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88.9%Acceptance
$5,905Tuition
21,029Students
52%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$53,236Earnings
#17 in GeorgiaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern has grown into one of the state's fastest-rising universities, with 21,029 students spread across its Statesboro campus in rural southeast Georgia. The Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics and have built a reputation for strong sports programs, particularly football. Notable graduates include NFL running backs Adrian Peterson and Matt Breida, reflecting the school's athletic prowess. The university accepts 89% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1065.

Students pay an average net price of $16,531 after financial aid, making it relatively affordable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $53,236 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $23,250. The numbers suggest decent value, though the 52% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students.

The student body is 94% Georgian, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. Women outnumber men 57% to 43%, and the campus houses 5,722 students in residence halls. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes, but the small-town setting keeps the overall experience personal.

Academics & Faculty

Georgia Southern operates as a public research university with growing academic ambitions across its 21,029 students. The university has built a solid reputation in business, education, and health sciences programs that serve the region's workforce needs. Students face a 24:1 student-faculty ratio that can make getting individual attention challenging in larger courses. The 52% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work while attending school or transfer between programs. About 95% of students come from Georgia, creating a tight-knit campus culture where professors often know local high schools and communities. The research university designation means undergraduates can access faculty research projects, particularly in fields like public health and engineering technology.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
24:1
Full-Time Faculty
84.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
52.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
52.1%
Retention Rate
77.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,236
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $92,632
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $86,867
Curriculum and Instruction. Doctoral $72,134
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $69,338
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. Master $66,821
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $65,506
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $65,486
Construction Engineering Technologies. Bachelor $64,608
Management Information Systems and Services. Bachelor $63,749
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $63,203

View all 160 programs →

Campus Life

Georgia Southern's 900-acre campus sits in rural Statesboro, about 50 miles from Savannah's beaches and two hours from Atlanta. With housing for 5,722 students and total enrollment of 21,029, roughly a quarter of undergraduates live on campus. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need plenty of sunscreen but can leave the heavy winter coat at home.

Students gather at Paulson Stadium to cheer the Eagles, who compete in 15 Division I sports with $7.1 million in athletic scholarships supporting 435 student-athletes. The Sun Belt Conference rivalry with Appalachian State draws massive crowds. Greek life anchors much of the social scene on this campus where 94% of students come from in-state. Weekends often revolve around tailgating, especially during football season when the entire town comes alive. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, but the tight-knit community feel persists. Downtown Statesboro offers typical college town amenities, though many students make weekend trips to Savannah for bigger city entertainment.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
5,722 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1906

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 13 8 0 0
Rape 8 7 0 0
Dating Violence 8 6 0 0
Burglary 7 5 0 0
Stalking 6 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 3 2 1 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 2 2 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
37°–60°F
July Avg
71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
47.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.2"

Student Demographics

Georgia Southern draws heavily from Georgia, with 94% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition structure. The student body is 57% female, typical for a full university with strong education and health science programs. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students from working families across rural and suburban Georgia. The racial diversity mirrors the state's demographics, with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities seeking accessible higher education options.
Men
43.4%
Women
56.6%
White
58.1%
Black
24.6%
Hispanic
8.4%
Asian
1.9%
In-State Students
94.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.5%

Location

Georgia Southern sits in Statesboro, a classic college town about 60 miles northwest of Savannah and 200 miles southeast of Atlanta. The university's 21,029 students make up a significant portion of this rural southeastern Georgia community. Statesboro revolves around the campus, with local businesses catering to students and game-day crowds flocking to support the Eagles. The flat, pine-dotted landscape reflects the coastal plain geography, while nearby Savannah offers historic charm and beach access within an hour's drive. With 94.48% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains a distinctly Georgian feel. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Georgia Southern with similar schools in the region.
Address
Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8126
GeorgiaSouthernUniversityBuildersTerrace
GeorgiaSouthernUniversityBuildersTerrace
GeorgiaSouthernUniversityCocaColaPlazaBehindCOBA Summer2008
GeorgiaSouthernUniversityCocaColaPlazaBehindCOBA Summer2008
GeorgiaSouthernUniversityBuildersTerraceBellPlaqueSummer2008
GeorgiaSouthernUniversityBuildersTerraceBellPlaqueSummer2008

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,236
Median Earnings (5 years)
$57,677
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,800
Loan Repayment Rate
52.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Georgia Southern University?

Georgia Southern University accepts 88.89% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The average SAT score is 1065, with the middle 50% scoring between 980-1150. This reflects the university's mission to serve a broad range of students across Georgia.

How much does Georgia Southern University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Georgia Southern University is $16,531 per year. In-state students pay $5,905 in tuition while out-of-state students pay $16,959. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay just $13,139 after aid, making it one of the more affordable options in the state.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Georgia Southern University?

Georgia Southern University has a 24:1 student-faculty ratio with 21,029 total students. The university is known as one of the fastest-growing institutions in Georgia. This larger class size reflects its public university mission to educate students at scale while maintaining research opportunities.

What are the graduation rates at Georgia Southern University?

Georgia Southern University has a 52.1% six-year graduation rate and 52.4% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $53,236 ten years after graduation. The 77.19% retention rate shows most students who start at Georgia Southern stay for their sophomore year.

Where is Georgia Southern University located and what is campus life like?

Georgia Southern University sits in Statesboro, a college town in southeastern Georgia with 5,722 students living on campus. The Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 15 varsity sports and $7.1 million in athletic scholarships. The university draws 94.48% of its students from within Georgia, creating a strong state identity.

Does Georgia Southern University have strong athletic programs?

Georgia Southern University is known for its strong athletics programs, competing in the Sun Belt Conference with 435 total athletes. The Eagles have produced notable NFL players including Adrian Peterson and Matt Breida. The university awards $7,107,554 in athletic scholarships across its 15 varsity sports programs.