AU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, SC with Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kennesaw State University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 4,710 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, SC (Small City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 13:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

AU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or KSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Kennesaw State University than AU ($15,636 vs. $24,434).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 4.3% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($12,720 vs. $13,287).
• Anderson University is 502.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $29,162 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.2% higher at AU than at Kennesaw State University (about $17,234 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Kennesaw State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 215.8% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($25,969 vs. $8,223).

AU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or KSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between KSU and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 80 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming AU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at KSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 1100/1280; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 22/29; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at KSU (3.33).
• KSU has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at AU vs. 38% at KSU.

AU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and KSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $5,662 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($21,200 vs. $26,862).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($219 vs. $277).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.