Kennesaw State University vs Albany State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Kennesaw State University comes out ahead: 60/100 to 14/100, a 46-point edge over Albany State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Albany State University runs $11,898 a year against $15,048 at Kennesaw State University - $3,150 more a year, or about $12,600 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Kennesaw State University graduates earn a median $57,552 against $40,674 at Albany State University. The cost earns itself back in 8.9 years at Kennesaw State University and 33.1 years at Albany State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Kennesaw State University owing a median $23,833 versus $25,024 at Albany State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.62 and 0.92 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Kennesaw State University | Albany State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $5,808 | $5,656 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,736 | $17,008 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,048 | $11,898 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $60,192 | $47,592 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $38,200 | $27,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,552 | $40,674 |
| Graduation Rate | 52.2% | 31.1% |
| Payback Period | 8.9 yr | 33.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $23,833 | $25,024 |
| Monthly Payment | $253 | $265 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.62 | 0.92 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 69.2% | 27.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 60.1% | 25.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 69.2% | N/A |
| Enrollment | 41,254 | 5,956 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Kennesaw State Unive... | Albany State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,235 | $10,693 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,661 | $11,147 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,185 | $13,785 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,263 | $16,419 |
| $110,001+ | $19,309 | $17,324 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Kennesaw State Unive... | Albany State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $87,935 | $87,799 |
| Accounting | $77,710 | $52,363 |
| Marketing | $72,089 | $50,366 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,708 | $49,246 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,675 | $39,265 |
| Biology | $57,435 | $49,440 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,033 | $49,310 |
| Teacher Education | $51,386 | $51,782 |
| Psychology | $50,645 | $41,153 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $27,636 | $29,798 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Kennesaw State Unive... | Albany State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 79 | 22 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 69 | 16 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 45 | 7 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 44 | 11 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 38 | 1 |
| Overall ROI Score | 60 | 14 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Kennesaw State University clearly outperforms Albany State University (60 vs 14), a 46-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Albany State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Kennesaw State University.
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Kennesaw State University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Albany State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.