RU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Radford University in Radford, VA 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 RU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 7,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Radford University is located in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Radford University 14:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

RU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RU 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 RU ($15,636 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 5.9% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($12,504 vs. $13,287).
• Radford University is 116% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $6,740 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.5% higher at RU than at Kennesaw State University (about $7,897 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at Kennesaw State University (94% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 44.4% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($11,870 vs. $8,223).

RU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RU 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 RU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 60 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming RU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at KSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 940/1160; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 19/26; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at RU vs. 38% at KSU.

RU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RU 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 $1,800 lower median loan debt than RU graduates ($21,200 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RU graduates ($219 vs. $237).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.