Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Kennesaw, Georgia
69.2% Acceptance Rate
Kennesaw State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
69.2%Acceptance Rate
3.33Avg GPA
1120Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$24,618Annual Cost
$57,552Grad Salary
35.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
69.2%
Avg GPA
3.33
Avg SAT
1120
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1020–1220
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Avg Net Price
$16,972
Need-Based Aid
35.4% receive Pell
Kennesaw State University, founded in 1963 in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, has grown into the state's third-largest public university with over 41,000 students. Ranked as a top national university by U.S. News, KSU offers 150+ degree programs across 13 colleges, with particular strengths in business, engineering, and nursing. The university's twin campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta feature state-of-the-art facilities like the Engineering Technology Center and the Convocation Center. KSU is designated as an R2 research institution and houses the renowned Bagwell College of Education, the largest teacher preparation program in Georgia.
KSU's location in the Atlanta metro area provides extensive internship opportunities with Fortune 500 companies including Coca-Cola and Home Depot. The university is home to NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the ASUN Conference and boasts vibrant student life with 300+ organizations. KSU's Journey Honors College offers enhanced academic experiences, while the university's military-friendly initiatives serve a large population of veteran students. The campus architecture blends modern academic buildings with green spaces, including the 20-acre Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park adjacent to campus.
Kennesaw State University Acceptance Rate
Kennesaw State University takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 69.2% each year.
What KSU Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 69.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.33 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.13 – 3.32
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.88
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Kennesaw State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Kennesaw State University is November 3 for Fall Priority applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 85 days left — Fall Priority
Fall Priority
November 3
Spring 2027
November 16
Fall Regular
July 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (June 30, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
KSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at KSU is 3.33. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.03–3.33 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.53–3.73.KSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.33 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.13 – 3.32
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.93 – 3.12
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.92
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Public R2 research university; ranks among the top 7% of universities nationally for research activity.
- $40 application fee; priority deadline around November 1 for fall admission.
- Test-optional for first-year admission.
- Honors College is unable to serve fully online learners at this time.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at KSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Kennesaw State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Kennesaw State University (KSU) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if KSU is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into KSU Without SAT or ACT?
KSU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Kennesaw State University Average SAT Score: 1120
The average SAT score of admitted students at Kennesaw State University is 1120 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1120 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1220 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Kennesaw State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1020, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at KSU. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 550 | 500 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 570 | 520 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1120 | 1020 | 1220 |
Below 1020, you're behind most admitted students; at 1220 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Kennesaw State University (KSU) with a 1200 SAT?
A 1200 SAT puts you ahead of most of KSU's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Kennesaw State University (KSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at KSU is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into Kennesaw State University with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of KSU's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at KSU.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for KSU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
KSU is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Apply via the frictionless first-year path - no essay, no recommendation needed
KSU's Common App profile explicitly requires no personal essay and no letter of recommendation for first-year admission - students can and should focus their energy on transcript quality and course rigor rather than essay-crafting for general admission, since that's what's actually being evaluated.
Journey Honors College is a separate, essay-based application after general admission
Getting into KSU itself doesn't get a student into Journey Honors College - that's a distinct application with its own essay (evaluated for originality, argument strength, and curiosity) and a separate decision released 6?8 weeks after general admission. Advise honors-track students to prepare a genuine, substantive essay for this step specifically, since it's the actual selective gate at KSU.
Consider a Double Owl Pathway for combined bachelor's/graduate goals
KSU's Double Owl Pathways let students complete a bachelor's and a related graduate degree faster and cheaper than pursuing them separately - students with a clear career path requiring a master's (e.g., business, education) should ask about this option early in advising, since it affects course sequencing from the start.
Note the upcoming CLT acceptance timeline if relevant
KSU will begin accepting Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores starting with Fall 2027 admission - students planning to apply before that cycle should confirm SAT/ACT is still their only standardized option, while CLT-prep students targeting Fall 2027+ should plan accordingly.
Expert Insight:
Because general admission requires no essay or recommendation, students sometimes assume the whole KSU application process is equally low-effort - but Journey Honors College, competitive majors, and scholarship consideration can still require real, separate application work. Don't let the ease of general admission create false confidence about every downstream step.
KSU Profile
Full Name
Kennesaw State University (KSU)
City
Kennesaw
State
Georgia
ZIP Code
30144
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a KSU Degree Worth It?
At $24,618/year against a $57,552 median graduate salary, KSU is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $79,800, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.51%.
How much does a degree from KSU Cost?
The sticker price is $24,618/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $16,972.
35.4% of students receive a Pell Grant and 35.1% take federal loans at KSU. File your FAFSA early and list KSU as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a KSU Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $57,552. That's about 42% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Kennesaw State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Kennesaw State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Kennesaw State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at KSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About KSU Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Kennesaw State University run about $57,552 a year.
At about $24,618 a year, Kennesaw State University is on the more affordable end.
About 35.4% receive a Pell Grant at Kennesaw State University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 69.2%, Kennesaw State University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Kennesaw State University average a 3.33 GPA.
Kennesaw State University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.03 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.93, Kennesaw State University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Kennesaw State University — aim above 1120, ideally within the 1020–1220 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Kennesaw State University is November 3 for Fall Priority applicants.
The application fee is 40. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is June 30, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.