GWU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, 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 GWU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 3,104 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

GWU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU 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 GWU ($15,636 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 14.1% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($11,410 vs. $13,287).
• Gardner Webb University is 498.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $28,952 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96% higher at GWU than at Kennesaw State University (about $17,024 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Kennesaw State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 229.4% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($27,088 vs. $8,223).

GWU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU 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 GWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 20 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming GWU students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 22) as students at KSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman GWU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at KSU (3.33).
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 38% at KSU.

GWU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU 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.

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate is 55%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University have median earnings of about $40,500 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 $3,769 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($21,200 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($219 vs. $258).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 52%)

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.