Mercer University vs Kennesaw State University
Mercer University is a private university in Macon, GA. Kennesaw State University is a public university in Kennesaw, GA. Both admit about 69% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $15,048 a year at Kennesaw State University after aid, and about $23,847 at Mercer University. About 72% of students graduate at Mercer University, compared with 50% at Kennesaw State University. Ten years after enrolling, Mercer University alumni earn a median of about $58,354, against $57,552 for Kennesaw State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Macon, GA
Kennesaw, GA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,500
41,254
Acceptance rate
69%
69%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.48–3.98
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1350
1000–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
19–26
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,847
$15,048
Full cost / yr
$58,204
$24,008
In-state tuition
$42,312
$5,808
Out-of-state tuition
$42,312
$17,736
Application fee
$50
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,817
$12,235
$30k - $48k
$21,484
$12,661
$48k - $75k
$22,533
$15,185
$75k - $110k
$25,184
$18,263
Over $110k
$26,770
$19,309
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
50%
Freshman retention
82%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,231
$47,863
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,354
$57,552
Median debt at graduation
$24,199
$23,833
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
38%
First-generation students
28%
27%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jul 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Mercer University or Kennesaw State University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 69% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Mercer University or Kennesaw State University?
- Kennesaw State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,048 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,847 at Mercer University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Mercer University and Kennesaw State University?
- Before aid, Kennesaw State University costs about $24,008 a year and Mercer University about $58,204. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Mercer University or Kennesaw State University?
- Kennesaw State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,235 there, against about $19,817 at Mercer University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Mercer University or Kennesaw State University?
- Kennesaw State University is the larger of the two, with about 41,254 undergraduates against 4,500 at Mercer University.
- Does Mercer University or Kennesaw State University have a better graduation rate?
- Mercer University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 50% at Kennesaw State University.
- Do graduates of Mercer University or Kennesaw State University earn more?
- Mercer University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,552 for Kennesaw State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Mercer University and Kennesaw State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Mercer University requires SAT or ACT scores. Kennesaw State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Mercer University and Kennesaw State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1350 at Mercer University and 1000–1220 at Kennesaw State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Mercer University vs Morehouse CollegeMercer University vs Savannah State UniversityMercer University vs Reinhardt UniversityKennesaw State University vs Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusKennesaw State University vs University of GeorgiaKennesaw State University vs Georgia State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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