When comparing Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and Kennesaw State University (KSU), several key differences emerge for prospective students.
Admission and Cost: KSU is more selective with a 67.85% acceptance rate compared to SCAD's 81.73%. However, cost differences are substantial. KSU charges $5,786 for in-state students and $17,040 for out-of-state, while SCAD costs $40,595 regardless of residency. The average net price reflects this gap: $16,972 at KSU versus $45,450 at SCAD.
Academic Focus: SCAD specializes exclusively in art and design programs with 14,423 students and a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. KSU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, serving 39,503 students with a 23:1 ratio.
Campus Experience: KSU provides the traditional college experience with NCAA Division I athletics and a larger student body. SCAD offers a focused artistic environment with NJCAA athletics and smaller enrollment concentrated on creative disciplines.
Outcomes: KSU graduates earn higher median salaries at $57,552 after ten years compared to SCAD's $45,954. However, SCAD demonstrates stronger retention (86.83% vs 78.74%) and graduation rates (70.50% vs 48.10%). Both schools have similar debt loads around $24,000-$25,000.
Students passionate about art and design who value specialized instruction and higher completion rates may prefer SCAD, while those seeking affordability, diverse academic options, and traditional college athletics would find better value at KSU.
Admission and Cost: KSU is more selective with a 67.85% acceptance rate compared to SCAD's 81.73%. However, cost differences are substantial. KSU charges $5,786 for in-state students and $17,040 for out-of-state, while SCAD costs $40,595 regardless of residency. The average net price reflects this gap: $16,972 at KSU versus $45,450 at SCAD.
Academic Focus: SCAD specializes exclusively in art and design programs with 14,423 students and a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. KSU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, serving 39,503 students with a 23:1 ratio.
Campus Experience: KSU provides the traditional college experience with NCAA Division I athletics and a larger student body. SCAD offers a focused artistic environment with NJCAA athletics and smaller enrollment concentrated on creative disciplines.
Outcomes: KSU graduates earn higher median salaries at $57,552 after ten years compared to SCAD's $45,954. However, SCAD demonstrates stronger retention (86.83% vs 78.74%) and graduation rates (70.50% vs 48.10%). Both schools have similar debt loads around $24,000-$25,000.
Students passionate about art and design who value specialized instruction and higher completion rates may prefer SCAD, while those seeking affordability, diverse academic options, and traditional college athletics would find better value at KSU.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Kennesaw State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 81.7% | 67.9% |
| SAT Average | 1,170 | 1,120 |
| Enrollment | 14,423 | 39,503 |
| In-State Tuition | $40,595 | $5,786 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,595 | $17,040 |
| Net Price | $45,450 | $16,972 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.5% | 48.1% |
| Retention Rate | 86.8% | 78.7% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $45,954 | $57,552 |
| Median Debt | $25,148 | $23,833 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Kennesaw State University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | $44,817 | Computer Science. | $68,499 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | $39,369 | Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | $67,846 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services. | $35,060 | Engineering Technology, General. | $66,287 |
| Apparel and Textiles. | $33,993 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $64,659 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $26,977 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $63,622 |