KSU vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than Memphis based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 20,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kennesaw State University is located in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kennesaw State University 23:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

KSU vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KSU or Memphis? 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 University of Memphis than KSU ($12,756 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 14.6% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($11,342 vs. $13,287).
• University of Memphis is 84.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $4,920 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.3% higher at KSU than at University of Memphis (about $2,352 more per year; $17,736.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University as at University of Memphis (92% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 43.4% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($11,793 vs. $8,223).

KSU vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 60 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming KSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kennesaw State University 1000/1220; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kennesaw State University 19/26; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KSU - Required; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at KSU (3.33).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38% at KSU vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

KSU vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KSU and Memphis? 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 $4,050 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($21,200 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($219 vs. $261).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 37%)

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.