Kennesaw State (Coles) vs Mercer (Stetson)
Which MBA program is right for you?
Kennesaw State (Coles)
Mercer (Stetson)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Kennesaw State (Coles) | Mercer (Stetson) |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #104 | #132 |
| Acceptance Rate | 55% | 75% |
| Avg. GMAT | 540 | 516 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.2 |
| Class Size | 97 | 25 |
| Avg. Salary | $113,000 | $72,000 |
| Employment Rate | 88% | 77% |
| Annual Tuition | $15,000 | $18,000 |
The Verdict
Choose Kennesaw State (Coles) if…
you want the strongest salary outcomes, a larger class, and Atlanta's most aggressive career services at this tier.
Full Kennesaw State (Coles) Profile →Choose Mercer (Stetson) if…
you want a 25-person cohort, personalized attention, and an affordable private university experience in Atlanta.
Full Mercer (Stetson) Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Atlanta-area MBA programs outside the top tier (Emory, Georgia Tech). Kennesaw State's $113K average salary at $15K tuition makes it a value standout. Mercer's 25-person class offers intimacy that Kennesaw's 97-person program can't. The question is whether you prioritize salary outcomes or educational intimacy.
The Honest Take
Kennesaw State Coles wins on numbers: higher salary ($113K vs $72K), better employment rate (88% vs 77%), and lower tuition. Mercer wins on class size and personal attention. For most candidates, Kennesaw's outcomes justify the choice. Mercer appeals if you want a private university culture and the Baptist tradition's emphasis on community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better salary outcomes?
Kennesaw State Coles produces significantly higher average salaries ($113K vs $72K). The gap reflects Kennesaw's stronger career services and employer relationships in the Atlanta market.
Which is smaller?
Mercer enrolls about 25 students per class; Kennesaw State enrolls about 97. Mercer provides a more intimate MBA experience with more individualized faculty attention.
Which is more affordable?
Kennesaw State is cheaper at $15K/year in-state vs Mercer's $18K/year. Kennesaw also offers a WebMBA option. For Georgia residents, Kennesaw is the clear value choice.