The University of Alabama (UA) and Kennesaw State University (KSU) are both prestigious schools that offer a wide range of programs for students. This comparison will help prospective students understand the main differences between these two institutions, including costs and tuition, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes.
University of Alabama Overview
The University of Alabama, founded in 1831, is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It offers over 200 academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students across 13 different schools and colleges, and it has a student population of over 38,000.
University of Alabama Costs & Tuition
Tuition at the University of Alabama for the 2021-2022 academic year is $10,780 for in-state students and $30,250 for out-of-state students. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, supplies, and transportation, bring the total estimated cost of attendance for an in-state student to $29,230 and for an out-of-state student to $48,700.
University of Alabama Admissions
The University of Alabama has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 59%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score range of 23-31 and an SAT score range of 1060-1280.
University of Alabama Degrees Offered
UA offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. Some of the most popular majors at UA include business, engineering, communication, and social sciences.
University of Alabama Academics
The University of Alabama is known for its strong academics and commitment to research. It offers a diverse range of programs through its 13 schools and colleges, and students can expect a challenging and supportive academic environment that encourages growth and innovation.
University of Alabama Diversity
UA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The student population represents all 50 states and over 75 countries, and approximately 22% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority.
University of Alabama Students
Students at UA can participate in over 600 student organizations, including academic clubs, Greek life, and various hobby groups. Alabama is known for its strong athletic programs, and students can attend various sporting events and participate in intramural sports.
University of Alabama Campus
UA’s campus spans over 1,200 acres and features beautiful architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and plenty of green spaces for students to enjoy. The university also offers a range of on-campus housing options, dining services, and recreational facilities.
University of Alabama Alumni
The University of Alabama has a large and active alumni network, with over 250,000 living alumni worldwide. Graduates can stay connected through local alumni chapters, networking events, and mentorship programs.
University of Alabama Rankings
UA is ranked #143 in National Universities and #67 in Top Public Schools by the U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, several of its programs are nationally recognized, such as its business and engineering programs.
University of Alabama Outcomes
Graduates from the University of Alabama have a strong track record of success, with a reported 86% of graduates employed or enrolled in further education within six months of graduating.
Kennesaw State University Overview
Kennesaw State University, founded in 1963, is a public university located in Kennesaw, Georgia. It offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across 11 colleges, with a student population of around 41,000.
Kennesaw State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition at KSU is $6,371 for in-state students and $17,329 for out-of-state students. Including additional expenses, the estimated cost of attendance is $24,548 for in-state students and $35,506 for out-of-state students.
Kennesaw State University Admissions
KSU has an acceptance rate of 75%, making it less competitive than UA. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score range of 20-26 and an SAT score range of 1030-1210.
Kennesaw State University Degrees Offered
KSU offers a diverse range of programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, health, and social sciences. Some popular majors include nursing, business, engineering, and psychology.
Kennesaw State University Academics
KSU is known for its strong academics and commitment to student success. It offers a wide range of programs and resources, including academic advising, tutoring, and study abroad opportunities.
Kennesaw State University Diversity
KSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, with over 40% of the student body identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. The university also hosts various multicultural programs and events throughout the year.
Kennesaw State University Students
Students at KSU can participate in over 300 student organizations, including academic clubs, Greek life, and service organizations. The university also offers a range of recreational activities, such as sports clubs and fitness programs.
Kennesaw State University Campus
KSU’s campus spans over 588 acres and features modern facilities, green spaces, and a range of on-campus housing and dining options. The university also has a satellite campus in Marietta, Georgia.
Kennesaw State University Alumni
KSU has over 100,000 living alumni, who can stay connected through alumni events, networking opportunities, and the university’s online community.
Kennesaw State University Rankings
KSU is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities and #154-#209 in Top Public Schools by the U.S. News & World Report. Its nursing, engineering, and business programs are also well-regarded.
Kennesaw State University Outcomes
Graduates from KSU have a reported 86% employment or further education rate within six months of graduation, similar to UA’s outcomes.
University of Alabama vs. Kennesaw State University Cost Comparison
The University of Alabama’s tuition is generally higher than Kennesaw State University’s, with out-of-state students at UA paying almost double the tuition of their counterparts at KSU. In-state students at UA also pay more in tuition than those at KSU. However, other expenses, such as room and board, books, and transportation, are relatively similar between the two schools.
University of Alabama vs. Kennesaw State University Admissions Difficulty
Kennesaw State University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to the University of Alabama (59%), indicating that it may be easier to gain admission to KSU. The middle 50% of ACT and SAT scores for admitted students are also slightly lower at KSU than at UA.
University of Alabama vs. Kennesaw State University Academic Difficulty
Both universities are known for their strong academics and commitment to student success, but the University of Alabama has a higher national ranking and more competitive admissions process. Additionally, some of UA’s programs, such as business and engineering, are nationally recognized, which may indicate a higher level of academic rigor.
University of Alabama vs. Kennesaw State University Outcome Comparison
Both the University of Alabama and Kennesaw State University boast similar post-graduation outcomes, with 86% of graduates from each school employed or enrolled in further education within six months of graduating. While UA has a larger alumni network, both schools offer networking opportunities and resources for their graduates.
