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Kennesaw State University vs University of Georgia: which has better ROI?

Public, Kennesaw GA · vs · Public, Athens GA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Georgia has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $55,744 in 2.7 years versus 6.5 years at Kennesaw State University, on median earnings of $68,726 vs $57,552 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKennesaw State UniversityUniversity of Georgia
Net price / yr$15,048$13,936
Total net cost$60,192$55,744
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,552$68,726
Median debt$23,833$18,500
Payback6.5 yrs2.7 yrs
20-year net return$123,648$351,576

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Kennesaw State University or University of Georgia?

University of Georgia, at $13,936 a year after aid versus $15,048 — a gap of $1,112 a year, or $4,448 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 University of Georgia graduates earn more?

University of Georgia graduates report a median $68,726 ten years after entry, $11,174 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 University of Georgia?

University of Georgia: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $23,833 at Kennesaw State University, a difference of $5,333. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

90% of students finish at University of Georgia, 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.

Kennesaw State University vs University of Georgia: frequently asked questions

Is Kennesaw State University or University of Georgia a better value?
University of Georgia. It clears its $55,744 net cost in about 2.7 years versus 6.5 years at Kennesaw State University, on median earnings of $68,726 vs $57,552 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kennesaw State University or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia: $13,936/yr net price after aid versus $15,048/yr at Kennesaw State University — a difference of $1,112 a year, or about $4,448 over four years.
Do Kennesaw State University or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
University of Georgia graduates earn a median $68,726 ten years after entry, versus $57,552 at Kennesaw State University — a $11,174 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.