KSU vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kennesaw State University is located in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kennesaw State University 23:1; Mercer University 11:1.

KSU vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KSU or Mercer? 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 Mercer ($15,636 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kennesaw State University are 12.3% lower than at Mercer University ($13,287 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 628.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $36,504 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 138.6% higher at Mercer than at Kennesaw State University (about $24,576 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Kennesaw State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 311.1% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($33,808 vs. $8,223).

KSU vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KSU or Mercer? 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 Mercer and KSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 150 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at KSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kennesaw State University 1000/1220; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kennesaw State University 19/26; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KSU - Required; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027; Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at KSU (3.33).
• KSU has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38% at KSU vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

KSU vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KSU and Mercer? 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, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $3,800 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($21,200 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($219 vs. $258).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 45%)

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.