Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University is a public university in Valdosta, GA ranked #882 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 6,622 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 72.3%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer and Information Sciences.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.9% first-year retention, and 42.4% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $10,945, about $6,053 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -10.0%, roughly 95.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $39,416. That's about $4,272 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Valdosta State University has an acceptance rate of 72.3%, annual tuition of $6,124, average net price of $10,945, and a national rank of #882 (Grade B), with a 42.4% six-year graduation rate, about 6,622 undergraduates, and median earnings of $39,416 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Valdosta 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
Valdosta State University graduates 42.4% of students within six years and keeps 71.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Valdosta 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 | $6,124 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,530 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,364 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $20,801 |
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 52.3% of Valdosta State University students receive Pell Grants — well above 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 $9,378 to $15,905 depending on family income. Use Valdosta State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,906/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,905/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $39,416
- 10-Year Median Earnings $39,416
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 40.8%
- Employment Rate 88.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Valdosta 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.
Valdosta State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Valdosta State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Valdosta State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Valdosta State University graduates earn $39,416 median, the -10.0% 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 480-570
- SAT Math 440-530
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-22
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 6,622
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.9%
- Graduation Rate 42.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into Valdosta State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Valdosta 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 72.3%, Valdosta 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 72.3% acceptance rate, Valdosta 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 920 and 1100 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Valdosta State University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Communication and Media Studies, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.5%
- Communication and Media Studies 8.3%
- Psychology, General 6.9%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 5.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.6%
- Biology, General 4.5%
See more majors
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.9%
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 $78,057
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,023
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $62,981
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $61,766
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $55,405
- 6. Political Science and Government $55,175
- 7. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $54,862
- 8. Biology, General $54,815
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $52,114
- 10. Information Science/Studies $51,888
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $96,299
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $84,270
- 3. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $77,263
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $72,856
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $69,013
- 6. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $68,514
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $67,508
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $66,013
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $59,167
- 10. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $59,110
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $78,057—50% more than Information Science/Studies ($51,888). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $96,299 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Valdosta 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
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 151 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 129 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 90 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 87 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree, 74 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 (32 programs)â–¼
- Communication and Media Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Marketing
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Political Science and Government
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Information Science/Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- International Business
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Design and Applied Arts
- Chemistry
- Music
- Business/Managerial Economics
- American Sign Language
- Dance
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physics
- Applied Mathematics
Online Master's Degrees (15 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Music
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- History
- Biology, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,622
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 32.0%
- Female Students 68.0%
- Caucasian 43.9%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 11.5%
- Black 37.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 52.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Valdosta State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Valdosta State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Valdosta 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 Valdosta State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Valdosta State University has a diverse student body, with 43.9% identifying as White. Women make up 68.0% of undergraduates. 52.3% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Valdosta 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 Valdosta State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Valdosta State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #882 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,945 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $39,416 median earnings. The 42.4% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 71.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Valdosta State University's Strengths
Ranked #882 with a B grade, Valdosta State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Valdosta State University excel at providing affordable education ($10,945 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: Valdosta State University's 71.9% retention and 42.4% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($39,416 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Valdosta State University and $10,945 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 42.4% six-year graduation rate sits 20.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.9% first-year retention is 4.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -10.0% return on investment is 95.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $39,416 run about 10% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,945 is roughly $6,452 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.1% employment rate within three years sits 19.9 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
Valdosta State University, a public university in Valdosta, GA, secures a B grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #882 nationally Category results include Completion (C+), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (A-).
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.
71.9% of learners come back after year one while 42.4% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -10.0%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $10,945 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $20,801.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,856 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 52.3% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $39,416 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 10% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 88.1% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -10.0%, 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
72.3% 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 Valdosta 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valdosta State University's acceptance rate?
Valdosta State University's acceptance rate is 72.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Valdosta State University cost?
At Valdosta State University, listed tuition and fees are $6,124 per year, and the average net price after aid is $10,945. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Valdosta State University's ranking?
Valdosta State University ranks #882 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Valdosta State University's graduation rate?
At Valdosta State University, the six-year graduation rate is 42.4%, and first-year retention is 71.9%.
What are Valdosta State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Valdosta State University report median earnings of $39,416 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Valdosta State University's student population?
Valdosta State University enrolls about 6,622 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Valdosta, GA 31698
- Website www.valdosta.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$68.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate36.6%