About Gordon State College
Gordon State College serves students who want affordable access to nursing and education programs in small-town Georgia. The college enrolls 2,605 students in Barnesville, about an hour south of Atlanta. With a 93% acceptance rate, Gordon State welcomes students who might struggle at more selective institutions. The school built its reputation as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year universities, though it now offers bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields like nursing.
Students pay an average net price of $8,918 after financial aid, making Gordon State one of Georgia's most affordable options. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $37,871 ten years after enrollment with typical debt of $17,500. The math works for students who complete their programs, though only 17% graduate within six years.
Women make up 66% of the student body, typical for a college emphasizing nursing and education. The campus houses 782 students, creating a close-knit community feel. With just 89 total athletes across four sports, Gordon State focuses on academics over athletics. Nearly all students come from Georgia, giving the college a distinctly local character.
Students pay an average net price of $8,918 after financial aid, making Gordon State one of Georgia's most affordable options. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $37,871 ten years after enrollment with typical debt of $17,500. The math works for students who complete their programs, though only 17% graduate within six years.
Women make up 66% of the student body, typical for a college emphasizing nursing and education. The campus houses 782 students, creating a close-knit community feel. With just 89 total athletes across four sports, Gordon State focuses on academics over athletics. Nearly all students come from Georgia, giving the college a distinctly local character.
Academics & Faculty
Gordon State College operates as a small public institution focused on associate and bachelor's degree programs, with nursing and education standing out as signature strengths. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio suggests moderately sized classes, though the 19.45% four-year graduation rate and 48.30% retention rate indicate many students struggle to complete their programs on schedule. The college serves as an access point for first-generation students, with 47.23% receiving Pell Grants. Strong employment rates at 95.4% suggest graduates find work after completing their studies. The nursing program attracts students seeking healthcare careers in rural Georgia, while education degrees prepare teachers for local school districts.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 50.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 19.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 17.3%
- Retention Rate
- 48.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,871
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,763 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,776 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,992 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,111 |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,964 |
Campus Life
Gordon State College sits in rural Barnesville, about 60 miles southeast of Atlanta. With only 782 housing spots for 2,605 students, roughly 30% live on campus while most commute from nearby towns. The small-town Georgia setting means you'll need light jackets for winter but plenty of sunscreen for the long, humid summers that stretch well into fall.
Campus life revolves around the close-knit community feel that comes with the 21:1 student-faculty ratio. Women make up 66% of the student body, and nearly half the students receive Pell Grants, creating a working-class atmosphere where many juggle jobs alongside classes. The Highlanders field just 4 varsity sports with 89 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level. Weekends often mean trips to Atlanta for entertainment or staying local for community events. With 97% of students from Georgia, most go home on weekends rather than staying for campus activities. The nursing and education programs create study groups that become tight social circles, especially important given the 48% retention rate.
Campus life revolves around the close-knit community feel that comes with the 21:1 student-faculty ratio. Women make up 66% of the student body, and nearly half the students receive Pell Grants, creating a working-class atmosphere where many juggle jobs alongside classes. The Highlanders field just 4 varsity sports with 89 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level. Weekends often mean trips to Atlanta for entertainment or staying local for community events. With 97% of students from Georgia, most go home on weekends rather than staying for campus activities. The nursing and education programs create study groups that become tight social circles, especially important given the 48% retention rate.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 782 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1852
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–56°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.3"
Student Demographics
Gordon State draws students from across Georgia, with 97% coming from in-state families seeking an affordable college option. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class communities in rural Georgia. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, largely due to popular nursing and education programs that attract career-focused students. The campus brings together roughly equal numbers of white and Black students, mirroring the demographics of central Georgia. Most students are first-generation college attendees looking for practical degrees that lead directly to employment.
- Men
- 34.4%
- Women
- 65.6%
- White
- 46.7%
- Black
- 42.2%
- Hispanic
- 5.6%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 97.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.2%
Location
Gordon State College sits in Barnesville, Georgia, about 60 miles southeast of Atlanta. The campus serves 2,605 students in a small town surrounded by rural farmland and rolling hills. Barnesville has a population of around 6,700, making it a classic small Southern college town where the campus forms a central part of the community. The area offers a slower pace of life compared to Georgia's major cities, with students finding outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby state parks and lakes. About 97% of students come from within Georgia, reflecting the school's strong ties to the local region. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Gordon State College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Barnesville, Georgia 30204
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,871
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,842
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $186/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Gordon State College?
Gordon State College accepts 93.32% of applicants with an average SAT score of 975. The school provides an accessible pathway to higher education for students in rural Georgia who might not qualify for more selective institutions.
How much does Gordon State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,918 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,475. About 47% of students receive Pell Grants, making this one of Georgia's most affordable four-year college options.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Gordon State College?
The student-faculty ratio is 21:1 across the college's 2,605 students. Gordon State focuses on nursing and education programs, providing hands-on training for careers in high-demand fields.
What are the graduation rates at Gordon State College?
Only 19.45% of students graduate within four years, with a six-year rate of 17.30%. The low retention rate of 48.30% reflects challenges common among colleges serving first-generation and working students.
Where is Gordon State College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Barnesville, Georgia, a small town about 60 miles south of Atlanta. With housing for 782 students and just 89 varsity athletes competing in NJCAA sports, campus life centers around academics rather than traditional college activities.
Does Gordon State College have a good employment rate for graduates?
Graduates achieve a 95.4% employment rate with median earnings of $37,871 ten years after graduation. The college's focus on practical programs like nursing helps students enter stable careers, though many graduates carry median debt of $17,500.
