Overview
Georgia State University is a less selective public four-year institution in Atlanta, Georgia. The school accepts 66.8% of applicants and enrolls 27,109 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 66.8%
- Average SAT
- 1,135
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,020–1,250
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 23
- Total Enrollment
- 27,109
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Georgia State operates on rolling admissions, so apply early in the fall for the best shot at merit scholarships and your preferred housing options. The application opens in August, and spots fill throughout the year.
Your essay should connect to specific GSU programs or Atlanta opportunities. Mention the Honors College if you qualify, as it offers smaller classes and priority registration at a large university. The co-op program places students in paid internships with major Atlanta employers like Delta, CNN, and Coca-Cola. Business students can highlight the J. Mack Robinson College of Business downtown location, while nursing applicants should reference the clinical partnerships with Grady Hospital and other Atlanta medical centers.
GSU fits students who want urban energy and diverse perspectives. The downtown Atlanta campus puts you steps from internships, cultural events, and major employers. The student body includes many first-generation college students, working students, and career changers. You'll find study groups in the library at midnight and food trucks on campus during lunch breaks.
Submit your FAFSA early since Georgia State meets full demonstrated need for Pell Grant recipients through the Panther Retention Grant program. Georgia residents should apply for the HOPE Scholarship before enrollment.
Strong applications show clear career goals tied to Atlanta's job market. Computer science applicants benefit from mentioning the city's growing tech scene, while public health students can reference the CDC headquarters nearby. Include any leadership roles, part-time work, or community service that shows you can balance multiple commitments.
Don't submit optional test scores unless they're above the middle range. Focus instead on maintaining strong grades through senior year, as Georgia State reviews final transcripts before enrollment. The university accepts students who show upward grade trends, so explain any academic challenges in the additional information section if they affected your performance.
Visit campus during a weekday if possible to see the commuter energy and downtown integration. Attend an information session to learn about specific scholarship opportunities within your intended major.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $15,931/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $8,478
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $23,709
- Students Receiving Aid
- 50%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.7%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,384/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 78.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Georgia State University is test-optional, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for most undergraduate applications. Students can choose whether to submit test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Georgia State University?
Georgia State University has a priority application deadline of December 1 for fall admission. Applications received after this date are reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full.
How many transfer credits does Georgia State University accept?
Georgia State University accepts up to 90 credit hours from other accredited institutions. Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA and must complete at least 30 credit hours at GSU to earn a degree.
Does Georgia State University offer early admission programs?
Georgia State University does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are reviewed through the regular admission process on a rolling basis after the priority deadline.