Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia · Public · 69.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 60/100 · Fair Value
Kennesaw State University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $5,808/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $17,736/yr |
| Average net price | $15,048/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $60,192 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,552 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,833 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $253 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 52.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 41,254 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,235 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,661 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,185 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,263 |
| $110,001+ | $19,309 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Kennesaw State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $50,645 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,708 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $87,935 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,860 | B |
| Biology | $57,435 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $55,897 | D |
| Marketing | $72,089 | C+ |
| Computer Science | $96,481 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $83,249 | C+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $81,002 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Kennesaw State University is $5,808/year ($17,736/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,048/year, or roughly $60,192 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,235/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $19,309/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,833 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $253 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,552 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.62 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 63.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 69.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 60.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 65.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 69.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 490-600 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 510-620 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-26 |
| Enrollment | 41,254 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 37.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,711 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University (this school) | 60 | $15,048 | $57,552 |
| University of North Texas | 67 | $15,649 | $57,010 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 63 | $22,063 | $65,287 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | 62 | $32,875 | $63,435 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | 20 | $6,842 | $34,996 |
| Albany State University | 14 | $11,898 | $40,674 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Kennesaw State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $15,048 per year leads to $60,192 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,552 a decade out. The payback period of 8.9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 52.2% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $23,833 against $57,552 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.