Elon vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, 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 Elon based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 7,239 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Elon vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Elon ($15,636 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kennesaw State University are 11.3% lower than at Elon University ($13,287 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 708.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $41,150 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 164.8% higher at Elon than at Kennesaw State University (about $29,222 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University than at Elon University (92% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 117.3% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($17,867 vs. $8,223).

Elon vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or KSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between KSU and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 100 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming Elon students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at KSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Elon University 1130/1280; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Elon University 23/28; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Elon students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at KSU (3.33).
• KSU has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 38% at KSU.

Elon vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and KSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate is 82%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from Elon University have median earnings of about $56,200 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for KSU.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $2,050 lower median loan debt than Elon graduates ($21,200 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elon graduates ($219 vs. $240).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.