About Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia Gwinnett College serves as a transfer-friendly institution where students get a second chance at their college dreams. The school enrolls 11,156 students in Lawrenceville's sprawling suburban landscape, operating as one of Georgia's newer public colleges focused on accessibility and opportunity. With a 93.64% acceptance rate, GGC opens its doors wide to students who might struggle to get into more selective institutions.
The financial picture tells a story of affordability with serious caveats. Students pay an average net price of $11,696, making college accessible for working-class families across metro Atlanta. However, the 19.80% six-year graduation rate means many students leave without degrees, and those who do graduate carry a median debt of $20,076. Graduates earn $47,730 ten years after enrollment, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for those who complete their programs.
The student body reflects Georgia's changing demographics, with 32.09% Black students, 28.08% Hispanic students, and 20.76% White students creating one of the most diverse campuses in the state. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, giving the school a distinctly local feel. The 68.79% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college life, but those who stay often find their footing in this supportive environment.
The financial picture tells a story of affordability with serious caveats. Students pay an average net price of $11,696, making college accessible for working-class families across metro Atlanta. However, the 19.80% six-year graduation rate means many students leave without degrees, and those who do graduate carry a median debt of $20,076. Graduates earn $47,730 ten years after enrollment, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for those who complete their programs.
The student body reflects Georgia's changing demographics, with 32.09% Black students, 28.08% Hispanic students, and 20.76% White students creating one of the most diverse campuses in the state. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, giving the school a distinctly local feel. The 68.79% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college life, but those who stay often find their footing in this supportive environment.
Academics & Faculty
Georgia Gwinnett College operates as a teaching-focused public institution that emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio allows for more personal attention than typical large universities, though the 19.73% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete degrees. The college is known for its business, education, and liberal arts programs, with a strong emphasis on practical skills development. Faculty focus primarily on undergraduate instruction rather than research. The 68.79% retention rate indicates that while most students return for their second year, academic support systems may need strengthening. The institution serves primarily Georgia residents, with 98.87% of students coming from in-state.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 74.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 19.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 19.8%
- Retention Rate
- 68.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,730
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,320 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $40,821 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,909 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,549 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,856 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
Campus Life
Georgia Gwinnett College sits in the sprawling suburbs about 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta, where students experience true Southern weather with hot, humid summers and mild winters that rarely require heavy coats. Only 8.9% of the 11,156 students live in the campus housing that accommodates 990 residents, making this primarily a commuter school where most students drive home after classes.
The campus buzzes with activity during weekdays but empties considerably on weekends as students scatter across the greater Atlanta metro area. With 58.7% women and a diverse student body that's 32.1% Black, 28.1% Hispanic, and 20.8% White, the college reflects Georgia's changing demographics. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit Georgian community. Students often head to nearby Sugarloaf Mills for shopping or venture into Atlanta for nightlife and internship opportunities. The 142 student-athletes competing in six NAIA sports add school spirit, though the Grizzlies athletics program remains relatively small. Campus life centers around clubs, study groups, and the diverse food options that reflect the student body's multicultural makeup.
The campus buzzes with activity during weekdays but empties considerably on weekends as students scatter across the greater Atlanta metro area. With 58.7% women and a diverse student body that's 32.1% Black, 28.1% Hispanic, and 20.8% White, the college reflects Georgia's changing demographics. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit Georgian community. Students often head to nearby Sugarloaf Mills for shopping or venture into Atlanta for nightlife and internship opportunities. The 142 student-athletes competing in six NAIA sports add school spirit, though the Grizzlies athletics program remains relatively small. Campus life centers around clubs, study groups, and the diverse food options that reflect the student body's multicultural makeup.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 990 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
51 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 19 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–53°F
- July Avg
- 67°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.5"
Student Demographics
Georgia Gwinnett College draws almost entirely from Georgia, with 98.87% of students calling the state home. The campus serves a diverse, working-class population where half of students qualify for Pell Grants. Women make up 58.69% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare and education programs. The student body is multicultural, with Black students comprising 32.09%, Hispanic students 28.08%, and white students just 20.76% of enrollment. This demographic mix positions GGC as an accessible pathway to higher education for Georgia's increasingly diverse communities.
- Men
- 41.3%
- Women
- 58.7%
- White
- 20.8%
- Black
- 32.1%
- Hispanic
- 28.1%
- Asian
- 10.8%
- In-State Students
- 98.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 50.3%
Location
Georgia Gwinnett College sits in Lawrenceville, just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta. The campus serves a diverse student body where 32% of students are Black, 28% are Hispanic, and 21% are White. Lawrenceville anchors Gwinnett County, one of Georgia's most rapidly growing suburban areas known for its strong public schools and thriving business corridor. The college draws almost exclusively from Georgia, with 99% of its 11,156 students coming from in-state. Students benefit from proximity to Atlanta's job market while enjoying lower suburban living costs. The area offers a blend of suburban amenities and easy highway access to the state's economic center. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Georgia Gwinnett College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,730
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,716
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $213/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,076
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Georgia Gwinnett College?
Georgia Gwinnett College accepts 93.64% of applicants, making it one of the most accessible four-year colleges in Georgia. This open-access approach reflects the college's mission to serve a diverse student population in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
How much does Georgia Gwinnett College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,696 annually, with lower-income families paying around $10,362. In-state tuition starts at just $4,458, though room and board adds $15,320 for those living on campus.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Georgia Gwinnett College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1 among the 11,156 enrolled students. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills development across its growing academic programs.
What are the graduation rates at Georgia Gwinnett College?
Only 19.73% of students graduate within four years, with the six-year rate reaching 19.80%. Despite these challenges, graduates earn a median salary of $47,730 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on career preparation.
Where do most Georgia Gwinnett College students come from?
An overwhelming 98.87% of students are Georgia residents, making this truly a local institution. The student body is diverse, with 32.09% Black students, 28.08% Hispanic students, and only 20.76% White students.
Does Georgia Gwinnett College have sports teams?
The Grizzlies compete in NAIA athletics with 6 varsity sports and 142 total athletes. The college awards $840,882 in athletic scholarships, supporting student-athletes in this relatively young athletic program.
