About South Georgia State College
The financial picture tells a compelling affordability story. Students pay an average net price of $9,300 annually, making this one of Georgia's most budget-friendly options. Graduates leave with a median debt of just $11,500, keeping monthly loan payments at $122. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $35,697. The low debt burden makes this a practical choice for students seeking career training without crushing financial obligations.
The college faces retention challenges that prospective students should understand. Only 60% of students return for their second year, and just 19% graduate within four years. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at many colleges. However, 96% of graduates find employment, and over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve first-generation and lower-income students.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 18.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 20.3%
- Retention Rate
- 60.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,697
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,894 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,356 |
Campus Life
Student life revolves around the tight-knit community that comes with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The Hawks compete in 8 NJCAA sports with 102 total athletes, creating school spirit around basketball and baseball games. Women make up 68% of the student body, and 94% come from Georgia. Weekend activities often involve trips to nearby lakes or heading to Valdosta for shopping and dining. The college's 117-year history as a regional institution means many students have family ties to the area. With over half receiving Pell Grants, the student body reflects working-class Georgia families seeking affordable education close to home.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 547 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1906
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–60°F
- July Avg
- 70°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 0.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 32.3%
- Women
- 67.7%
- White
- 57.4%
- Black
- 25.1%
- Hispanic
- 11.9%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 94.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 52.2%
Location
- Address
- Douglas, Georgia 31533
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,697
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,912
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 26.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $122/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at South Georgia State College?
South Georgia State College has open admission policies typical of Georgia's state colleges, with a 60% retention rate indicating students need strong preparation to succeed. The college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in rural South Georgia, welcoming students who may need developmental coursework before pursuing their degrees.
How much does South Georgia State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,300 annually, with 52% receiving financial aid including Pell Grants. In-state tuition runs just $2,970, making this one of Georgia's most affordable four-year options for families earning under $30,000 who pay only $8,002 net.
What is the student-faculty ratio at South Georgia State College?
The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,553 enrolled students. South Georgia State emphasizes small-town education with personalized attention, though the 18.8% four-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete their degrees.
What do graduates of South Georgia State College typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $35,697 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $122. The college serves rural Georgia communities where career opportunities often center on agriculture, healthcare, and local government positions.
Where do students live at South Georgia State College?
The campus houses 547 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $9,547 annually. Nearly all students come from Georgia, with 94% being in-state residents who often stay connected to their rural communities throughout their college years.
Does South Georgia State College have strong athletics programs?
The Hawks compete in NJCAA athletics with 102 total athletes across 8 varsity sports, supported by $147,390 in athletic scholarships. The college has built a reputation for competitive baseball and softball programs that recruit talent from across rural Georgia and northern Florida.
