 6.0%
- Hispanic 17.0%
- Black 28.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 37.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Kennesaw State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Kennesaw State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Kennesaw State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Kennesaw State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Kennesaw State University has a diverse student body, with 39.2% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Kennesaw State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Kennesaw State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Kennesaw State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #936 nationally with a 89.5% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $15,048 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $68,306 median earnings. The 52.2% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 76.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Kennesaw State University's Strengths
Ranked #936 with a B grade, Kennesaw State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Kennesaw State University excel at providing affordable education ($15,048 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Kennesaw State University's 76.7% retention and 52.2% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($68,306 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Kennesaw State University's 89.5% ROI and $15,048 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 52.2% graduation rate sits 10.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.7% first-year retention is 0.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 89.5% return on investment is 39.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $68,306 run about 13% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $15,048 is roughly $5,031 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 23:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.7% employment rate within three years sits 17.5 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #936 nationally Category results include Completion (B-), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 76.7% retention, 52.2% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 51.5% earning an award within eight years. The reported ROI is 89.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $15,048 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,008.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,960 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,833 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 37.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $68,306 four years after graduation. This is roughly 13% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 85.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 89.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
69.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Kennesaw State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kennesaw State University's acceptance rate?
Kennesaw State University's acceptance rate is 69.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Kennesaw State University cost?
At Kennesaw State University, listed tuition and fees are $5,808 per year, and the average net price after aid is $15,048. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Kennesaw State University's ranking?
Kennesaw State University ranks #936 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Kennesaw State University's graduation rate?
At Kennesaw State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 52.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 51.5%, and first-year retention is 76.7%.
What are Kennesaw State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Kennesaw State University report median earnings of $68,306 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Kennesaw State University's student population?
Kennesaw State University enrolls about 41,254 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Kennesaw, GA 30144
- Website www.kennesaw.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$111.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate27.4%