About Georgia College & State University
Georgia's designated public liberal arts university sits in the historic town of Milledgeville, once the state capital. The 5,599 students here follow in the footsteps of notable graduates like author Flannery O'Connor and comedian Oliver Hardy. With an acceptance rate of 79.95%, Georgia College attracts students who value personalized attention in a classic liberal arts setting. The student-faculty ratio of 16:1 reflects the school's commitment to close mentoring relationships.
Students pay an average net price of $18,809, making this one of the more affordable liberal arts experiences in the South. Graduates earn a median of $58,140 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $22,250. The monthly loan payment of $236 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. In-state students get an especially good deal with tuition at $8,998.
The student body is overwhelmingly Georgian, with 98.90% coming from in-state. Women outnumber men at 64.55% of enrollment. The Bobcats compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 207 total athletes. The 61.96% four-year graduation rate suggests students take their liberal arts education seriously, though some may need extra time to complete their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $18,809, making this one of the more affordable liberal arts experiences in the South. Graduates earn a median of $58,140 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $22,250. The monthly loan payment of $236 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. In-state students get an especially good deal with tuition at $8,998.
The student body is overwhelmingly Georgian, with 98.90% coming from in-state. Women outnumber men at 64.55% of enrollment. The Bobcats compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 207 total athletes. The 61.96% four-year graduation rate suggests students take their liberal arts education seriously, though some may need extra time to complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Georgia College operates as Georgia's designated public liberal arts university, emphasizing broad-based education over narrow specialization. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though class sizes vary by program. Students graduate at a 62% rate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work or changing majors. The university built its reputation on strong teacher education and business programs, drawing heavily from Georgia's education workforce needs. Liberal arts here means students explore multiple disciplines before focusing, with popular majors including education, business, and health sciences. The academic environment suits students who want small-college feel with public university affordability.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.6%
- Retention Rate
- 84.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,140
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,744 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $67,324 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $66,045 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,096 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,726 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $55,964 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $46,790 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $44,468 |
Campus Life
Georgia College sits in historic Milledgeville, about two hours southeast of Atlanta. The campus houses 2,237 students in residence halls, representing roughly 40% of the 5,599 total enrollment. Milledgeville served as Georgia's capital from 1804 to 1868, and the antebellum architecture creates a quint Southern college town atmosphere.
Students need light jackets for Georgia winters but spend most of the year in shorts and t-shirts. The 98.90% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know someone from home. Women outnumber men 65% to 35%, giving the campus a distinctly female-oriented social scene. The Bobcats compete in NCAA Division II with 207 student-athletes across 11 sports. Weekend activities center around Lake Laurel on campus, downtown Milledgeville's restaurants and shops, or road trips to Atlanta or Savannah. The university's designation as Georgia's public liberal arts school means smaller classes and close professor relationships despite the 16:1 student-faculty ratio.
Students need light jackets for Georgia winters but spend most of the year in shorts and t-shirts. The 98.90% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know someone from home. Women outnumber men 65% to 35%, giving the campus a distinctly female-oriented social scene. The Bobcats compete in NCAA Division II with 207 student-athletes across 11 sports. Weekend activities center around Lake Laurel on campus, downtown Milledgeville's restaurants and shops, or road trips to Atlanta or Savannah. The university's designation as Georgia's public liberal arts school means smaller classes and close professor relationships despite the 16:1 student-faculty ratio.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,237 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–57°F
- July Avg
- 69°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.2"
Student Demographics
Georgia College draws students who want a classic liberal arts education close to home. With 99% of students from Georgia, the university has built a strong reputation across the state as an alternative to larger research universities. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in education, health sciences, and liberal arts programs. The low Pell Grant rate of 16% indicates the university primarily serves middle-class Georgia families who value the intimate college experience and historic campus atmosphere that comes with attending the state's designated public liberal arts institution.
- Men
- 35.5%
- Women
- 64.6%
- White
- 82.4%
- Black
- 3.3%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 98.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.4%
Location
Georgia College & State University sits in Milledgeville, Georgia, about 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. This town of roughly 20,000 residents served as Georgia's capital from 1804 to 1868, giving the area a rich historical character. The campus occupies the former governor's mansion grounds in what's now a classic college town setting. With 98.90% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from Georgia's rural and suburban communities. The surrounding region features rolling hills, antebellum architecture, and small-town charm typical of central Georgia. Milledgeville balances historical significance with modern college amenities, creating an intimate academic environment. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Georgia College & State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Milledgeville, Georgia 31061
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,140
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,457
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Georgia College & State University?
Georgia College accepts 79.95% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1145. As Georgia's designated public liberal arts university, the school attracts students seeking a more intimate academic experience than larger state universities.
How much does Georgia College & State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,809, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $13,152. Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,250 and monthly loan payments of $236.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Georgia College & State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 with total enrollment of 5,599 students. This smaller scale reflects the school's liberal arts focus, offering more personalized attention than typical state universities.
What do graduates of Georgia College & State University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $58,140 ten years after graduation with a 97.1% employment rate. The school's liberal arts foundation has produced notable graduates including author Flannery O'Connor and comedian Oliver Hardy.
Where is Georgia College & State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Milledgeville, Georgia's former state capital, housing 2,237 students on campus. With 84.47% of freshmen returning and 98.90% of students from Georgia, the Bobcats create a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Is Georgia College & State University known for any special programs or history?
The university holds the unique distinction as Georgia's only designated public liberal arts institution, founded in 1889. The historic Milledgeville location, which served as Georgia's capital from 1804 to 1868, adds to the school's distinctive character and sense of place.
