A First in the U.S.: Taking the Lead in the AI Race
In February 2026, Kennesaw State University received approval from the University System of Georgia Board of Trustees to officially launch the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in the fall. This initiative makes KSU the first university in Georgia to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in artificial intelligence.
The design of this new program is particularly innovative: rather than focusing solely on programming training, it requires students to select a minor in one of five AI application fields—healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, public safety, or business services. Students take experiential courses as early as their first year and complete an applied capstone project in collaboration with industry partners during their final year. This “AI + Industry” dual-track model directly addresses the talent needs of Georgia, which is projected to add 186,000 new STEM jobs over the next five years.
Prior to this, KSU had already laid a solid foundation in the field of artificial intelligence: it was the first to launch a master’s program in AI in 2024, and its undergraduate computer science program has long offered an AI track. Today, this comprehensive AI talent development system is becoming KSU’s most prominent calling card. Fixing a Misplaced American College Diploma
The “Hidden Champion” of Online Education: 12th in Psychology Nationwide
Another severely underrated strength of KSU is its online education. In the 2026 U.S. News rankings of online programs, KSU delivered a surprisingly impressive performance:
| Professional | Ranking in the United States | Georgia State Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Online Psychology Undergraduate Program | 12th place | 1st place |
| Online Master of Criminal Justice | 26th place | 1st place |
| Master of Online Nursing | 30th place | — |
| Online MBA | 50th place | 1st place |
| Online Business Undergraduate Program | 32nd bit | 2nd place |
| Master of Online Information Technology | 35th place | — |
Source: U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Online Programs Rankings
It is also worth noting that KSU excels in serving active-duty military personnel and veterans—its online Master of Computer Information Technology (Veterans Edition) ranks 17th in the U.S., and its online MBA (Veterans Edition) ranks 32nd in the U.S. The university offers a total of 29 fully online master’s programs and 17 online undergraduate programs, allowing working professionals to complete their degrees without taking a leave of absence from their jobs.
Carnegie R2: Among the Top 8% of Research Universities in the U.S.
Many people are unaware that KSU is classified as a Doctoral Research University (R2) under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation places it among the top 8% of universities in the U.S., alongside many traditional research universities.
KSU comprises 11 academic colleges and has over 51,000 students. Its main campuses are located in Kennesaw and Marietta, spanning 570 acres. The Marietta campus is also home to the Southern Institute of Technology, which boasts strong programs in engineering and technology.
Graduate Salaries: Computer Science Graduates Earn Nearly $100,000 Annually
According to U.S. News data, KSU undergraduate graduates demonstrate impressive employment outcomes. Below are the top majors and starting salaries for the Class of 2024:
- Computer and Information Sciences: 10% of graduates, median starting salary of $96,325
- Engineering: 12% of graduates, median starting salary of $86,768
- Health Sciences: 8% of graduates, median starting salary of $83,064
- Business: 18% of graduates, median starting salary of $60,145
Overall, the median salary for KSU graduates six years after graduation is $47,863, placing it in the upper-middle range among U.S. public universities.
Admissions and Tuition: A Cost-Effective Public University Option
KSU’s tuition is highly competitive among comparable universities. According to data for the 2025–2026 academic year:
| Expense Items | Students in Georgia | Out of state and international students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and miscellaneous fees | $6, 948/year | $22, 278/year |
| Accommodation and Catering | $13, 795/year | $13, 795/year |
| Estimated Annual Total Cost | Approximately $20743 | Approximately $36073 |
The total annual cost for international students is approximately $36,000 (about 260,000 RMB), which offers excellent value compared to private universities in the northeastern United States, where tuition often ranges from $60,000 to $80,000. Regarding the application process, KSU accepts the Common App; the minimum score requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 79, and the acceptance rate is approximately 69%.
