CSU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC with Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kennesaw State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 3,832 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

CSU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or KSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Kennesaw State University than CSU ($15,636 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 8.2% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($12,200 vs. $13,287).
• Charleston Southern University is 459.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $26,712 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.4% higher at CSU than at Kennesaw State University (about $14,784 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Kennesaw State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 182.6% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($23,240 vs. $8,223).

CSU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or KSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between KSU and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 60 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming KSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman KSU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 38% at KSU.

CSU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and KSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Charleston Southern University's six-year graduation rate is 38%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University have median earnings of about $39,800 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for KSU.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $5,800 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($21,200 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($219 vs. $279).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.