East Georgia State College: $2,736 Tuition

$2,736Tuition

1,368Students

14%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,174Earnings

Public4-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About East Georgia State College

East Georgia State College functions as a stepping stone within Georgia's public university system, helping students begin their four-year degrees before transferring to larger institutions. The college enrolls 1,368 students in the small town of Swainsboro, where nearly half the student body receives Pell Grants. This rural campus serves primarily as a feeder school, giving students an affordable start on their college education. The student body is 97% Georgia residents, with 46% Black students and 38% White students creating a diverse learning environment.

Students pay an average net price of $9,380 after financial aid, making this one of Georgia's most affordable college options. In-state tuition runs just $2,736 per year before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $37,174 ten years after starting college, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $11,750. The low monthly loan payments of $125 make this debt manageable for most graduates. Nearly half of all students receive some form of financial assistance.

The college's 13% graduation rate reflects its role as a transfer institution rather than a traditional four-year experience. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at typical small colleges. The Bobcats compete in four NJCAA sports with 175 total athletes receiving $80,600 in athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

East Georgia State College functions primarily as a transfer institution within the University System of Georgia, designed to help students complete their first two years before moving to four-year universities. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than you'd find at most liberal arts colleges. Only 13.46% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the school's role as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. The college offers associate degrees and select bachelor's programs in fields like business, education, and criminal justice. Most academic programs focus on general education requirements and foundational coursework. Students here typically plan to transfer to universities like Georgia Southern or Georgia State to complete their degrees.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Full-Time Faculty: 64.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 13.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 13.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,174

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,886

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

This small Georgia college sits in Swainsboro, about 90 minutes from Savannah and two hours from Augusta. With just 1,368 students, you'll recognize faces across campus quickly. Only 412 students can live in campus housing, meaning most commute from nearby towns or rent locally. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than you'd find at private colleges, but professors still know their regular attendees.

Summers get hot and humid, requiring plenty of air conditioning and light clothes. Winters stay mild, though you'll want a jacket for January mornings. The 175 student-athletes competing in four NJCAA sports create some campus energy, especially during basketball season. With 97% of students from Georgia, most head home on weekends rather than staying for campus activities. East Georgia serves many first-generation college students, with nearly half receiving Pell Grants. The low graduation rates reflect the college's role as a transfer school where many students complete two years before moving to larger universities within the Georgia system.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 412 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1970

Campus Safety (2023)

68 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	14	1
Stalking	9	1
Burglary	9	0
Dating Violence	8	1
Domestic Violence	5	3
Rape	8	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	5	0
Aggravated Assault	3	0
Robbery	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–60°F
July Avg: 70°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 91.9"
Annual Snowfall: -1,555.3"

Student Demographics

East Georgia State College draws students from across rural Georgia, with 97% coming from in-state. Nearly half the student body receives Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role serving first-generation and working-class families. The 55% female enrollment mirrors many community-focused colleges where women pursue education and nursing programs. Black students make up 46% of enrollment while white students represent 38%, creating a diverse campus that reflects the demographics of rural Georgia. Most students see East Georgia State as an affordable stepping stone to transfer to larger University System schools.

Men: 44.7%
Women: 55.3%
White: 38.2%
Black: 46.1%
Hispanic: 7.6%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 97.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 49.6%

Location

East Georgia State College sits in Swainsboro, Georgia, about 80 miles northwest of Savannah. The town of roughly 7,000 residents lies in the heart of rural southeastern Georgia's pine forests and farmland. With 97.43% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the area's small-town atmosphere. Swainsboro serves as the Emanuel County seat but maintains a quiet, agricultural character typical of Georgia's rural interior. The nearest significant urban areas are Statesboro (home to Georgia Southern University) 45 minutes south and Augusta about 90 minutes north. The college's remote setting creates a close-knit campus environment where all 1,368 students know each other. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare East Georgia State College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Swainsboro, Georgia 30401

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,174
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,763
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 24.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $125/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the graduation rate at East Georgia State College?

Only 13.8% of students graduate within six years at East Georgia State College. The college primarily serves as a transfer institution, with many students completing their first two years before moving to other University System of Georgia schools. This explains the low graduation rate, as successful transfer students aren't counted in these statistics.

How much does East Georgia State College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $9,380 annually, though costs vary by family income. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve lower-income rural Georgia families. In-state tuition starts at just $2,736 before room and board.

What are the class sizes like at East Georgia State College?

The student-faculty ratio is 22:1 across the college's 1,368 students. Classes tend to be larger than at many four-year institutions, but the small overall enrollment means students still get to know faculty personally. The college focuses on providing foundational courses that prepare students for transfer to larger universities.

What do East Georgia State College graduates earn after college?

Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $37,174 annually. However, this figure primarily reflects the earnings of the small percentage who complete degrees at the college rather than transfer elsewhere. The employment rate is strong at 93%, reflecting the practical focus of the programs offered.

Where is East Georgia State College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in rural Swainsboro, Georgia, with housing for just 412 students out of the total enrollment of 1,368. Campus life centers around the four varsity sports teams competing as the Bobcats in NJCAA athletics. The remote setting creates a tight-knit community atmosphere typical of small Georgia towns.

Is East Georgia State College diverse?

The student body is 46% Black and 38% White, making it one of the more diverse colleges in rural Georgia. Nearly all students (97.4%) come from in-state, reflecting the college's role serving local communities in southeastern Georgia. Women make up 55% of enrollment, which is typical for most colleges nationwide.