ISU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL 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 ISU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 21,546 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois 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: Illinois State University 19:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

ISU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 ISU ($15,636 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 11.5% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($11,754 vs. $13,287).
• Illinois State University is 178% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $10,336 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.1% higher at ISU than at Kennesaw State University (about $10,474 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Kennesaw State University (96% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois State University students is 57.8% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($12,974 vs. $8,223).

ISU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 10 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU 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: Illinois State University 990/1210; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at KSU (3.33).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 38% at KSU.

ISU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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 $800 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($21,200 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($219 vs. $227).
• More ISU 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.