Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Kennesaw 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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Kennesaw State University come out about even on financial return. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus scores 62/100 and Kennesaw State University scores 60/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Kennesaw State University runs $15,048 a year against $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - $17,827 more a year, or about $71,308 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $63,435 against $57,552 at Kennesaw State University. The cost earns itself back in 9.5 years at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and 8.9 years at Kennesaw State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Kennesaw State University owing a median $23,833 versus $25,000 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.57 and 0.62 - 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 | Pennsylvania State Univer... | Kennesaw State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $20,644 | $5,808 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,790 | $17,736 |
| Net Price (avg) | $32,875 | $15,048 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $131,500 | $60,192 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,600 | $38,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,435 | $57,552 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.1% | 52.2% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 8.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $25,000 | $23,833 |
| Monthly Payment | $265 | $253 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.57 | 0.62 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 79.3% | 69.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.8% | 60.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 60.6% | 69.2% |
| Enrollment | 42,284 | 41,254 |
| SAT Range | 1240-1420 | 1000-1220 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Pennsylvania State U... | Kennesaw State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $19,845 | $12,235 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $20,049 | $12,661 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $25,667 | $15,185 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $31,834 | $18,263 |
| $110,001+ | $37,831 | $19,309 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Pennsylvania State U... | Kennesaw State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $120,729 | $83,249 |
| Computer Engineering | $112,269 | $103,054 |
| Computer Science | $101,854 | $96,481 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $98,637 | $95,958 |
| Electrical Engineering | $93,277 | $96,935 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $96,714 | $81,002 |
| Information Science | $91,671 | $84,364 |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $81,472 | $91,329 |
| Registered Nursing | $91,032 | $87,935 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,997 | $88,860 |
| Accounting | $88,192 | $77,710 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $79,342 | $83,083 |
| Civil Engineering | $81,403 | $83,012 |
| Environmental Engineering | $80,855 | $61,701 |
| Mathematics | $77,336 | $79,833 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Pennsylvania State U... | Kennesaw State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 46 | 79 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 69 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 58 | 45 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 44 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 68 | 38 |
| Overall ROI Score | 62 | 60 |
The Verdict
It's close. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus edges out Kennesaw State University by 2 points (62 vs 60), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Kennesaw State University
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.