Kennesaw State University

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.

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