Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University is a public university in Statesboro, GA ranked #1248 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 21,029 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 89.6%. Students most often pursue Construction Engineering Technologies and Management Information Systems and Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.2% first-year retention, and 52.0% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $16,531, about $467 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -32.8%, roughly 118.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $44,423. That's about $735 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Georgia Southern University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Georgia Southern University graduates 52.0% of students within six years and keeps 77.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Georgia Southern University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,905 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,993 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,474 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,563 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 35.5% of Georgia Southern University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,139 to $20,259 depending on family income. Use Georgia Southern University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,776/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,259/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,423
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,423
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.3%
- Employment Rate 87.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Georgia Southern University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Georgia Southern University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Georgia Southern University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Georgia Southern University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Georgia Southern University graduates earn $44,423 median, the -32.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 500-590
- SAT Math 480-570
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-23
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 21,029
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.2%
- Graduation Rate 52.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 24:1
How to Get Into Georgia Southern University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Georgia Southern University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.6%, Georgia Southern University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.6% acceptance rate, Georgia Southern University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980 and 1160 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Georgia Southern University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Health and Physical Education/Fitness, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.9%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 6.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.5%
- Biology, General 6.4%
- Psychology, General 5.0%
- Marketing 4.6%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.3%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Construction Engineering Technologies $101,493
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services $95,199
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $93,792
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $91,083
- 5. Business/Managerial Economics $88,401
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $85,716
- 7. Manufacturing Engineering $83,438
- 8. Information Science/Studies $80,336
- 9. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $78,490
- 10. Civil Engineering $76,963
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $115,491
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $104,587
- 3. Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Master's Degree) $101,137
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $92,336
- 5. Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degree) $86,980
- 6. Public Health (Doctoral Degree) $81,134
- 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $80,950
- 8. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $80,136
- 9. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $71,138
- 10. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $69,297
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Construction Engineering Technologies grads earn $101,493—32% more than Civil Engineering ($76,963). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $115,491 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Georgia Southern University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 331 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 303 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 286 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 281 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 218 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (69 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Mechanical Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Criminology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Health
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Civil Engineering
- Apparel and Textiles
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Sociology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- English Language and Literature, General
- Journalism
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Mathematics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Music
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Physics
- International Business
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Graphic Communications
- Geography and Cartography
- Computer Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Construction Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication and Media Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Online Master's Degrees (37 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Public Health
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Public Administration
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Social Sciences, Other
- Engineering, General
- Music
- History
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Civil Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Criminology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Geography and Cartography
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Education, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
Online Doctoral Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Public Health
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (25 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Taxation
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Gerontology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
- Public Administration
- Music
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- History
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Education, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)â–¼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Gerontology
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 21,029
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.4%
- Female Students 56.6%
- Caucasian 58.1%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 8.4%
- Black 24.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 35.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Georgia Southern University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Georgia Southern University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Georgia Southern University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Georgia Southern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Georgia Southern University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Georgia Southern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Georgia Southern University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1248 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $16,531 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $44,423 median earnings. The 52.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 77.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Georgia Southern University's Strengths
Ranked #1248 with a B- grade, Georgia Southern University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Georgia Southern University excel at providing affordable education ($16,531 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Georgia Southern University's 77.2% retention and 52.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($44,423 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Georgia Southern University and $16,531 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 52.0% six-year graduation rate sits 10.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.2% first-year retention is 0.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -32.8% return on investment is 118.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,423 run about 2% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $16,531 is roughly $3,378 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 24:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.2% employment rate within three years sits 19.0 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Georgia Southern University, a public university in Statesboro, GA, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It stands at #1248 among 1966 schools Category results include Completion (B), Support (C), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
77.2% of learners come back after year one while 52.0% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -32.8%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,531 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,563.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,032 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 35.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $44,423 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 2% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 87.2% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -32.8%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Georgia Southern University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Statesboro, GA 30460-8126
- Website www.georgiasouthern.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$98.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.3%