Alabama vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Alabama based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 40,846 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Alabama vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 Alabama ($15,636 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kennesaw State University are 11.5% lower than at The University of Alabama ($13,287 vs. $15,016).
• The University of Alabama is 109.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $6,372 more per year; $12,180.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.7% higher at Alabama than at Kennesaw State University (about $16,436 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University than at The University of Alabama (92% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 112.9% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($17,503 vs. $8,223).

Alabama vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 180 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 22 at KSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: The University of Alabama 24/31; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Alabama students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at KSU (3.33).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 38% at KSU.

Alabama vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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.

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate is 66%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from The University of Alabama have median earnings of about $49,900 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 $2,550 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($21,200 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($219 vs. $245).
• More Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.