About Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University emerged from the 2013 merger of two historic Georgia institutions, creating a full public university that serves 6,655 students in the heart of Macon. The Knights compete in NAIA athletics and draw heavily from Georgia, with 86% of students coming from in-state. This relatively young institution maintains an open-door philosophy with a 99.7% acceptance rate, welcoming students who scored an average of 1025 on the SAT.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $13,922 after aid, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. However, graduates earn a median of $40,863 ten years after starting college, creating potential challenges for the typical graduate who leaves with $19,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $201. Only 33% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The university struggles with student success metrics that prospective students should understand. Just 25% of students graduate within four years, and the retention rate sits at 61%, meaning many students leave before completing their degrees. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, but students need strong self-motivation to navigate successfully through graduation.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $13,922 after aid, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. However, graduates earn a median of $40,863 ten years after starting college, creating potential challenges for the typical graduate who leaves with $19,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $201. Only 33% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The university struggles with student success metrics that prospective students should understand. Just 25% of students graduate within four years, and the retention rate sits at 61%, meaning many students leave before completing their degrees. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, but students need strong self-motivation to navigate successfully through graduation.
Academics & Faculty
Middle Georgia State University focuses on accessible higher education with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio that provides reasonable personal attention. The university accepts 99.71% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students across Georgia. However, only 25% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and studies. The school serves a diverse population with 32% Black students and 41% receiving Pell Grants. As a relatively new institution formed from a 2013 merger, Middle Georgia State emphasizes practical programs in business, education, and health sciences. The low graduation rates suggest students need strong self-motivation to succeed in this open-access environment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 74.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 24.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.6%
- Retention Rate
- 60.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,863
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,543 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,477 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $48,041 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Bachelor | $47,650 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $46,869 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,485 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,568 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
Campus Life
Middle Georgia State's campus sits in the heart of Macon, about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta. With housing for just 1,738 students and total enrollment of 6,655, roughly a quarter of students live on campus. The rest commute from around central Georgia, where 85.57% of students call home. Macon's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both sunscreen for steamy summers and a light jacket for mild winters.
The Knights compete in 10 NAIA sports with 160 total athletes, creating a close-knit athletic community. Students gather at campus events and explore Macon's music heritage - the city birthed legends like Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers. With a 60.85% retention rate, the school works to keep students engaged through its relatively small 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Weekends often mean trips to nearby Lake Tobesofkee or downtown Macon's revitalized arts district. The diverse student body - 50.25% white, 32.43% Black - reflects central Georgia's demographics, while the 99.71% acceptance rate means the university welcomes students ready for a fresh start.
The Knights compete in 10 NAIA sports with 160 total athletes, creating a close-knit athletic community. Students gather at campus events and explore Macon's music heritage - the city birthed legends like Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers. With a 60.85% retention rate, the school works to keep students engaged through its relatively small 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Weekends often mean trips to nearby Lake Tobesofkee or downtown Macon's revitalized arts district. The diverse student body - 50.25% white, 32.43% Black - reflects central Georgia's demographics, while the 99.71% acceptance rate means the university welcomes students ready for a fresh start.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,738 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–59°F
- July Avg
- 71°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Middle Georgia State draws students from across Georgia, with 86% staying in-state to attend this accessible public university. The student body splits fairly evenly between men and women, reflecting the school's diverse academic offerings from aviation to nursing. With 41% receiving Pell Grants, the Knights serve many first-generation and working-class students seeking an affordable path to a degree. The demographics mirror central Georgia's population, with half of students being white and one-third African American. This regional university provides opportunities for students who might otherwise skip college due to financial constraints.
- Men
- 45.8%
- Women
- 54.2%
- White
- 50.3%
- Black
- 32.4%
- Hispanic
- 7.8%
- Asian
- 3.0%
- In-State Students
- 85.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.9%
Location
Middle Georgia State University sits in Macon, Georgia, about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta. The city of 153,000 serves as central Georgia's center, offering more urban amenities than typical college towns. Macon's historic downtown features antebellum architecture and a growing arts scene, while the Ocmulgee River provides outdoor recreation opportunities. The university draws 85.57% of its students from within Georgia, reflecting its role as a regional institution. The central Georgia location provides access to both Atlanta's job market and the state's coastal areas within a few hours' drive. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Middle Georgia State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Macon, Georgia 31206
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,863
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,952
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Middle Georgia State University?
Middle Georgia State University accepts 99.71% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1025. The university serves as an accessible option for students in central Georgia, maintaining open admission policies that welcome nearly all prospective students.
How much does Middle Georgia State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,922 annually, with in-state tuition set at just $4,432. The university keeps costs manageable for Georgia residents, though graduates typically carry $19,000 in median debt upon completion.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Middle Georgia State University?
The university maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 6,655 enrolled students. Middle Georgia State operates on a semester system and emerged from the 2013 merger of Macon State College and Middle Georgia College.
What are the graduation outcomes at Middle Georgia State University?
Only 25.60% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 24.65%. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,863 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the university's role as a regional institution serving working-class students.
Where is Middle Georgia State University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Macon, Georgia, housing 1,738 students on campus out of its total enrollment of 6,655. With 54.17% female students and a diverse population that includes 32.43% Black students, the campus reflects central Georgia's demographics.
Does Middle Georgia State University offer athletic scholarships?
The Knights compete in NAIA athletics within the Peach Belt Conference, awarding $577,195 in athletic scholarships across 10 varsity sports. The athletic program supports 160 student-athletes, providing opportunities for competition beyond the classroom.
