Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University is a public university in Kennesaw, GA ranked #1181 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 39,503 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 69.2%. 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, 78.7% first-year retention, and 48.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $16,972, closely tracking the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -29.5%, roughly 114.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $47,863. That's about $4,175 higher than national results. 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 48.1% of students within six years and keeps 78.7% 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 | $5,786 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,027 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,614 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,618 |
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 35.4% 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 $13,754 to $20,512 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 $20,179/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,512/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $47,863
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,863
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 49.7%
- 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: While Kennesaw State University graduates earn $47,863 median, the -29.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-620
- SAT Math 500-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 39,503
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 78.7%
- Graduation Rate 48.1%
- 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 1020 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)â–¼
- 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)â–¼
- 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)â–¼
- 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)â–¼
- 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)â–¼
- 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 39,503
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 50.3%
- Female Students 49.7%
- Caucasian 42.6%
- Asian 5.8%
- Hispanic 15.7%
- Black 26.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 35.4%
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 42.6% 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 #1181 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $16,972 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $47,863 median earnings. The 48.1% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 78.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Kennesaw State University's Strengths
Ranked #1181 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 ($16,972 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 78.7% retention and 48.1% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($47,863 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Kennesaw State University and $16,972 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 48.1% six-year graduation rate sits 14.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 78.7% first-year retention is 1.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -29.5% return on investment is 114.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $47,863 run about 10% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $16,972 is roughly $2,938 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 23:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 78.7% 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 #1181 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: 78.7% retention and 48.1% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -29.5%, 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 $16,972 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,618.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,646 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 35.4% 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 $47,863 six years after entry. This is roughly 10% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 85.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -29.5%, 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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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$94.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.1%