Kennesaw State University

About Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University has grown from a junior college founded in 1963 into Georgia's third-largest university, serving more than 22,000 students across two campuses in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The main campus in Kennesaw and the Marietta campus combine to offer over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with particular strength in business, engineering, and education. Located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, Kennesaw State offers suburban convenience with reasonable access to one of America's most economically significant metropolitan areas. The university's growth has accelerated in recent decades, transforming from a commuter college into an institution with expanding residential life and traditional campus experiences. With an acceptance rate around 57%, Kennesaw State welcomes students from various academic backgrounds while maintaining standards appropriate for a major public university. The student body includes traditional undergraduates, transfer students from Georgia's technical college system, and graduate students across numerous fields. This mix creates a practical atmosphere where career preparation takes priority. The 2015 merger with Southern Polytechnic State University brought strong engineering and technology programs to Kennesaw State, complementing existing strengths in business and education. The Coles College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top tier of business schools worldwide. Students access internship and employment opportunities throughout metro Atlanta, benefiting from the region's position as a major corporate and logistics hub.

Kennesaw State University admits approximately 57% of applicants, seeking students who demonstrate readiness for university-level work while maintaining accessibility for students from various academic backgrounds. The admissions process considers high school GPA, course rigor, standardized test scores when submitted, and other factors that help predict college success. The average admitted student brings a high school GPA around 3.5 and ACT scores in the low 20s or SAT scores around 1100 to 1200. These figures represent averages rather than cutoffs, with successful admits spanning a range above and below these marks. Students with strong upward trends in their academic records, those who took challenging courses even if grades suffered slightly, and those with compelling involvement records may earn admission with statistics below the average. Georgia residents receive priority consideration as a state university, though out-of-state students make up a growing portion of the student body. Transfer students arrive in significant numbers, many from Georgia's technical college system or other University System of Georgia institutions. Clear articulation agreements facilitate credit transfer and program planning. Applications for fall semester ideally arrive by mid-January for priority consideration, though the university continues accepting applications on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. Students seeking university housing or specific programs should apply early, as these can become constrained. International students face additional requirements including English proficiency documentation and financial certification.

Kennesaw State University offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs organized into colleges covering arts, business, computing and software engineering, education, health and human services, science and mathematics, humanities and social sciences, and architecture and construction management. This breadth reflects the university's evolution from regional college to major state university. The Coles College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction shared by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. Students access concentrations in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and information systems, with career services connecting them to Atlanta's extensive corporate presence. The Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology traces its roots to Southern Polytechnic State University, which merged with Kennesaw State in 2015, bringing strong technical programs in engineering, computer science, and construction management. Undergraduate research opportunities exist across disciplines, with programs supporting student work alongside faculty mentors. The honors college provides enhanced learning experiences for high-achieving students, including smaller seminar courses and dedicated advising. Class sizes vary considerably, with some introductory courses running large lecture formats while upper-division major courses stay smaller and more interactive. The university has invested heavily in facilities, with relatively new buildings housing many programs. Laboratory equipment, computing resources, and learning spaces reflect the institution's growth trajectory. Faculty hiring has kept pace with enrollment growth, maintaining reasonable student-to-faculty ratios despite rapid expansion.

Key Highlights

• Public research university with state support
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Kennesaw State continues evolving as the university transitions from its commuter college origins toward a more traditional residential experience. The main Kennesaw campus houses the majority of student housing and campus life programming, while the Marietta campus maintains its own community feeling with facilities serving students in engineering, construction, and technical programs. Student organizations number over 300, spanning academic interests, cultural groups, Greek life, service organizations, and recreational clubs. Greek fraternities and sororities provide social outlets and leadership opportunities, though their presence does not dominate campus culture the way it might at some institutions. Student government and programming boards control real budgets and make decisions about campus events and advocacy priorities. Athletics compete at the NCAA Division I level in the ASUN Conference, with football games at Fifth Third Bank Stadium generating school spirit and tailgating traditions still developing. Basketball, soccer, and other sports provide additional spectator opportunities. The recreation center on the Kennesaw campus includes fitness facilities, swimming pools, and space for intramural and club sports. Housing options include traditional residence halls for first-year students and apartment-style complexes for upperclassmen, with capacity continuing to expand. Many students still commute from surrounding suburbs, creating a mix of residential and commuter perspectives on campus. Food options across campus include dining halls, food courts, and various retail outlets. The two-campus structure requires some coordination, with shuttle service connecting locations.

Location & Surroundings

Kennesaw sits in Cobb County, part of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, roughly 25 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. The location offers suburban convenience with reasonable access to Atlanta's urban amenities. Major employers in the area span sectors from technology and healthcare to retail and manufacturing, providing internship and job opportunities for students across disciplines. The Atlanta metro area ranks among the country's largest and most economically significant regions. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest by passenger traffic, lies about 40 minutes south of campus under normal traffic conditions. This connectivity makes the university accessible to students from across the country and internationally while providing easy travel home during breaks. Interstate 75 runs nearby, connecting the campus corridor to Atlanta's core and destinations throughout Georgia and the Southeast. Traffic congestion can challenge commuters during peak hours, a reality of life in metro Atlanta. MARTA public transit does not yet reach Kennesaw directly, though bus connections exist and there has been ongoing discussion about extending rail service. Local amenities include shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options throughout Cobb County. The Marietta Square, a historic downtown area about 10 minutes from the Kennesaw campus, features local shops and restaurants. Outdoor recreation access includes Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which offers hiking trails and Civil War historical interest. The climate brings mild winters and hot, humid summers typical of the Georgia Piedmont.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Kennesaw State University offers in-state tuition rates among the more affordable within the University System of Georgia. Georgia residents pay roughly $6,500 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students face rates around $19,000 annually. Room and board add approximately $12,000 to $14,000 depending on housing choices and meal plan selections. The HOPE Scholarship provides significant support for Georgia residents who maintain qualifying GPAs, covering a substantial portion of tuition costs for eligible students. The Zell Miller Scholarship covers full tuition for Georgia students meeting higher academic thresholds. These state programs mean many Georgia residents attend Kennesaw State with minimal tuition cost, paying primarily for housing, meals, and fees. The university awards its own scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, and other criteria. Departmental scholarships support students in specific programs. Athletic scholarships fund student-athletes across varsity sports. Need-based aid, determined through FAFSA completion, helps students from lower-income families cover remaining costs. Career outcomes reflect the university's location in metro Atlanta, one of the country's most active job markets. Business graduates enter positions at Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the region. Engineering and technology graduates find opportunities in the growing tech sector. Education graduates teach in schools throughout Georgia. The extensive employer base surrounding campus creates internship pipelines that often lead to full-time employment. Students commuting from home can reduce costs significantly by eliminating room and board expenses.