At $16,972/yr net price, Kennesaw State University graduates earn $57,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,552/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,972 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,552/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,833 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,754/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,822/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,890/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,179/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,512/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $113,759 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,224 | $30,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $91,949 | $40,225 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $81,969 | $41,000 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | Master | $77,401 | $30,750 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $77,401 | $35,556 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $73,635 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Doctoral | $73,446 | $61,813 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $73,112 | |
| Statistics. | Master | $73,081 |
The Risk Factor
48.1% of students at Kennesaw State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Kennesaw State University delivers solid financial returns for specific majors but carries significant risk due to its low graduation rate. Only 48% of students complete their degrees, making this a high-stakes investment where your program choice and personal commitment matter enormously.
The business program stands out with graduates earning $113,759 annually, making it one of the strongest financial bets in Georgia's public university system. Nursing also pays well at $93,224, though you'll graduate with slightly higher debt. Computer science and engineering programs deliver respectable returns in the $77,000-$82,000 range, positioning you well in Atlanta's growing tech market.
Your biggest financial risk is not graduating. Nearly half of students don't finish, and incomplete degrees paired with student debt create serious financial problems. The 79% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year.
This university works best financially if you're entering business, nursing, or computer-related fields and have strong academic preparation. The relatively low net price of $16,972 makes it accessible, but you need realistic expectations about graduation requirements. Students considering liberal arts or undecided majors face much weaker earning prospects with the same dropout risk.
Financial aid reaches only 35% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on maintaining grades for merit scholarships and consider starting at a community college if you're academically unprepared. The location near Atlanta provides internship opportunities, but only if you stay enrolled and graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kennesaw State University worth the cost?
Kennesaw State's ROI depends heavily on your major. Business and nursing programs show strong returns with graduates earning $90,000-$114,000, while the overall graduate median of $57,552 is below average for a four-year degree.
What is the job market like for Kennesaw State University graduates?
KSU graduates in high-demand fields like nursing and computer science find good opportunities in the Atlanta metro area. However, the 48% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs.
How much debt do Kennesaw State University students graduate with?
The typical KSU graduate leaves with $23,833 in debt, which is manageable for nursing and business majors but creates payment challenges for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Which programs at Kennesaw State University have the best return on investment?
Business administration and nursing offer the strongest ROI at KSU, with graduates earning $90,000-$114,000 annually. Computer science and engineering also provide solid returns above $77,000.