Kennesaw State University vs Mercer University: which has better ROI?
Kennesaw State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,192 in 6.5 years versus 9.5 years at Mercer University, on median earnings of $57,552 vs $58,354 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Kennesaw State University | Mercer University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,048 | $23,847 |
| Total net cost | $60,192 | $95,388 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,552 | $58,354 |
| Median debt | $23,833 | $24,199 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | 9.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $123,648 | $104,492 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Kennesaw State University or Mercer University?
Kennesaw State University, at $15,048 a year after aid versus $23,847 — a gap of $8,799 a year, or $35,196 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 Mercer University graduates earn more?
Mercer University graduates report a median $58,354 ten years after entry, $802 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 Mercer University?
Kennesaw State University: its completers carry a median $23,833 in federal loans versus $24,199 at Mercer University, a difference of $366. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Mercer 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.