Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University is a public university in Macon, GA ranked #1670 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 6,655 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 99.8%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 60.9% first-year retention, and 25.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $13,922, about $3,076 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -28.8%, roughly 114.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $39,624. That's about $4,064 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Middle Georgia State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Middle Georgia State University graduates 25.6% of students within six years and keeps 60.9% 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 Middle Georgia State 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 | $4,432 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,850 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,153 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $20,189 |
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 40.9% of Middle Georgia State 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 $12,194 to $18,331 depending on family income. Use Middle Georgia State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,887/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,331/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $39,624
- 10-Year Median Earnings $39,624
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $9,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 33.3%
- Employment Rate 85.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Middle Georgia State 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.
Middle Georgia State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Middle Georgia State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Middle Georgia State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Middle Georgia State University graduates earn $39,624 median, the -28.8% 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 480-610
- SAT Math 460-570
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-22
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 6,655
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 60.9%
- Graduation Rate 25.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into Middle Georgia State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Middle Georgia State 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 99.8%, Middle Georgia State 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 99.8% acceptance rate, Middle Georgia State 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 940 and 1180 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Middle Georgia State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Computer and Information Sciences, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 20.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.6%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 12.4%
- Psychology, General 11.3%
- Air Transportation 7.4%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 6.8%
See more majors
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.0%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $80,931
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $76,586
- 3. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $76,337
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Air Transportation $73,450
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $72,023
- 6. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $61,746
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $55,026
- 8. Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other $50,718
- 9. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $48,575
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $47,307
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $116,881
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $67,882
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $80,931—71% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,307). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $116,881 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Middle Georgia State 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
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 116 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 75 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 28 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 (13 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- History
- Mathematics
- Music
- Political Science and Government
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Social Work
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Area Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,655
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.8%
- Female Students 54.2%
- Caucasian 50.2%
- Asian 2.9%
- Hispanic 7.8%
- Black 32.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 40.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Middle Georgia State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Middle Georgia State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Middle Georgia State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Middle Georgia State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Middle Georgia State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Middle Georgia State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Middle Georgia State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1670 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,922 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $39,624 median earnings. The 25.6% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 60.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Middle Georgia State University's Strengths
Ranked #1670 with a C grade, Middle Georgia State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Middle Georgia State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,922 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: Middle Georgia State University's 60.9% retention and 25.6% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($39,624 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Middle Georgia State University and $13,922 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 25.6% six-year graduation rate sits 36.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 60.9% first-year retention is 15.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -28.8% return on investment is 114.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $39,624 run about 9% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,922 is roughly $3,196 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 60.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.9% employment rate within three years sits 17.7 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
Located in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University operates as a public university and receives a C from EDsmart. It appears at #1670 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (C-), 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.
60.9% of learners come back after year one while 25.6% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -28.8% for this program.
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 $13,922 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $20,189.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,267 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 40.9% 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 $39,624 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 9% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 85.9%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -28.8%, 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
99.8% 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 Middle Georgia State 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 Macon, GA 31206
- Website www.mga.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$14.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate42.8%