Georgia State University
Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55.4%, an average net price of $12,365, and an overall rank of #945 (Grade B). About 51.0% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $61,299 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Georgia State University is a public university in Atlanta, GA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer and Information Sciences.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, and 79.9% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 104.0%, roughly 54.1 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is 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
Georgia State University graduates 51.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 55.5% and keeps 79.9% 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 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
Est. annual aid gap: $13,139 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $8,664 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,706 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,390 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $25,504 |
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 56.5% of Georgia 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 $10,899 to $17,561 depending on family income. Use Georgia State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,297/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,561/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $61,299
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,903
- Average Years to Graduate 4.8 years
- Average Student Debt $21,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~35.1%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 44.4%
- Employment Rate 88.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Georgia State University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Georgia State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Georgia State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Georgia State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 480-590
- SAT Math 460-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 26,623
- Full-Time Students 76.6%
- Part-Time Students 23.4%
- Retention Rate 79.9%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 51.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 55.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 25:1
How to Get Into Georgia State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: 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 55.4%, 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 55.4% acceptance rate, 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 Georgia State University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Biology, General, and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 9.0%
- Biology, General 6.1%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 5.4%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.9%
- Computer Science 4.9%
- Marketing 4.9%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.4%
- Political Science and Government 4.2%
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. Computer Science $105,149
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $86,056
- 3. Insurance $85,608
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $82,922
- 5. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $81,903
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,885
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,487
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $76,480
- 9. Business/Managerial Economics $74,505
- 10. Economics $72,816
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Real Estate (Master's Degree) $141,181
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $129,650
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $129,220
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $126,569
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $123,490
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $115,694
- 7. Taxation (Master's Degree) $111,795
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $110,850
- 9. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $108,935
- 10. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $107,220
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $105,149—44% more than Economics ($72,816). Graduate: Real Estate programs lead with $141,181 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 495 graduates)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 454 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 358 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 357 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree, 307 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (53 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Marketing
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Accounting and Related Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Journalism
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Social Work
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- History
- Public Policy Analysis
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Insurance
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Music
- Real Estate
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Anthropology
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Physics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Special Education and Teaching
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Programming
- Religion/Religious Studies
- American Sign Language
- Computational Science
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Geography and Cartography
Online Master's Degrees (69 programs)▼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Public Health
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Social Work
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Music
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Special Education and Teaching
- Public Administration
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Philosophy
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Anthropology
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International Business
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Taxation
- Physics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Gerontology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Real Estate
- Operations Research
- Insurance
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Area Studies
- Accounting and Computer Science
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Online Doctoral Degrees (39 programs)▼
- English Language and Literature, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chemistry
- Business/Commerce, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Sociology
- Economics
- Public Health
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- History
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Education, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Real Estate
- Marketing
- Insurance
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (32 programs)▼
- Public Health
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Geography and Cartography
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Applied Mathematics
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Music
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Social Work
- Social Sciences, Other
- Real Estate
- International and Comparative Education
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Area Studies
- Gerontology
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (22 programs)▼
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer Science
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Data Analytics
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Social Sciences, Other
- International Business
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- American Sign Language
- Political Science and Government
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Law
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 26,623
- Full-Time Students 76.6%
- Part-Time Students 23.4%
- Male Students 40.8%
- Female Students 59.2%
- Caucasian 15.4%
- Asian 16.4%
- Hispanic 15.0%
- Black 43.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 56.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Georgia State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of 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 Georgia State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Georgia State University has a diverse student body, with 15.4% identifying as White. 56.5% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Georgia State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Georgia State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #945 overall with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,365 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $61,299 median earnings. The 51.0% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 79.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Georgia State University's Strengths
Ranked #945 with a B grade, Georgia State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Georgia State University excel at providing affordable education ($12,365 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 State University's 79.9% retention and 51.0% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($61,299 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Georgia State University and $12,365 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 51.0% graduation rate sits 11.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.9% first-year retention is 3.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $61,299 run about 1% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $12,365 is roughly $7,542 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 88.9% employment rate within three years is 20.7 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 25:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.9% employment rate within three years sits 20.7 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 Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #945 overall Category results include Completion (B), 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.
79.9% of learners come back after year one while 51.0% graduate within 150% of normal time (55.5% within eight years). Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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 $12,365 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $25,504.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,139 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 56.5% 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 $61,299 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 1% lower.
Roughly 88.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
55.4% 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 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Georgia State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/georgia-state-university/
MLA (9th): “Georgia State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/georgia-state-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Georgia State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/georgia-state-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia State University's acceptance rate?
Georgia State University's acceptance rate is 55.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Georgia State University cost?
At Georgia State University, listed tuition and fees are $8,664 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,365. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Georgia State University's ranking?
Georgia State University ranks #945 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Georgia State University's graduation rate?
At Georgia State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 51.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 55.5%, and first-year retention is 79.9%.
What are Georgia State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Georgia State University report median earnings of $61,299 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Georgia State University's student population?
Georgia State University enrolls about 26,623 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 33 Gilmer St, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083
- Website www.gsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$241.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate27.8%