Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State's electrical engineering program delivers solid early-career earnings at $74,181, though it trails Georgia Tech by a significant margin and sits below both national and state medians. Among Georgia's four engineering programs, this ranks 40th percentile—essentially middle of the pack, performing comparably to UGA but well behind Georgia Tech's $86,865. However, the debt picture here tells a more encouraging story: at $30,500, graduates carry manageable debt that represents just 41% of first-year earnings, which is notably better than typical engineering programs nationally.

The steady 9% earnings growth to $80,663 by year four suggests graduates build valuable skills and advance in their careers, even if starting salaries lag peers at more competitive programs. For a school with a 69% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients, these outcomes demonstrate accessibility without sacrificing reasonable post-graduation results. The debt load—while slightly above the state median—remains well within the manageable range for an engineering degree.

For families weighing in-state options, this program offers a clear tradeoff: lower starting salaries than Georgia Tech, but admission is far more accessible and the debt-to-earnings ratio makes the investment defensible. If your child can gain admission to Georgia Tech, the $12,000+ salary premium likely justifies that choice. But Kennesaw State provides a viable path into electrical engineering careers without overwhelming debt.