KSU vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA with Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kennesaw State University is larger than VSU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 10,262 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kennesaw State University is located in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting); Valdosta State University is in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting).
• Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kennesaw State University 23:1; Valdosta State University 17:1.

KSU vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KSU or VSU? 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 Valdosta State University than KSU ($11,144 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 28.3% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($9,530 vs. $13,287).
• Valdosta State University is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $316 more per year; $6,124.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at VSU than at Kennesaw State University (about $100 more per year; $17,836.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valdosta State University than at Kennesaw State University (93% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 24.1% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($10,206 vs. $8,223).

KSU vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KSU or VSU? 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 VSU and KSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 100 points higher than at VSU (1010).
• Incoming KSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Kennesaw State University 1000/1220; Valdosta State University 920/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Kennesaw State University 19/26; Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KSU - Required; VSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027; VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman KSU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at VSU (3.23).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38% at KSU vs. 26% at VSU.

KSU vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KSU and VSU? 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.

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate is 43%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from Valdosta State University have median earnings of about $40,300 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 $3,800 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($21,200 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($219 vs. $258).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 41%)

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.