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Head-to-head comparison

Kennesaw State University vs Mercer University: which has better ROI?

Public, Kennesaw GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Macon GA

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

Option A Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University

Net price / year
$15,048
Earnings, 10 years
$57,552
Payback
6.5 yrs

Option B Macon, GA

Mercer University

Net price / year
$23,847
Earnings, 10 years
$58,354
Payback
9.5 yrs
The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureKennesaw State UniversityMercer 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
Payback6.5 yrs9.5 yrs
20-year net return$123,648$104,492

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

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

Kennesaw State University vs Mercer University: frequently asked questions

Is Kennesaw State University or Mercer University a better value?
Kennesaw State University. It clears its $60,192 net cost in about 6.5 years versus 9.5 years at Mercer University, on median earnings of $57,552 vs $58,354 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kennesaw State University or Mercer University?
Kennesaw State University: $15,048/yr net price after aid versus $23,847/yr at Mercer University — a difference of $8,799 a year, or about $35,196 over four years.
Do Kennesaw State University or Mercer University graduates earn more?
Mercer University graduates earn a median $58,354 ten years after entry, versus $57,552 at Kennesaw State University — a $802 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.