Georgia State University (GSU) is a large, public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, with approximately 53,000 students, including a substantial international student population. GSU is highly regarded for its strengths in Business, Law, Public Health, Computer Science, and Social Sciences, and it takes advantage of its urban location, providing access to the corporate, government, and cultural resources available in Atlanta. The admissions are relatively selective and have an acceptance rate of nearly 52%, with a graduation rate of nearly 73%. The median salary of the graduates is almost INR 55,00,000 (nearly $66,000) ten years post-graduation.
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public institution based in Kennesaw, Georgia, roughly 25 miles north of Atlanta. It has around 42,000 students and is recognized for Business, Engineering, Education, Nursing, and Computer Science programs. KSU focuses on career-focused, applied education and robust student support services. Admissions are moderately selective with an acceptance rate of approximately 69%, and the graduation rate is slightly lower at 66%. Graduates earn median salaries of around INR 48,00,000 (approximately $57,000) after ten years of graduation.
| Georgia State University | Kennesaw State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 501 Times Higher Education 2026 # 781 QS World University 2026 # 501 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 1861 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 395 US News 2024 # 1717 US News 2024 |
| Subject Strength | # 451 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 79 for Law by US News 2025 | - |
| Programs | UG Programs -49 PG Programs -43 | UG Programs -74 PG Programs -19 Doctorate Programs -4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 55.0 % | 69.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-480 TOEFL-90 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1080 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 27986 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 30216 [For PG Program] | Average Tuition Fees 19630 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 25584 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 29680 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some programs and the average salary are as follows:
| The study of graduates’ salaries determined that KSU alums with bachelor’s degrees earn a median early-career (five or fewer years’ experience) salary of $48,800 and a median mid-career (10 or more years’ experience) salary of $90,800. The KSU graduates earning the most include those with a Master of Science in Nursing, averaging a salary of $86,000, and a Master of Business Administration at a $72,000 average. Other top earners are software engineers with a median of $70,000, followed by operations managers at $65,000 and software developers at $61,000. |
| application requirements | Submit the non-refundable application fee of $60. | Submit official transcripts, Submit English language proficiency scores, Check program specific requirements |
| Campuses and B-Schools | NA | Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.3/10 Read 13 reviews | 6.3/10 Read 2 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 201 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 251 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 301 for Business by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2020 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 90/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -31770 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 26, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake) Mar 16, 2026 (Round 1 Application Deadline for Summer 2026 intake) | Jun 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) Oct 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Georgia State University | Kennesaw State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1913 | 1963 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 25:1 | 23:1 |
| Male:Female | 41% Male, 59% Female | 52% Male, 48% Female |
| Location Facts | University consists of five different campuses around the Metro Atlanta region. Campuses in Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, and Newton County each offer different amenities. | Kennesaw State University is located on two campuses with a combined 581 acres (235 ha) of land, of which about 230 acres is located in Marietta and the remainder is located in Kennesaw. |
| Library |
| The KSU Library system provides access to millions of books, scholarly journals, and databases for every program of study at KSU. |
| Campus Life | Georgia State University maintains a visible presence on all campuses and offers a comprehensive public safety program to benefit the university community.
| KSU is proud to support a diverse campus culture with strong global ties and an entrepreneurial spirit. The vibrant campuses offer multiple on-campus residential communities, hundreds of student organizations and events throughout the year where you can find a supportive community and make lasting relationships. Through the Department of Student Affairs, you have numerous opportunities to create meaningful friendships and networking connections to maintain your successful academic and professional journey.KSU has approximately 300 registered student groups and organizations for student participation. Some of the more active organizations in recent years have been fraternity & sorority life, faith-based and spiritual organizations, and club sports. Kennesaw State University's athletic teams are called the Owls. The school colors are black and gold. The Owls participate in Division I of the NCAA and the ASUN Conference. |
| Hostel | - | #On campus - $11467 #Off campus (not with family) - $11467 #Off campus (with family) - $6746 |
| Famous Alumni |
| Nick Ayers, former Chief of Staff to the Vice President of the United States |
| City Life |
| Kennesaw, GA is situated just northwest of Atlanta and offers easy access to big-city amenities while still providing plenty of small-town charm like festivals, parades and events throughout the year. Kennesaw is a suburb of Atlanta with a population of 33,036. Kennesaw is in Cobb County and is one of the best places to live in Georgia. Living in Kennesaw offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Kennesaw there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Kennesaw. Even though Kennesaw, GA, is in the top three percent of the most expensive cities globally, its cost of living is lower than the national average. In addition, housing and utility costs are also less than the national average. |
| Weather |
Georgia State University vs Kennesaw State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Georgia State University (GSU): Ranked approximately 781-790 in QS World University Rankings 2026, GSU is especially renowned for business, law, public policy, social sciences, health sciences, and data analytics. Its J. Mack Robinson College of Business is nationally highly respected.
Kennesaw State University (KSU): Lower ranked internationally, at 1501+ in QS 2026, KSU is strong in business, engineering, education, and nursing. It is increasingly known for applied research and local impact in Georgia.
General Information
GSU: A public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, with a student body exceeding 53,000, including over 10,000 international students. It has a reputation for its urban location and close ties to the business, government, and healthcare communities of Atlanta.
KSU: A public university, but this time in Kennesaw, Georgia, with around 42,000 students. It has a suburban location with growing research and professional programs, and an emphasis on career-specific education.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
GSU: Moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 52%. Popular majors include business, law, social sciences, and health professions.
KSU: Slightly more open admissions, with an acceptance rate of approximately 69%. Popular majors are business, nursing, engineering, and education.
Research Impact & Facilities
GSU: Ranked as an R1 research university, GSU leads in business analytics, public policy, data science, and health research, with robust collaborations in Atlanta's urban setting.
KSU: Ranked as R2 (high research activity), KSU emphasizes applied research in engineering, nursing, business, and education, with expanding facilities and research centers that facilitate regional development.
Cost & Financial Aid
GSU: In-state cost is approximately USD $10,500/year and out-of-state approximately USD $31,000/year. Awards merit-based and need-based scholarships.
KSU: In-state cost is approximately USD $7,500/year and out-of-state approximately USD $23,000/year, which is a bit cheaper than GSU. Awards scholarships to merit and underrepresented students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
GSU: Alumni are very marketable in business, law, health, public policy, and data analysis, especially in Atlanta's urban economy. Alumni connections are regionally and nationally robust in business and government communities.
KSU: Alumni do well in engineering, business, education, and health science, with many working in regional companies and health systems. Alumni are gaining traction in Georgia and the Southeastern United States.
