Columbus State vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA 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 Columbus State based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbus 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: Columbus State University 16:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Columbus State vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State 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 Columbus State University than KSU ($12,420 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 11.8% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($11,720 vs. $13,287).
• Columbus State University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $90 more per year; $5,898.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at KSU than at Columbus State University (about $126 more per year; $17,736.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University than at Columbus State University (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 9.5% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($9,003 vs. $8,223).

Columbus State vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State 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 Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 180 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming KSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KSU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 38% at KSU.

Columbus State vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State 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 $4,800 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($21,200 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($219 vs. $268).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 37%)

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.