About Kennesaw State University
The financial picture looks reasonable for most Georgia families. In-state students pay $5,786 in tuition, and the average net price after aid comes to $16,972. Graduates earn a median of $57,552 ten years after graduation, which helps explain why typical loan payments run $253 per month. Students graduate with $23,833 in median debt, a manageable amount given their earning potential. The school keeps costs down while providing pathways to middle-class careers.
The student body reflects Georgia's diversity, with 43% white students, 27% Black students, and 16% Hispanic students. About 95% come from in-state, creating a strong Georgia connection. The 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the 79% retention rate suggests most students adapt well. Only 48% graduate within six years, which is typical for universities that serve many first-generation college students.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.1%
- Retention Rate
- 78.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,552
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $113,759 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,224 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $91,949 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $81,969 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | Master | $77,401 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $77,401 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $73,635 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Doctoral | $73,446 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $73,112 |
| Statistics. | Master | $73,081 |
Campus Life
The Georgia weather means you'll need shorts and t-shirts most of the year, with maybe a light jacket for winter. Snow is rare, but summer gets hot and humid. With 95% of students coming from in-state, you'll be surrounded by Georgia natives who often head home on weekends or hang out at Town Center at Cobb, a huge shopping area right next to campus. The school has grown fast since the 1960s, so the campus mixes newer buildings with practical, no-frills architecture. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life the way it does at some Georgia schools.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 5,912 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
101 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 16 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 16 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–52°F
- July Avg
- 68°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.3%
- Women
- 49.7%
- White
- 42.6%
- Black
- 26.7%
- Hispanic
- 15.7%
- Asian
- 5.8%
- In-State Students
- 95.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.4%
Location
- Address
- Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,552
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,098
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $253/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,833
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Kennesaw State University?
Kennesaw State University accepts 67.85% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1120. The university attracts a diverse student body of nearly 40,000 students who appreciate its accessible admissions standards and proximity to Atlanta.
How much does Kennesaw State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,972, though costs vary by family income from $13,754 for lowest-income families to $20,512 for highest earners. With in-state tuition at just $5,786, KSU remains one of Georgia's most affordable public universities.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Kennesaw State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 23:1, reflecting the challenges of a large public university serving 39,503 students. KSU has built a reputation for strong business and education programs despite its size, with particular strength in undergraduate teaching.
What are the graduation rates at Kennesaw State University?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 48.10%, while graduates earn a median salary of $57,552 ten years after enrollment. KSU serves many first-generation college students and working adults who value the university's practical, career-focused approach to education.
Where is Kennesaw State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in suburban Kennesaw, Georgia, about 30 miles northwest of Atlanta, housing 5,912 students out of nearly 40,000 total enrollment. The retention rate of 78.74% reflects a campus culture that balances small-town Georgia charm with big-city opportunities just down the highway.
Does Kennesaw State University have notable alumni?
KSU's most famous graduate is comedian and actress Amy Poehler, along with former MLB player Colby Rasmus. Founded in 1963, the relatively young university has rapidly grown into one of Georgia's largest institutions, with 95.15% of students coming from in-state.
