Kennesaw State University vs Emory University: which has better ROI?
Emory University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,340 in 2.8 years versus 6.5 years at Kennesaw State University, on median earnings of $80,137 vs $57,552 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Kennesaw State University | Emory University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,048 | $22,585 |
| Total net cost | $60,192 | $90,340 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,552 | $80,137 |
| Median debt | $23,833 | $18,250 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | 2.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $123,648 | $545,200 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Kennesaw State University or Emory University?
Kennesaw State University, at $15,048 a year after aid versus $22,585 — a gap of $7,537 a year, or $30,148 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Kennesaw State University or Emory University graduates earn more?
Emory University graduates report a median $80,137 ten years after entry, $22,585 more than the $57,552 at Kennesaw State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Kennesaw State University or Emory University?
Emory University: its completers carry a median $18,250 in federal loans versus $23,833 at Kennesaw State University, a difference of $5,583. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
91% of students finish at Emory University, against 52% at Kennesaw State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.