Memphis vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Memphis in Memphis, TN 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 Memphis based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 20,276 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Memphis 16:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Memphis vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Memphis 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 University of Memphis than KSU ($12,756 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 14.6% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($11,342 vs. $13,287).
• University of Memphis is 84.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $4,920 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.3% higher at KSU than at University of Memphis (about $2,352 more per year; $17,736.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis as at Kennesaw State University (92% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 43.4% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($11,793 vs. $8,223).

Memphis vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Memphis 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 Memphis.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 60 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming KSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Memphis 915/1180; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Memphis 18/24; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Memphis - Required; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Memphis students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at KSU (3.33).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Memphis vs. 38% at KSU.

Memphis vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Memphis 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.

• University of Memphis's six-year graduation rate is 38%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from University of Memphis have median earnings of about $42,200 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 $4,050 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($21,200 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($219 vs. $261).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 37%)

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.