KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 23, 2026

Kennesaw State University continues to rise in stature among the nation’s universities while earning a top spot in Georgia for undergraduate engineering programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings released on Sept. 22.

Kennesaw State climbed 31 places from last year and 50 spots from two years ago in U.S. News’ overall ranking of public and private national universities, marking a nearly 13 percent increase in two years.

Among public universities in the U.S., Kennesaw State’s institutional ranking rose 20 spots from last year, an increase of nearly 10 percent.

"Being recognized among our state, regional, and national peer institutions demonstrates the momentum Kennesaw State has built through a steadfast commitment to our students, our academic and research missions, and the communities we serve,” KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “As KSU continues to build on our progress, we remain focused on creating opportunities for students to succeed and expanding Kennesaw State’s impact across Georgia and beyond.”

Along with raising its overall ranking, Kennesaw State saw increases in academic program areas:

·       Engineering: In the category of best undergraduate engineering programs (non-doctorate), KSU rose 16 spots moving into the top 15% nationally and tying for the No. 1 ranking in Georgia. Kennesaw State is transitioning out of U.S. News’ non-doctorate engineering category as students are graduating from the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program.

·       Psychology: Kennesaw State’s ranking among best undergraduate psychology programs climbed 46 spots from last year, the largest year-over-year increase among the University’s ranked academic programs.

·       Business: KSU’s undergraduate business program rose from last year and placed among the five highest-ranked programs in Georgia.

KSU also continues to be a university where students facing financial challenges can thrive. Kennesaw State improved by 47 spots in the national rankings for social mobility, a measure of how well schools enroll and graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants.

The rise in rankings exemplifies Kennesaw State’s momentum and focus on student success, academic excellence and community impact outlined in the University’s strategic plan, Taking Flight. The plan is a series of goals that serve as guideposts in KSU’s trajectory toward national prominence.

“The growing recognition of Kennesaw State University’s academic programs evidences the exceptional work of our faculty and their commitment to providing students with a rigorous education,” said Ivan Pulinkala, KSU provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “From engineering, humanities and social science, to business, the arts, and beyond, our progress demonstrates the strength of our academic enterprise and our continued pursuit of excellence across KSU.”

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.