ASU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC 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 ASU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 21,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

ASU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU 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 Appalachian State University than KSU ($14,978 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 3.2% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($12,868 vs. $13,287).
• Appalachian State University is 30.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $1,771 more per year; $7,579.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.2% higher at ASU than at Kennesaw State University (about $7,476 more per year; $25,212.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University than at Appalachian State University (92% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kennesaw State University students is 2.6% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($8,223 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU 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 ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 90 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming ASU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at KSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at KSU (3.33).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 38% at KSU.

ASU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU 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, Appalachian State University graduates have a $700 lower median loan debt than KSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,200).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KSU graduates ($211 vs. $219).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.