Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, United States
- Cost of Living$ 20,664
- Tuition Fee From$ 15,990
- Country Rank#225
- Batch Strength41,181
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a coeducational, public, comprehensive university that was founded in 1963. The university has been known for its entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community for over 50 years. It is located just north of Atlanta, with campuses in Marietta and Kennesaw. With a little more than 1,000 students in 1963, the university now has more than 32,000 students enrolled in various academic programmes in education, business, criminal justice, sports management, and nursing.
KSU was chartered by the Board of Regents on October 9, 1963, during one of Georgia's most dramatic periods of college expansion. The Georgia Board of Regents approved the establishment of a junior college, tentatively named Cobb County Junior College, which became the university. Horace Sturgis was appointed as the future college's first president in December 1964. Kennesaw Junior College was founded in the fall of 1966, with an initial enrollment of 1,014 students. Thirteen years later, in 1976, Kennesaw Junior College was transformed into a four-year college and renamed Kennesaw College. Betty Siegel became Kennesaw College's second president in 1981, and the University System of Georgia's first female university president.
By 1985, KSU had established its first graduate degree programmes in business and education, as well as begun a period of rapid growth that included the construction of some residential housing. Finally, in 1988, Kennesaw College was renamed Kennesaw State College, and associate degrees were phased out, with the exception of nursing. Kennesaw State was granted university status in 1996.
KSU is the third-largest university in Georgia and a member of the University System of Georgia along with two campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. The university is ranked 71st in the 2016 edition of Best Regional Universities in the South of the United States. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, entrepreneurial spirit, and Division I athletics attract students from all over the region and from 92 different countries. Kennesaw State University is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6% of U.S. colleges and universities with R1 or R2 status. There are numerous academic programmes available at the university, including business, education, engineering, nursing, physical sciences, information technology, criminal justice, and sports management.
It is a comprehensive institution recognized by the University System of Georgia and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university is divided into 13 colleges and offers 52 bachelor's degrees, 21 master's degree programmes, one specialist degree, and five doctoral programmes; the university also offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university's research activity is focused on four major research themes: biomedical and health, computing and technology, human development and well-being, and sustainable and safe communities.
Ranking
According to US News & World Report's National University Ranking for 2024, Kennesaw State University is ranked #394-#425 in National Universities. The university was also ranked between #211 - #227 in Top Public Schools by USNW. Prior to this, the university was ranked 230 for 2018 and 2019, and 293 for 2020. In addition to other ranking factors, the US News & World Report's methodology for ranking includes 12.5% each of the number of publications cited, global research reputation, and regional research reputation. Listed below are some of the notable Kennesaw State University rankings-
- #708 - Best Colleges In Nation - College Factual 2024
- #15 - Best Schools In Georgia - College Factual 2024
- #301 - Top Public Universities in America - Niche 2024
- #367 - Most Diverse Colleges in America - Niche 2024
Course-wise Rankings As Per Niche 2024:
- #59 - Best Colleges for Information Technology in America
- #71 - Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America
- #161 - Best Colleges for Computer Science in America
- #270 - Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America
- #301 - Best Colleges for Business in America
- #323 - Best Colleges for Political Science in America
- #345 - Best Colleges for Psychology in America
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
-
#1792
2022
-
#1792
Facilities
Apart from affordable tuition, another reason for KSU's popularity among international students is the university's vibrant campus life. Sports clubs, academic societies, co-curricular clubs, and Greek fraternities and sororities are among the 300+ student organizations on campus. Here’s the list of Kennesaw State University facilities-
Student Services: Incoming first-year students can connect with campus through the Center for Student Leadership, learning communities, and free academic support services such as the SMART Center. First-year seminars are designed specifically for new students beginning their college life, and there are global education prospects for students in their first year of study.
Housing Services: The institute has a variety of on-campus housing options. The university's housing communities all feature fully furnished rooms, individual contracts, all-inclusive rates, and high-speed Wi-Fi. All of the communities are close to the campus. Housing and residence life staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help make the on-campus housing experience memorable and meaningful.
Library Services: The KSU Library System is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with access restricted to the ground floor computer labs. Please keep in mind that the KSU Libraries are only open to KSU students, faculty, staff, and other USG students in order to limit exposure.
ICT Services: UITS provides KSU with the technology required for academic collaboration, research, and innovation by faculty, staff, and students.
Medical Services: WellStar Medical Group manages Student Health Services. WellStar Medical Group was founded in 1994 with the goal of establishing a truly integrated health system.
Sports Facilities: The University's Department of Athletics proudly announced that the new KSU Sports Performance Facility was officially open for business on November 14, 2011, for all KSU student-athletes. The facility is located on Big Shanty Road, adjacent to KSU's main campus, and shares space with the basketball, volleyball, and golf indoor practice facilities. The 3,000-square-foot facility has high ceilings, spacious workout areas, and cutting-edge equipment, including six treadmills added in 2015.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
Kennesaw State University acceptance rate is 68% for international students in 2024. It is among the 29% of the most difficult universities to get into in the United States.
Kennesaw State University accepted 67.85% of applicants in 2023. It has been consistent with its 67.98% average acceptance rate over the past eight years. However, admission was slightly more competitive in 2023 compared to the previous year. The 2023 yield (enrolled students) of 49.05% fell below the 56.42% average period. The number of KSU applicants decreased by 300 (1.44%) compared to the prior year.
Entry Requirements
The university offers over 150 graduate and undergraduate programmes. In the recent academic year, the university saw an enrollment of 41,181 students. There are few Kennesaw State University entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. It is advised that applicants who wish to be admitted to undergraduate and graduate programmes adhere to the rules listed below.
For Undergraduate Admissions-
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA 2.50
- SAT/ACT scores
- SAT (Evidence-based reading and writing) - 500
- ACT (English/Reading) - 18
- English Proficiency Test: TOEFL iBT- 79+; TOEFL PBT 550+; IELTS- 6.5
- Assessment of high school records, including GPA
SAT or ACT scores must be submitted by applicants with a GPA of less than 3.2 in order to be considered for undergraduate admission to Kennesaw State University.
For Graduate Admissions-
- Official transcripts from every previous university or college
- Analysis of academic records
- Bachelor's degree from a college or university with accreditation
- Min. GPA over 2.75
- English language proficiency test scores: TOEFL PBT - 550; TOEFL CBT - 213; TOEFL iBT - 80
- GRE/GMAT scores
Fees
Kennesaw State University, a public institution, offers affordable options for Indian students. Over 170 programmes are available to international students at the university. The Kennesaw State University fees range up to $40,212 /Yr for full-time programmes. Listed below are the top courses along with their average annual fees-
- M.S Computer Science - $20,524 /Yr
- M.S Information Technology - $20,524 /Yr
- M.S.W - $20,524 /Yr
- M.S Software Engineering - $20,524 /Yr
- M.Acc - $20,524 /Yr
- M.B.A/M.S.I.S - $20,524 /Yr
- M.S Mechanical Engineering - $20,524 /Yr
- M.Acc - $20,524 /Yr
Placements
Over the years, the university has shown to have a high rate of successful career outcomes. According to the first destination survey, 79.47% of 2019–2020 graduates had full-time jobs waiting for them when they graduated. The Kennesaw State University placements and career centre's services have helped to improve graduate outcomes over the years, which has also played a role. The university offers many opportunities for experiential learning, including co-ops, internships, and job shadowing programmes.
The Career Services Center supports the University's mission by assisting alumni and current students in developing their careers and preparing for the dynamic workplace. It provides access to services, programmes, and experiences that develop knowledgeable and competitive professionals who will contribute to local and international communities through strategic engagement with internal and external partners. Every semester, the university also hosts a variety of career fairs on its campus. This includes job and internship fairs for graduate schools, STEM fields, co-ops, and accounting, finance, and fintech. Additionally, students have access to career-related resources like the GAfutures Career Self-Assessment Tool, BigInterview, and Handshake.
Scholarship
UniScholars dedicates its efforts to levelling the playing field for students seeking higher education. They compile a diverse selection of scholarships suited to various fields and backgrounds, prioritising accessibility. With this support, UniScholars empowers students to follow their academic passions without being hindered by financial constraints.
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Kennesaw State University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or in a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodation near the Kennesaw State University, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
It's easy to see why Georgia appeals to so many people. The climate is mild, and the cost of living is among the lowest in the country (about 11 per cent lower than the national average). There's plenty of history and traditional Southern charm, as well as New South innovation and cosmopolitan sophistication. Atlanta, Columbus, Savannah, and Augusta are Georgia's major cities, and they are growing at a reasonable pace, which helps keep housing costs low while providing exciting neighbourhoods, facilities, and amenities. If you're considering relocating, we'll go over the costs you can expect to incur as well as the overall cost of living in Georgia.
|
Item |
Cost (Per Month) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$882 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$1,038 |
|
Transportation |
$125 |
|
Food |
$398 |
|
Utility |
$183 |
|
Entertainment |
$56 |
|
Groceries |
$76 |
|
Clothes |
$185 |
|
Health Insurance |
$80 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) |
$1,985 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) |
$2,141 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$23,820 |