Kennesaw State University (KSU)

Kennesaw State University (KSU)

• Location: Kennesaw, Georgia (Metro Atlanta)
• Type: Public Research University
• Founded: 1963
• Motto: "Where Innovation Meets Opportunity"
• University System: University System of Georgia
• Student Population: 43,000+ (Fall 2023)
• Campuses: Kennesaw (main), Marietta (engineering/tech focus)

Key Highlights

• Academic Excellence: Colleges & Schools include College of Engineering & Engineering Technology (ABET-accredited), Michael J. Coles College of Business (AACSB-accredited), WellStar College of Health & Human Services, College of Computing & Software Engineering
• Top Programs: Cybersecurity (#1 in Georgia), Nursing (Simulation labs with VR technology), Aerospace Engineering (Collaborations with Lockheed Martin), Esports Management (First program in Georgia)
• Research: R2 Carnegie Classification (High Research Activity), focus on Robotics, Healthcare IT, Sustainable Design
• Campus Life & Facilities: Dual-Campus System: Kennesaw Campus (Liberal arts, business, humanities), Marietta Campus (Engineering, computing, architecture), 400+ student clubs, NCAA Division I athletics, Fifth Third Bank Stadium (Football), Women's soccer 2022 conference champions
• Career Outcomes: Placement Rate 91%, top employers: Coca-Cola, Northrop Grumman, Delta Air Lines, Average starting salary $58,000 (Engineering $72k, IT $65k)
• Affordability & Aid: In-State Tuition ~$5,500/year, Out-of-State ~$17,000/year, 75% of students receive financial aid (e.g., KSU Hope Scholarship)
• Unique Offerings: Marietta Campus MakerSpace (3D printers, laser cutters), Year-Round Co-Op Programs (500+ partner companies), Study abroad in 50+ countries

Admission Requirements (2024-2025)

• GPA: 3.2+ (weighted)
• Test Scores: SAT 1100+ or ACT 22+ (test-optional for certain majors)
• Deadlines: Early Action: November 1, Regular Decision: May 1

Notable Alumni

• Chris Murdock (Co-founder of Yik Yak)
• Dr. Betty Siegel (Longest-serving female university president in U.S. history)
• Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line singer)

Comparison to Peer Institutions

• Size: KSU: 43,000+ | Georgia Tech: 45,000+ | Univ. of West Georgia: 13,000+
• Focus: KSU: Career-ready | Georgia Tech: STEM research | Univ. of West Georgia: Liberal arts
• Engineering Ranking: KSU: Top 50 regional | Georgia Tech: Top 5 national | Univ. of West Georgia: N/A

For Prospective Students

• Visit Options: Campus tours, "KSU Experience" open houses
• Virtual Resources: Department-specific webinars (e.g., Engineering Lab virtual tours)