ETSU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN 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 ETSU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 13,728 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Tennessee State University 15:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

ETSU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ETSU 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 ETSU ($15,636 vs. $16,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 20.6% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($10,554 vs. $13,287).
• East Tennessee State University is 80.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $4,664 more per year; $10,472.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at KSU than at East Tennessee State University (about $3,214 more per year; $17,736.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University than at East Tennessee State University (92% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by East Tennessee State University students is 22.8% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($10,101 vs. $8,223).

ETSU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ETSU or KSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between KSU and ETSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 20 points higher than at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming ETSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at KSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 980/1200; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 19/26; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ETSU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ETSU students have the same average high school GPA (3.33) as students at KSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at ETSU vs. 38% at KSU.

ETSU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ETSU and KSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $700 lower median loan debt than KSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,200).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KSU graduates ($211 vs. $219).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU 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.