Georgia Southwestern State University
Georgia Southwestern State University is a public university in Americus, GA ranked #1470 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 2,424 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 75.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 57.6% first-year retention, and 40.6% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $12,019, about $4,979 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -12.5%, roughly 97.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,047. That's about $1,641 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Georgia Southwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 75.2%, annual tuition of $5,220, average net price of $12,019, and a national rank of #1470 (Grade C+), with a 40.6% six-year graduation rate, about 2,424 undergraduates, and median earnings of $42,047 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Georgia Southwestern 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
Georgia Southwestern State University graduates 40.6% of students within six years and keeps 57.6% 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 Georgia Southwestern 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 | $5,220 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,850 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,390 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $20,484 |
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 43.4% of Georgia Southwestern State University students receive Pell Grants — 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 $10,477 to $15,415 depending on family income. Use Georgia Southwestern State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,373/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,415/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,047
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,047
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 45.0%
- Employment Rate 90.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Georgia Southwestern 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.
Georgia Southwestern State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Georgia Southwestern State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Georgia Southwestern State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Georgia Southwestern State University graduates earn $42,047 median, the -12.5% 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 460-570
- SAT Math 430-540
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-22
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,424
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 57.6%
- Graduation Rate 40.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into Georgia Southwestern State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Georgia Southwestern 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 75.2%, Georgia Southwestern 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 75.2% acceptance rate, Georgia Southwestern 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 890 and 1110 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Georgia Southwestern State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Accounting and Related Services, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.4%
- Accounting and Related Services 13.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 13.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 13.1%
- Psychology, General 7.7%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.4%
See more majors
- Human Resources Management and Services 5.2%
- Marketing 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 $85,821
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $62,518
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $59,891
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Human Resources Management and Services $55,468
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $50,280
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $45,956
- 7. Psychology, General $38,431
- 8. Marketing $38,336
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $32,709
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $97,855
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $63,113
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $60,163
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $85,821—162% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($32,709). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $97,855 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Georgia Southwestern 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 (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 125 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 75 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 22 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 (19 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Sociology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Special Education and Teaching
- History
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Music
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,424
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 32.0%
- Female Students 68.0%
- Caucasian 53.7%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 4.5%
- Black 35.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 43.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Georgia Southwestern State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Georgia Southwestern State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Georgia Southwestern 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 Georgia Southwestern State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 68.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Georgia Southwestern 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 Georgia Southwestern State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Georgia Southwestern State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1470 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,019 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $42,047 median earnings. The 40.6% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 57.6% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Georgia Southwestern State University's Strengths
Ranked #1470 with a C+ grade, Georgia Southwestern State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Georgia Southwestern State University excel at providing affordable education ($12,019 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 Southwestern State University's 57.6% retention and 40.6% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($42,047 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Georgia Southwestern State University and $12,019 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 40.6% six-year graduation rate sits 21.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 57.6% first-year retention is 19.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -12.5% return on investment is 97.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,047 run about 4% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,019 is roughly $5,378 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 57.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.1% employment rate within three years sits 21.9 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
Georgia Southwestern State University, a public university in Americus, GA, secures a C+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #1470 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns C, Support C, 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.
Student momentum is strong: 57.6% retention and 40.6% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -12.5%, 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 $12,019 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $20,484.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,465 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 43.4% 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 $42,047 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 4% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 90.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -12.5% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
75.2% 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 Southwestern 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 Georgia Southwestern State University's acceptance rate?
Georgia Southwestern State University's acceptance rate is 75.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Georgia Southwestern State University cost?
At Georgia Southwestern State University, listed tuition and fees are $5,220 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,019. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Georgia Southwestern State University's ranking?
Georgia Southwestern State University ranks #1470 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Georgia Southwestern State University's graduation rate?
At Georgia Southwestern State University, the six-year graduation rate is 40.6%, and first-year retention is 57.6%.
What are Georgia Southwestern State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Georgia Southwestern State University report median earnings of $42,047 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Georgia Southwestern State University's student population?
Georgia Southwestern State University enrolls about 2,424 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Americus, GA 31709-4693
- Website gsw.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$37.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate42.4%