Kennesaw State University: A Comprehensive Overview of Rankings and Recognition

Kennesaw State University (KSU), a public institution founded in 1963, has established itself as a leading university in Georgia and a nationally recognized institution. With a commitment to innovative teaching and learning, KSU offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees across its 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from throughout the country and the world. This article delves into Kennesaw State University's rankings, academic programs, campus life, and overall reputation.

General Ranking and Recognition

In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Kennesaw State University is ranked No. 373 in National Universities and No. 203 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. These rankings reflect KSU's commitment to academic excellence and its position as a comprehensive university within the University System of Georgia.

Online Programs: A Strong Showing

Kennesaw State University has garnered significant recognition for its online programs, demonstrating its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education to students pursuing degrees from virtually anywhere. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs highlights KSU's strengths in this area.

President Kathy S. Schwaig emphasized the university's commitment to online education, stating, "Earning top rankings in Georgia affirms Kennesaw State’s commitment to offering online programs for students to pursue a KSU degree from virtually anywhere."

Specific Online Program Rankings:

Online Undergraduate Psychology Program: Kennesaw State’s highest national ranking at No. 12 in the United States.
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice: Climbed 26 spots to reach No. 26 nationally.
Online Master’s in Nursing: Ranked No. 30.
Online Bachelor’s Business Programs: Also received high marks.

Recognition for Veteran Support

Kennesaw State continues to be a top choice for military veterans seeking degrees, earning the distinction as the only Georgia university ranked nationally in two categories:

Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology for Veterans: No. 17.
Online Graduate Business Programs for Veterans: No. 35.
Best Online Master’s in Education for Veterans
Best Online Bachelor’s in Business
Best Online MBA for Veterans
Best Online Graduate Business Programs for Veterans
Best Online MBA
Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology for Veterans
Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Best Online Master’s in Nursing

These accolades underscore KSU's dedication to supporting veterans in their academic pursuits.

Coles College of Business: A Hub of Excellence

The Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University has consistently received high rankings and recognition for its various programs, solidifying its reputation as a premier business school.

Online MBA Program

Kennesaw State's Online MBA program has been recognized by several prominent publications:

The Princeton Review: Ranked No. 33 in the 2025 Top 50 Online MBA Programs, making it the No. 1 program in Georgia. Also, ranked No. 30 in the 2024 Top 50 Online MBA Programs.
Poets&Quants: Named KSU's Online MBA Program as the top Online MBA program in Georgia.
Fortune Education: Ranked Kennesaw State No. 46.
CEO Magazine: Ranked KSU's online MBA program No. 45 in the world in 2024.

Executive MBA Program

Kennesaw State's Executive MBA (EMBA) program has also received accolades:

CEO Magazine: Ranked Kennesaw State's Executive MBA Program No. 1 in Georgia and 3rd in North America in the 2023 Global Executive MBA Rankings. The program was also ranked first in Georgia for the fourth straight year in CEO Magazine’s 2020 Global Executive MBA Rankings, and #3 in the nation. Additionally, it was ranked No. ninth year in a row and eighth year in a row by CEO Magazine.

Other Notable Rankings for Coles College

U.S. News and World Report: Ranked the Coles College’s Online BBA Program.
Fortune: Ranked the Coles College Online MBA.
The Princeton Review: Ranked the Coles College MBA program.
QS World University Rankings: Listed Kennesaw State's WebMBA.

These rankings highlight the Coles College of Business's commitment to providing high-quality business education and preparing students for success in the business world.

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Experiential Learning and Innovation

Kennesaw State University’s online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management has been ranked third in the nation and the best in Georgia on Forbes' 2025 list of Best Online Business Management Degrees. According to Forbes, Kennesaw State’s program stands out for offering the most valuable experiential learning opportunities in the country.

Robin Cheramie, dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business, stated, "The recognition from Forbes is a testament to the innovative approach we take in educating the next generation of business leaders. At KSU, we prioritize practical experiences that empower our students to become problem-solvers and critical thinkers in the business world."

Louis Marino, Director of the Leven School and Professor of Entrepreneurship, added, "We take pride in blending business experience with scholarship and care. This ranking reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, and the strength of our hands-on, cross-functional approach to business education."

Kennesaw State’s emphasis on experiential learning opportunities includes the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, where management students can gain direct exposure to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Deborah Mixson-Brookshire, Director of Coles Online Programs and Professor of Management at KSU, noted, "Our students benefit from a curriculum that balances academic rigor with hands-on opportunities to apply their learning."

Read also: Applying to Kennesaw State

Cybersecurity Program: A Leader in the Field

Kennesaw State University's Cybersecurity program has consistently been recognized for its excellence and affordability.

Rankings and Recognition:

The B.S. in Cybersecurity program was ranked No. 1 in Georgia.
CyberDegrees.org ranked Kennesaw State University #1 in online cybersecurity degrees in 2019.
Cyber Skyline and the National Cyber League ranked Kennesaw State No. No. 15 in the country in their Fall 2025 Power Rankings.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program was ranked No. Guide's 2024 Affordability Rankings.

These rankings underscore KSU's commitment to providing a high-quality and accessible cybersecurity education.

Other Academic Achievements

Kennesaw State University has also received recognition for its programs in other fields:

Billboard Magazine: For the fifth time in a row, Billboard Magazine ranked the Joel A. degree program. For the third year in a row, Billboard Magazine named the Joel A.
Accounting Research: Kennesaw State University is ranked 63rd in the world and third in Georgia for producing accounting research published in 12 top accounting journals from 1990-present, according to Brigham Young University’s 2017 Accounting Research Rankings. KSU is ranked19th in Accounting Information Systems research, 17th in Auditing, and 11th in Accounting Education research.
Fintech MBA Degrees: Kennesaw State University was ranked 6th in TechGuide's ranking of Fintech MBA degrees.

Campus Life and Student Experience

Kennesaw State University offers a vibrant campus life with a diverse range of activities and organizations. The university's 570-acre campus provides a suburban setting with access to the dynamic city of Atlanta.

Key Features of KSU:

Student-Faculty Ratio: The student-faculty ratio at Kennesaw State University is 23:1, which allows for personalized attention and mentorship opportunities.
Academic Calendar: KSU utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Application Process: Kennesaw State University accepts the Common Application.
Financial Aid: Sixty-six percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $17,993.
Graduation Rates: The four-year graduation rate is 24%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $47,863.
Athletics: The KSU Athletic teams, known as the Kennesaw State Owls, participate in the NCAA Division I in a large range of sports including basketball, golf, cross country and tennis.
Campus Facilities: The 240-acre main campus features some particularly notable buildings, including the Social Sciences building which is home to a 302-seat auditorium, 40 classrooms, and a cinema classroom. There is also the Dr.

History and Evolution

Kennesaw State University was established in 1963 as the Kennesaw Junior College with an initial enrollment of just over 1,000 students. In 2015, Southern Polytechnic State University and KSU merged under the guidance of the Georgia University System, taking the latter’s name and bringing two of the state’s most respected institutions together.

Commitment to Innovation and Expansion

Designated by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia as a comprehensive university, Kennesaw State is committed to becoming a world-class academic institution positioned to broaden its academic and research missions and expand its scope on a local, regional and national level.

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