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Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA·Public·39,503 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want a major research university experience and in-state Georgia residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 39,503 students.

69%
Accept
39,503
Students
$16,972
Net Price
48%
Grad Rate
$47,900
Earnings
10 yr
$14,250
Debt

About This School

Kennesaw State University is a public institution located in Kennesaw, Georgia with approximately 39,503 undergraduate students enrolled. Kennesaw State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 69%. The average net price after financial aid is $16,972 per year. The graduation rate is 48%, and the typical graduate earns $47,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public research university in the U.S. state of Georgia with two campuses in the Atlanta metropolitan area, one in the Kennesaw area and the other in Marietta on a combined 581 acres (235 ha) of land. The school was founded in 1963 by the Georgia Board of Regents using local bonds and a federal space-grant during a time of major Georgia economic expansion after World War II. KSU also holds classes at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Dalton State College, and in Paulding County (Dallas). The total enrollment exceeds 51,000 students making KSU the third-largest university by enrollment in Georgia.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $16,972/year net cost and only $14,250 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a degree in the Atlanta metro — and proximity to a major job market is a real advantage. However, the 48% graduation rate is a genuine concern, meaning roughly half of students who start here don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. This is a strong option for cost-conscious students who are self-directed and have a clear plan, particularly in business or IT fields where metro Atlanta connections can help push earnings beyond the $47,900 median.

Founded
1963
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing17%
Engineering14%
Computer Science10%
Psychology8%
Health Professions7%
Communications5%
Education5%
Biological Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Ryan SeacrestBronson RechsteinerTy PenningtonFelton Perry

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1120
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile600

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$5,786
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,040
Avg Net Price
$16,972
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$14,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
48%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
79%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White43%
Black27%
Hispanic/Latino16%
Asian6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (39,503 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Kennesaw State University

1000 Chastain Rd

Kennesaw, GA 30144

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Georgia

Browse all Georgia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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