SWU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC 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 SWU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 980 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Wesleyan University is located in Central, SC (Distant Town setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Wesleyan University 10:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

SWU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SWU 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 SWU ($15,636 vs. $20,134).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 23.8% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($10,126 vs. $13,287).
• Southern Wesleyan University is 413.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $23,992 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68% higher at SWU than at Kennesaw State University (about $12,064 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Wesleyan University than at Kennesaw State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students is 137.1% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($19,498 vs. $8,223).

SWU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SWU 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 SWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 20 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming SWU 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: Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 22/28; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SWU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman SWU students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at KSU (3.33).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at SWU vs. 38% at KSU.

SWU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SWU 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.

• Southern Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate is 42%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University have median earnings of about $44,800 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 $5,800 lower median loan debt than SWU graduates ($21,200 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($219 vs. $279).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 50%)

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.