Georgia State University-Perimeter College

99.1%Acceptance

$2,960Tuition

12,871Students

22%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,384Earnings

Public2-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Georgia State University-Perimeter College

Georgia State University-Perimeter College serves as Atlanta's accessible gateway to higher education. Nearly 13,000 students attend this two-year institution that functions as both a community college and a pathway into the Georgia State system. The college accepts 99% of applicants, welcoming students with an average SAT score of 955. Known for providing affordable education in Georgia's largest city, Perimeter College specializes in transfer programs and workforce preparation.

The financial picture favors students seeking value. After aid, students pay an average of $10,102 annually, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,987. Graduates earn a median of $47,384 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt of $20,903. Monthly loan payments average $222, making this education financially manageable for most graduates. The employment rate reaches 92.6%, indicating strong job market outcomes.

The student body reflects Atlanta's diversity, with 48% Black students, 16% Hispanic students, and women comprising 62% of enrollment. However, the 22% six-year graduation rate signals challenges many students face in completing their programs. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, while 43% of students receive Pell Grants, underscoring the college's role serving working-class families.

Academics & Faculty

Georgia State Perimeter College serves as a transfer-focused institution that prepares students for four-year degrees at minimal cost. With in-state tuition at just $2,960, the college attracts students seeking affordable pathways to bachelor's programs. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors, though the 22% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college excels in pre-nursing, business, and STEM preparatory coursework. Students typically complete core requirements and associate degrees before transferring to Georgia State's main campus or other universities. Strong dual enrollment programs serve local high school students seeking college credit.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 70.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 22.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,384

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$63,203
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$50,439
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$28,259

View all 6 programs →

Campus Life

Georgia State's Perimeter College operates across multiple campuses throughout metro Atlanta, putting students in the heart of one of the South's fastest-growing cities. With 61.59% of students being women and 48.40% Black, the campuses reflect Atlanta's diverse demographics. Students experience Georgia's humid subtropical climate, where air conditioning matters more than winter coats, though you'll need a light jacket for brief January chills.

The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more personal than at massive universities, but with 12,871 students across all campuses, you'll find your crowd. Most students commute from around the metro area since this is primarily a two-year transfer pathway to Georgia State's main campus. The 92.6% employment rate suggests many students work while attending classes. Weekend life often means exploring Atlanta's neighborhoods, catching Hawks or Falcons games, or working part-time jobs. With 80.30% of students from in-state, expect to meet lifelong Georgians alongside international students drawn to Atlanta's economic opportunities.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–53°F
July Avg: 70°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.5"

Student Demographics

Georgia State Perimeter College serves as Atlanta's gateway to higher education for working-class families. Nearly half the students are Black, reflecting the college's deep roots in the city's diverse communities. About 80% come from Georgia, drawn by rock-bottom tuition that starts at under $3,000 annually. Women outnumber men three to two, typical for community colleges nationwide. The college functions as an affordable stepping stone for first-generation college students and career changers. With a 99% acceptance rate, Perimeter opens doors for students who might otherwise skip college entirely due to cost or academic preparation concerns.

Men: 38.4%
Women: 61.6%
White: 14.5%
Black: 48.4%
Hispanic: 16.5%
Asian: 9.4%
In-State Students: 80.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.2%

Location

Perimeter College sits in Atlanta, one of the Southeast's largest metropolitan areas with over 6 million residents. The campus serves students in Georgia's economic and cultural center, where major corporations like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines are headquartered. Atlanta's sprawling urban landscape offers internships, jobs, and cultural attractions that many two-year college students elsewhere can't access. The city's diverse population mirrors the school's demographics, with 48.40% of students identifying as Black and 16.49% as Hispanic. Students benefit from Atlanta's public transit system and thriving job market. The metropolitan setting provides opportunities that smaller college towns simply can't match. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Georgia State University-Perimeter College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3083

Georgia State University-Perimeter College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,384
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,218
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $222/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,903

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Georgia State University-Perimeter College?

The acceptance rate is 99.13%, making admission nearly guaranteed for applicants. This open-access approach serves Georgia State's mission as a community college focused on providing educational opportunities to diverse Atlanta-area students.

How much does Georgia State University-Perimeter College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $10,102, with 43.17% of students receiving financial aid. In-state tuition starts at just $2,960, making this one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in the Atlanta metro area.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Georgia State University-Perimeter College?

Classes average 19 students per faculty member, providing reasonable access to instructors. The college serves as a transfer-focused institution where students complete general education requirements before moving to four-year universities.

What are the employment outcomes for Georgia State University-Perimeter College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 92.6% employment rate with median earnings of $47,384 after ten years. However, the 6-year graduation rate is 22.20%, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities.

Where do Georgia State University-Perimeter College students come from?

The student body of 12,871 is 80.30% in-state residents, primarily from the greater Atlanta area. The college serves a predominantly diverse population with 48.40% Black students, 16.49% Hispanic students, and women comprising 61.59% of enrollment.

Does Georgia State University-Perimeter College offer good transfer opportunities?

Students average SAT scores of 955 and benefit from seamless transfer pathways to Georgia State University's main campus. The college functions as a crucial stepping stone for students seeking to complete bachelor's degrees at lower initial costs in metro Atlanta.