Admit rate has ranged 68%–83% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Kennesaw State University is a fast-growing public university just north of Atlanta, blending suburban accessibility with big-city opportunities. Known for its business and engineering programs, KSU offers a practical, career-focused education with a lively campus culture and strong ties to Georgia's job market. With an acceptance rate hovering around 69%, it's an accessible option for students seeking value—92% of incoming students receive financial aid.
Admission requirements
Test scores required
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
41,254
In-state tuition
$5,808
Out-of-state tuition
$17,736
Acceptance Rate
69%
Degrees Offered
190+
Median Early Salary
$48,335
Students Receiving Aid
92%
Six-Year Graduation Rate
48%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,552
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.8×
Median debt at graduation
$23,833
Graduation rate
52%
First-year retention
77%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
53%
Pell (lower-income) share
58%
First-generation share
27%
Endowment / student
$3,007
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer Science$68,499
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management$67,846
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$64,659
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$63,622
Computer Engineering
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
15
Per 1,000 students
0.36
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
99
Summer high
86°F
Winter low
39°F
Annual rain
63.7"
Annual snow
1.3"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
212
Scholarly works
15,677
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
1.2%
Bottom → top quintile
24%
From bottom quintile
5%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Kennesaw State University?
Kennesaw State University's acceptance rate is approximately 69% (Kennesaw, GA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Kennesaw State University?
Admitted students at Kennesaw State University typically score 1000–1220 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Kennesaw State University cost?
At Kennesaw State University, the average net price (after aid) is about $15,048 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Kennesaw State University?
Kennesaw State University enrolls approximately 41,254 undergraduate students.
Where is Kennesaw State University located?
Kennesaw State University is located in Kennesaw, GA.
Admissions
Kennesaw State maintains a moderately selective admissions process with a 69% acceptance rate, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The middle 50% of admitted freshmen score between 1010–1210 on the SAT or 19–22 on the ACT. Dual enrollment is available for high-achieving 10th graders with a minimum 1200 SAT or equivalent ACT score.
Application deadline: June 30 (regular decision)
Test-flexible: Accepts SAT or ACT (but won't combine scores)
Admissions office: 3391 Town Point Drive, MD 9111 | (770) 423-6300
While not as competitive as Georgia's flagship universities, KSU has seen growing interest—its admissions rate has fluctuated between 58-69% in recent years.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$63,005
Mechanical Engineering$63,005
Construction Management$62,409
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
KSU offers 190+ degree programs across 11 colleges, with particular strengths in business, engineering, and computer science. The curriculum leans practical—many programs emphasize hands-on learning and industry connections.
Notable aspects:
Coles College of Business: 79% of graduates secure jobs within 3 months, with average starting salaries competitive for the region
Affordable online programs: Ranked among the nation's best for cost-effectiveness in online bachelor's degrees
Pre-professional preparation: Alumni praise STEM programs (like biology/chemistry) for effectively preparing students for medical school admissions
While not a research powerhouse, KSU focuses on career-ready skills—a Reddit user noted its biology program 'prepared me extremely well for the MCAT.'
KSU's suburban campuses buzz with activity—85% of students report feeling 'extremely safe,' and the university earns an A- for campus life from Niche. The vibe is collaborative rather than cutthroat, with frequent outdoor events and games.
Highlights:
Residential communities: Housing options promote 'growth and individuality' (per university materials), though many students commute
Global/entrepreneurial focus: University-sponsored programs emphasize international perspectives and startup culture
Social scene: Greek life exists but doesn't dominate; students describe a mix of 'bars, restaurants, and athletics' as key gathering points
One Reddit user summarized it as: 'People are always outdoors playing games... there's plenty of fun events monthly.'
KSU's 48% six-year graduation rate lags behind national averages but aligns with peer institutions in Georgia. Earnings outcomes are solid for the region:
Median early-career salary: $48,335 (Niche)
Business graduates: Average $50K+ starting salaries (Coles College data)
Key trends:
Graduation rates have risen from 42% (2012) to 48% (2021)
Outcomes vary by program—business and engineering alumni report stronger job placement
The takeaway? While KSU isn't a guaranteed ticket to elite careers, its affordable programs deliver decent returns, especially for students who leverage Atlanta's job market.
KSU stands out for affordability—92% of incoming students receive grants/scholarships, reducing the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $17,566/year.
Hope Scholarship: Widely used by Georgia residents to offset costs
The university's 'Best Value Calculator' helps estimate costs, though actual aid packages often lower the sticker price significantly. For context, KSU's net price is $10K+ below the national public university average.
KSU carves a niche as Atlanta's pragmatic sibling—close enough to the city for internships and networking, but with a more manageable scale and price tag. Three distinctive strengths:
1. Career accelerator: Strong industry ties in business/tech, with programs designed around Georgia's job market needs 2. Accessibility: Nearly all students receive aid, and admissions policies welcome a broad academic range 3. Growing reputation: While not yet elite, rankings improvements and program expansions signal upward momentum
Ideal for students who want: A low-debt path to regional employment, hands-on professors, and school spirit without cutthroat competition. Not the best fit for those seeking Ivy-level prestige or a quintessential college-town vibe.
Kennesaw State University logo · sourceOffices & Services - Campus Hub · sourceVisit · sourceKennesaw State University recognized as Military Support College of Distinction - News · source
