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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,618 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,040 |
| Room and Board | $13,027 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,646 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,972 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,754 |
| $30–48k | $14,822 |
| $48–75k | $17,890 |
| $75–110k | $20,179 |
| $110k+ | $20,512 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Kennesaw State graduates carry median debt of $23,833, which is $3,833 above the peer median of $20,000 but remains manageable relative to post-graduation earnings. Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,088 at the 75th percentile, indicating that many students graduate with minimal borrowing while others take on more substantial debt loads.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 falls within acceptable ranges, meaning graduates can service their debt obligations from median earnings of $57,552. Parent PLUS borrowers face median debt of $16,612 with monthly payments of $218.76, representing additional family financial obligations beyond student borrowing.
The relatively controlled debt levels support the university's value proposition, as graduates achieve earnings beyond expectations while avoiding excessive borrowing. The debt distribution suggests that financial aid successfully limits borrowing for many students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Kennesaw State delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $7,451 beyond expectations, ranking at the 80.8th percentile nationally for earnings uplift, while carrying manageable debt levels.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates sustainable repayment capacity for most graduates. Median earnings of $57,552 provide sufficient income to service typical debt obligations while supporting career advancement and economic mobility.
The university's peer comparisons show $2,991 lower earnings than peer institutions but also $3,833 higher debt levels, creating a mixed value profile that still favors positive return on investment. The combination of accessible admission, moderate costs, and strong earnings uplift positions Kennesaw State favorably for students seeking economic mobility through higher education.
Kennesaw State's financial aid program effectively reduces costs for students across income levels, with average savings of $7,646 from the published cost of attendance. The university's aid strategy particularly benefits lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 receiving the most substantial cost reductions.
The net price progression shows that financial aid successfully targets need-based support, enabling the 35.4% Pell-eligible student population to access higher education at manageable costs. The 26.9% first-generation student share benefits from this aid structure, as many first-generation families fall into lower income categories.
Transfer students comprising 28.6% of enrollment also benefit from the university's financial aid policies, which help facilitate educational pathway completion. The aid effectiveness supports the institution's strong mobility outcomes, ensuring that students from diverse economic backgrounds can pursue degrees without prohibitive debt levels.
