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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Kennesaw State typically score between 1020 and 1220 on the SAT, with a median around 1120. Math scores range from 500 to 600, while verbal scores span 520 to 620, indicating balanced expectations across both sections. ACT scores range from 19 to 25, with a median of 23. These ranges represent the middle 50% of enrolled students, meaning 25% score below the lower bound and 25% score above the upper bound. Students scoring below 1020 SAT or 19 ACT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. The peer median SAT score is 1198, indicating that Kennesaw State's admitted students score 78 points below the typical peer institution average. This difference reflects the university's commitment to accessible admission while maintaining reasonable academic standards. Students whose scores fall within or above the middle 50% ranges should feel academically competitive for admission. The ACT and SAT ranges suggest that students with B-average high school performance and solid standardized test preparation typically gain admission. Prospective students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college lists, treating Kennesaw State as a realistic option rather than a reach school for most qualified applicants.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Kennesaw State enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to educational access. The university serves 35.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating more than one-third of enrolled students come from lower-income families. Additionally, 26.9% are first-generation college students, demonstrating meaningful enrollment of students whose parents did not complete four-year degrees. The institution also serves 28.6% transfer students, reflecting its role in providing pathways for students beginning their higher education journey at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests that Kennesaw State actively enrolls students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds, supporting its classification as an Opportunity Builder institution. The substantial Pell and first-generation shares indicate that the university successfully attracts and enrolls students who might face barriers at more selective institutions. Geographic diversity data suggests the university primarily serves Georgia residents while also attracting out-of-state students seeking value-oriented education. First-generation students should know that more than one in four enrolled students share their background, providing peer support and institutional understanding of their unique needs. Students from lower-income families will find themselves among a substantial cohort of peers with similar financial circumstances.
Given Kennesaw State's 69% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should gain admission. However, students seeking alternatives may want additional geographic options, different cost structures, or varied academic environments.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Kennesaw State maintains a 78.7% first-year retention rate, meaning roughly 8 in 10 freshmen return for their sophomore year. This falls below the peer median of 83.7%, indicating some challenges in first-year student support compared to similar institutions. The six-year graduation rate stands at 48.1%, significantly below the peer median of 65.8%. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 47.1%, creating a gap of just 1.0 percentage point compared to the overall completion rate. This small Pell gap suggests that once enrolled, lower-income students receive adequate support for degree completion relative to their peers. The retention and completion patterns indicate that academic preparation and institutional support systems play important roles in student success. Students who gain admission should expect to encounter typical challenges associated with large public universities, including navigating academic requirements and accessing support services. The relatively small difference in completion rates between Pell and non-Pell students demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds through graduation. Prospective students should view these completion rates as realistic expectations rather than guarantees, understanding that success requires active engagement with academic resources and support systems available on campus.
Similar quality tier in Southeast (#36 ranked)
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Similar quality tier (#32 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#30 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#35 ranked)
Stronger graduate earnings at comparable price points.
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools