Kennesaw State University: A Comprehensive Overview of Undergraduate Enrollment and Institutional Profile

Kennesaw State University (KSU) stands as a dynamic public institution committed to empowering students to excel academically and professionally. With a rich history, a diverse student body, and a comprehensive range of programs, KSU has become a significant force in higher education in Georgia and beyond. This article provides a detailed look at KSU, focusing on its undergraduate enrollment, academic offerings, campus life, and overall institutional profile.

Introduction

Kennesaw State University, founded in 1963, has evolved from a junior college into a comprehensive university offering over 190 degree and certificate programs across 11 colleges. Located on two campuses near Atlanta, KSU provides students with access to a vibrant campus culture and numerous opportunities for academic and career development. The university prioritizes student success, offering innovative teaching and learning methods to help students reach their full potential.

Academic Programs and Colleges

Kennesaw State University offers a wide array of academic programs designed to meet the diverse interests and career goals of its students. These programs span various fields, including:

STEM Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Nursing: Preparing students for careers in healthcare.
Arts: Programs in visual and performing arts.
Cybersecurity: Addressing the growing need for professionals in digital security.
Business: A comprehensive range of business-related programs.

KSU's academic structure is organized into 11 colleges, each offering specialized programs and resources:

Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences
College of Science and Mathematics
College of the Arts
Michael J. Coles College of Business
Bagwell College of Education
Southern College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
WellStar College of Health and Human Services
College of Computing and Software Engineering
University College
Honors College
Graduate College

Undergraduate Enrollment and Demographics

As of fall 2024, Kennesaw State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 42,840 students. This substantial enrollment reflects KSU's growing popularity and its commitment to providing accessible education. The university's student body is diverse, contributing to a rich and inclusive campus environment.

In fall 2023, the gender distribution was approximately 49% male and 51% female. The ethnic diversity of the student body is as follows:

42.5% White
26.4% Black/African-American
14.6% Hispanic/Latino
5.8% Asian
4.6% Multi-racial
2.5% Undeclared

This diverse composition enhances the educational experience by exposing students to a variety of perspectives and backgrounds.

Campus Environment and Facilities

Kennesaw State University operates on two campuses, totaling 570 acres, with 251 acres in Kennesaw and the remainder in Marietta. The suburban setting provides a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. The university's facilities include:

Social Sciences Building: A 163,000-square-foot building featuring a 302-seat auditorium, a cinema classroom, a digital media lab, and 40 technologically advanced classrooms. The building also houses a Starbucks and a study area, and it meets Silver Rating LEED Green Building standards.
Convocation Center: A multipurpose facility that supports academic classes, lectures, concerts, athletic events, graduations, and convocation ceremonies. It also houses locker rooms, training rooms, and offices for the athletic department.
Bailey Performance Center: Opened in 2007, this facility includes a 630-seat auditorium and the Don Russell Clayton Gallery.
Historic District: Located on the west section of campus, this area includes the University College, Pilcher Public Service and Library, Willingham Hall, Nursing, Advancement, and Technology Annex buildings.

Housing and Residential Life

Kennesaw State University provides various on-campus housing options for its students. At the time of its merger with Kennesaw State University, Southern Polytechnic State University had five on-campus housing facilities for its students. These facilities aim to create a supportive and engaging living environment that enhances the overall college experience.

Student Life and Activities

Kennesaw State University offers a vibrant campus life with approximately 300 registered student groups and organizations. These groups cover a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational activities. Students can participate in various clubs and organizations, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for personal and professional development.

Read also: Advancing Cybersecurity Education

Student Media

KSU has several student-run media outlets, including:

The Sentinel: The official student newspaper, providing news and information relevant to the KSU community.
Owl Radio: An online radio station offering student-produced programming.

Athletics

Kennesaw State University's athletic teams, known as the Owls, compete in Division I of the NCAA and as a member of Conference USA. Athletics began in the 1981-82 academic year, with KSU initially joining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Georgia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GIAC). The Owls have a history of success, including multiple national championships in Division II.

In 2005, KSU began the transition to Division I. The university added a Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football team, which began play in 2015. The Owls play home games at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw.

Rankings and Recognition

Kennesaw State University has received recognition in various national rankings:

U.S. News & World Report: Ranked No. 373 in National Universities and No. 203 in Top Public Schools (2026 edition).

These rankings reflect KSU's commitment to academic excellence and its growing reputation as a leading institution of higher education.

Read also: Applying to Kennesaw State

Financial Information

The cost of attendance at Kennesaw State University varies depending on residency status. For the academic year, the in-state tuition and fees are $6,948, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $22,278.

KSU is committed to making education accessible and affordable. Sixty-six percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $17,993.

Historical Overview

Kennesaw State University was chartered by the Board of Regents on October 9, 1963, during a period of significant college expansion in Georgia. Initially named Cobb County Junior College, the institution appointed Horace Sturgis as its first president in December 1964.

In 1976, the college became a four-year institution and was redesignated Kennesaw College. By 1985, KSU had launched its first graduate programs and began a period of rapid growth, including the construction of residential housing. Kennesaw State achieved university status in 1996.

Merger with Southern Polytechnic State University

On November 1, 2013, the University System of Georgia announced that Kennesaw State University would merge with nearby Southern Polytechnic State University in 2015. Kennesaw State was the surviving institution, with President Papp serving as president of the merged university. The consolidation was approved by the Georgia Board of Regents on January 6, 2015.

Leadership and Administration

Kennesaw State University has been led by several presidents throughout its history. Recent presidents include:

Sam Olens: Served as president from November 1, 2016, until February 2018.
Pamela Whitten: Served as president until 2021.
Kathy Schwaig: The current president of Kennesaw State University.

Kennesaw State University CDP

Kennesaw State University CDP is a census-designated place (CDP) that covers the Kennesaw State University campus in Cobb County, Georgia. It does not include the Kennesaw State University campus in Marietta.

tags: #kennesaw #state #university #undergraduate #enrollment