Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University admits 69.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 students who apply receive an offer of admission. This places Kennesaw State in the Moderately Selective category, making it accessible to a broad range of qualified students.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that Kennesaw State is somewhat more selective than typical institutions in its comparison group, accepting 8.9 percentage points fewer applicants than the peer average. This level of selectivity suggests that while admission is achievable for most academically prepared students, applicants should still present competitive academic credentials.

The university's admission standards allow for meaningful access while maintaining academic quality, supporting its mission as a public institution serving diverse student populations. Students considering Kennesaw State should view it as a match or safety school rather than a reach, particularly for Georgia residents with solid high school preparation.

The moderate selectivity level means that students can approach their applications with confidence while still taking care to present their strongest academic profile. This admission rate supports the university's role in providing educational opportunity for first-generation college students and those from lower-income families who comprise significant portions of the student body.

Kennesaw State University's published cost of attendance reaches $24,618 annually, including $17,040 in out-of-state tuition, $5,786 in in-state tuition, $13,027 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $16,972 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,646 from the sticker price.

This net price falls $1,382 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability relative to similar institutions. The university's financial aid effectiveness demonstrates its commitment to making education accessible, particularly for Georgia residents who benefit from significantly lower in-state tuition rates.

Net prices vary substantially by family income level, ranging from $13,754 for the lowest-income families to $20,512 for the highest-income tier. This progressive pricing structure ensures that students from diverse economic backgrounds can access quality higher education.

The gap between published and actual costs highlights the importance of applying for financial aid, as most families pay significantly less than the advertised price. Kennesaw State's cost structure supports its role as an Opportunity Builder institution, providing pathways to degree completion without excessive financial burden.

Kennesaw State graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their careers. Median earnings grow from $47,863 six years after enrollment to $52,536 at eight years and $57,552 at ten years, representing 20.2% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on robust cohorts of 8,878 six-year graduates, 9,341 eight-year graduates, and 9,161 ten-year graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. The institution generates $7,451 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 80.8th percentile for earnings uplift.

This indicates that Kennesaw State's educational programs and career support systems effectively prepare students for higher-earning roles than would be predicted based on their incoming characteristics. Low-income graduates earn $45,200, demonstrating that students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve solid post-graduation outcomes.

Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the 75th percentile earning $86,280 compared to $36,258 at the 25th percentile, a 2.4:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career paths. Approximately 25.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

Kennesaw State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Computer Engineering ranks #63 nationally, producing 84 graduates with median earnings of $87,629 and a value score of 49.6.

Computer Science ranks #112 nationally and #4 in Georgia, graduating 240 students with median earnings of $85,553. Artificial Intelligence ranks #66 nationally and #3 in Georgia, graduating 219 students with median earnings of $79,847 and an exceptional value score of 67.7.

Adult Health Nursing ranks #160 nationally and #9 in Georgia, graduating 227 students with median earnings of $71,422. Accounting Technology ranks #90 nationally and #3 in Georgia, producing 233 graduates earning $65,652 with a strong value score of 67.6.

Several programs serve as institutional flagships, including Psychology (390 graduates), Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies (350 graduates), and Business Administration (289 graduates), demonstrating the university's comprehensive program portfolio and strong enrollment across diverse fields.