Kennesaw State University vs University of North Texas
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, University of North Texas comes out ahead: 67/100 to 60/100, a 7-point edge over Kennesaw 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, Kennesaw State University runs $15,048 a year against $15,649 at University of North Texas - $601 more a year, or about $2,404 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Kennesaw State University graduates earn a median $57,552 against $57,010 at University of North Texas. The cost earns itself back in 8.9 years at Kennesaw State University and 9.2 years at University of North Texas.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of North Texas owing a median $19,250 versus $23,833 at Kennesaw State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.62 and 0.49 - 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 | University of North Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $5,808 | $11,309 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,736 | $21,149 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,048 | $15,649 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $60,192 | $62,596 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $38,200 | $39,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,552 | $57,010 |
| Graduation Rate | 52.2% | 60.7% |
| Payback Period | 8.9 yr | 9.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $23,833 | $19,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $253 | $204 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.62 | 0.49 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 69.2% | 67.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 60.1% | 64.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 69.2% | 72.2% |
| Enrollment | 41,254 | 34,341 |
| SAT Range | 1000-1220 | 980-1230 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Kennesaw State Unive... | University of North ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,235 | $12,311 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,661 | $12,668 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,185 | $14,473 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,263 | $19,576 |
| $110,001+ | $19,309 | $22,943 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Kennesaw State Unive... | University of North ... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $103,054 | $109,151 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $83,249 | $104,024 |
| Electrical Engineering | $96,935 | $95,294 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,860 | $87,257 |
| Information Science | $84,364 | $69,097 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $83,083 | $80,138 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $81,002 | $77,061 |
| Mathematics | $79,833 | $62,465 |
| Accounting | $77,710 | $79,124 |
| Business Information Systems | $71,736 | $78,740 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,708 | $75,657 |
| Marketing | $72,089 | $66,673 |
| International Relations | $61,971 | $57,852 |
| Chemistry | $56,784 | $61,473 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $59,054 | $60,655 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Kennesaw State Unive... | University of North ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 79 | 76 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 69 | 66 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 45 | 75 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 44 | 61 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 38 | 33 |
| Overall ROI Score | 60 | 67 |
The Verdict
University of North Texas has the clearly stronger ROI here (67 vs 60) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Kennesaw State University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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Kennesaw State University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of North Texas
Fair 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.