About Albany State University
Albany State University serves 5,829 students in Georgia's southwest corner as one of the state's historically black public universities. The Golden Rams have built their reputation around teacher preparation and business programs since 1903. Nearly 83% of students are Black, creating a supportive environment where African American students see themselves reflected in leadership and academics. Women make up 74% of the student body, and 89% of students call Georgia home.
Students pay an average net price of $14,251 after financial aid, with 65% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $40,674 ten years after leaving school. Students typically borrow $25,024 to complete their degrees, resulting in monthly loan payments around $265. The math works better for education majors than some other fields, but the employment rate hits 95.2%.
The graduation story tells a harder truth about student success. Only 23% of students finish in six years, though 78% return for their second year. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at top colleges. Albany State competes in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and awards $768,877 in athletic scholarships. This university works best for students who thrive in close-knit communities and need strong support systems.
Students pay an average net price of $14,251 after financial aid, with 65% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $40,674 ten years after leaving school. Students typically borrow $25,024 to complete their degrees, resulting in monthly loan payments around $265. The math works better for education majors than some other fields, but the employment rate hits 95.2%.
The graduation story tells a harder truth about student success. Only 23% of students finish in six years, though 78% return for their second year. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at top colleges. Albany State competes in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and awards $768,877 in athletic scholarships. This university works best for students who thrive in close-knit communities and need strong support systems.
Academics & Faculty
Albany State University builds its academic reputation around education and business programs that serve Georgia's workforce needs. The historically black public university maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors despite being a larger institution. However, only 25% of students graduate within four years, and the overall six-year graduation rate sits at 23%. The university emphasizes practical career preparation, with graduates earning a median salary of $40,674 ten years after enrollment. Strong teacher education programs have long been a cornerstone, preparing educators for Georgia's public schools. Business programs focus on entrepreneurship and management skills that serve the regional economy.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 70.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 24.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.8%
- Retention Rate
- 78.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,674
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,306 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,749 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $59,873 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,867 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,729 |
| Social Work. | Master | $43,128 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $39,369 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $38,289 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $37,593 |
Campus Life
Albany State sprawls across 232 acres in southwest Georgia, about 175 miles south of Atlanta. The campus sits in a small city where students experience hot, humid summers and mild winters that rarely require heavy coats. About 41% of the 5,829 students live in campus housing, creating a residential feel despite the commuter-heavy population.
Women make up 74% of the student body at this historically black university, and the campus reflects a strong sense of community rooted in HBCU traditions. Students gather for Golden Rams athletics competitions and homecoming celebrations that draw alumni back to Albany. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel personal despite the public university setting. Weekends often center around campus events, Greek life activities, and trips to nearby Chehaw Park or downtown Albany's historic district. With 89% of students coming from Georgia, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty happening through the university's programming and the tight-knit residential community.
Women make up 74% of the student body at this historically black university, and the campus reflects a strong sense of community rooted in HBCU traditions. Students gather for Golden Rams athletics competitions and homecoming celebrations that draw alumni back to Albany. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel personal despite the public university setting. Weekends often center around campus events, Greek life activities, and trips to nearby Chehaw Park or downtown Albany's historic district. With 89% of students coming from Georgia, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty happening through the university's programming and the tight-knit residential community.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,415 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1903
Campus Safety (2023)
76 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 21 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–59°F
- July Avg
- 72°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Albany State draws students primarily from Georgia, with nearly 9 in 10 coming from in-state. The university serves as an educational lifeline for first-generation college students and families with limited financial resources. Women outnumber men nearly three to one, reflecting the school's strength in education and nursing programs that traditionally attract female students. As a historically black university, Albany State maintains its mission of providing access to higher education for African American students in rural southwest Georgia. The student body represents working families seeking affordable pathways to professional careers.
- Men
- 26.1%
- Women
- 73.9%
- White
- 6.7%
- Black
- 82.5%
- Hispanic
- 4.3%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 89.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 65.0%
Location
Albany State University sits in Albany, Georgia, about 180 miles south of Atlanta. The campus serves 5,829 students in this small city of roughly 70,000 residents in southwest Georgia. Albany anchors a region known for agriculture, particularly peanut and pecan farming. The Flint River runs through the city, providing recreational opportunities for students. Nearly 89% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong Georgia roots. The area offers a blend of Southern culture and college town atmosphere, though it lacks the bustling energy of larger university cities. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Albany State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Albany, Georgia 31705
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,674
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,266
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 20.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body composition at Albany State University?
Albany State enrolls 5,829 students with women making up 73.87% of the student body. As a historically black public university, 82.45% of students are Black and 88.98% come from Georgia.
How much does Albany State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,251 annually. Nearly 65% of students receive Pell Grants, making this HBCU accessible to low-income families across Georgia.
What is the graduation rate at Albany State University?
Albany State has a 24.67% four-year graduation rate and 22.80% six-year graduation rate. The university maintains a 78.41% freshman retention rate while serving a predominantly first-generation college population.
How much do Albany State University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $40,674 ten years after enrollment with a 95.2% employment rate. The university is known for strong programs in education and business that prepare students for public service careers.
What is campus life like at Albany State University?
The Golden Rams compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 286 student-athletes. Campus housing accommodates 2,415 students in this small city setting in southwest Georgia.
Does Albany State University have small class sizes?
The student-faculty ratio is 20:1, typical for a regional public university. Founded in 1903, Albany State has built a reputation for mentoring students from underserved communities throughout the state.
