About Georgia Southwestern State University
Students pay an average net price of $12,052 after financial aid, making this one of Georgia's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,757 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt reaches $18,851. The monthly loan payment of $200 represents a manageable burden given post-graduation earnings. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's role serving first-generation college students.
Women make up 68% of the student body, typical for a teaching-focused institution. The campus houses 952 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community feel. As the Hurricanes, the university competes in NCAA Division II with 165 student-athletes across 10 sports. The 64% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life, but the 93% employment rate shows most graduates find work.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 70.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.9%
- Retention Rate
- 63.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,757
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,941 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,635 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,021 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,914 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,053 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
Campus Life
With 68.4% women and strong teacher education programs, campus life centers around education majors preparing for careers in rural Georgia schools. The 165 student-athletes competing in 10 Division II sports as the Hurricanes bring energy to weekends, especially during basketball and baseball seasons. Students often gather at the campus recreation center or drive 30 minutes to nearby Cordele for dining options beyond what small-town Americus offers. Greek life and student organizations provide social outlets, while the historic downtown square hosts occasional festivals. Many students go home on weekends since 95.2% come from in-state, creating a quieter campus atmosphere Friday through Sunday.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 952 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1906
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–57°F
- July Avg
- 69°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,555.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 31.6%
- Women
- 68.4%
- White
- 54.1%
- Black
- 34.4%
- Hispanic
- 5.0%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 95.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.7%
Location
- Address
- Americus, Georgia 31709-4693
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,757
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,128
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $200/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,851
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Georgia Southwestern State University?
Georgia Southwestern admits 73% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010-1160 on the SAT. This regional university serves primarily as an educational gateway for southwest Georgia residents.
How much does Georgia Southwestern State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,052 annually after financial aid. In-state tuition costs just $4,980, while 41% of students receive Pell Grants for low-income families. The school keeps costs manageable for its largely regional student body.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Georgia Southwestern State University?
Classes average 18 students per faculty member, providing reasonable access to professors. The university enrolls 2,291 students total and focuses heavily on teacher education programs. This size allows for a close-knit academic community in rural Americus.
What are the graduation rates at Georgia Southwestern State University?
Only 32% of students graduate within six years, reflecting challenges common at regional universities serving first-generation college students. The retention rate stands at 64%, meaning about one-third of freshmen don't return for sophomore year. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,757 ten years after enrollment.
Where is Georgia Southwestern State University located?
The campus sits in Americus, Georgia, a small town in the state's rural southwest region. Housing capacity reaches 952 students on campus, though 95% of the student body comes from within Georgia. The town setting provides a quiet environment focused on academics rather than urban distractions.
Does Georgia Southwestern State University have a diverse student body?
Women make up 68% of enrollment, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body is 54% white and 34% Black, creating meaningful diversity for rural Georgia. This demographic mix reflects the university's role serving the broader southwest Georgia region.
