For the first time, KSU’s undergraduate engineering programs were ranked in the top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s annual best colleges list. Kennesaw State also made the list for national universities, business schools, and for low student debt at graduation.

The university ranked No. 45 in “most innovative schools.”

In a university press release announcing the results of the publication’s rankings, KSU President Pamela Whitten said, “Our inclusion in the U.S. News annual list demonstrates Kennesaw State’s commitment to both providing quality degree programs and doing our part to make college more affordable for all students. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and students and demonstrates the strides we have made and will continue to make as we focus our efforts on creating an environment which cultivates student success.”

Kennesaw State University’s  Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology ranked No. 100 among engineering schools whose highest degree is bachelors or masters.  It is the second largest engineering school in Georgia, with more than 4,000 students and 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and engineering technology.

“To be named among the best engineering programs in the nation is a major accomplishment and is a result of the quality of our engineering students and talented faculty members, who demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile. Receiving high marks is evidence that KSU’s student-centric approach is making an impact and will continue to lead us toward growth,” said Renee Butler, interim dean of the school, in the press release.

One of the 50 largest public universities in the U.S., KSU was categorized as one of 301 national universities, as defined by the magazine.

Kennesaw State ranked well in a new category added to U.S. News & World Report’s list: “Student Debt Load at Graduation.” According to KSU’s press release, 65 percent of KSU students borrow money to pay for educational expenses with an average of $24,000 of debt.

KSU’s Coles College of Business was ranked No. 147 out of 503 business schools on the list.