About University of West Georgia
West Georgia has built its reputation as a regional teaching university that serves working-class students across rural Georgia. The university enrolls 7,485 students in the small town of Carrollton, about an hour west of Atlanta. Founded in 1906 as a teacher training school, it still produces many of the state's educators while expanding into business, nursing, and liberal arts programs. The 80% acceptance rate reflects the school's mission to provide accessible higher education to first-generation college students.
Students pay an average net price of $15,450 after financial aid, with 42% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,587 ten years after leaving school. That return on investment makes sense for students seeking affordable credentials, though the $23,970 median debt load requires careful planning. Monthly loan payments average $254, manageable for most graduate salaries.
The student body is 64% female and nearly half minority students, reflecting the school's draw among diverse populations seeking upward mobility. Only 43% graduate within six years, a rate that signals academic challenges for underprepared students. The Wolves compete in Division II athletics with 12 varsity sports, creating campus spirit without the pressure of big-time college sports.
Students pay an average net price of $15,450 after financial aid, with 42% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,587 ten years after leaving school. That return on investment makes sense for students seeking affordable credentials, though the $23,970 median debt load requires careful planning. Monthly loan payments average $254, manageable for most graduate salaries.
The student body is 64% female and nearly half minority students, reflecting the school's draw among diverse populations seeking upward mobility. Only 43% graduate within six years, a rate that signals academic challenges for underprepared students. The Wolves compete in Division II athletics with 12 varsity sports, creating campus spirit without the pressure of big-time college sports.
Academics & Faculty
West Georgia operates as a full public university serving primarily in-state students, with 95.61% of its 7,485 students coming from Georgia. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 42.70% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. The university has built a reputation for its education programs, which train teachers throughout the region. Business and nursing programs also draw significant enrollment. With an 80.12% acceptance rate and average SAT of 1035, West Georgia welcomes students across a broad academic spectrum. The school emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than theoretical research, making it popular among first-generation college students seeking accessible higher education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.7%
- Retention Rate
- 76.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,587
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Education, Other. | Doctoral | $87,604 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,653 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,460 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $66,915 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,870 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,343 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $57,943 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $55,286 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $50,856 |
Campus Life
The University of West Georgia sits in Carrollton, about an hour west of Atlanta's sprawling metro area. With housing for 2,835 students on a campus serving 7,485 total enrollment, roughly 38% of students live on campus. The rest commute from nearby towns or Atlanta's outer suburbs. Georgia's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but rarely heavy coats, while summer orientation sessions can hit the high 80s.
Students gather around the Campus Center between classes, and the 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. With 63.67% women and 95.61% in-state students, the campus has a distinctly Georgian feel. The Wolves compete in NCAA Division II with 388 total athletes across 12 sports, drawing weekend crowds to football and basketball games. Many students head to Atlanta on weekends for concerts and internships, but campus traditions like Homecoming keep plenty around. The small-town setting means most social life revolves around campus events, Greek organizations, and the close-knit community that comes with a regional university.
Students gather around the Campus Center between classes, and the 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. With 63.67% women and 95.61% in-state students, the campus has a distinctly Georgian feel. The Wolves compete in NCAA Division II with 388 total athletes across 12 sports, drawing weekend crowds to football and basketball games. Many students head to Atlanta on weekends for concerts and internships, but campus traditions like Homecoming keep plenty around. The small-town setting means most social life revolves around campus events, Greek organizations, and the close-knit community that comes with a regional university.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,835 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1906
Campus Safety (2023)
13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–53°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.6"
Student Demographics
West Georgia draws a heavily female student body that reflects the university's strength in education, nursing, and social work programs. Nearly two-thirds of students are women, while 96% come from Georgia, showing the school's deep roots in serving local communities. Over 40% receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the university's commitment to making college accessible for working-class Georgia families. The diverse racial composition mirrors the changing demographics of metro Atlanta's outer suburbs. Students here typically choose practicality over prestige, seeking affordable degrees that lead directly to stable careers in their home state.
- Men
- 36.3%
- Women
- 63.7%
- White
- 49.6%
- Black
- 32.3%
- Hispanic
- 9.4%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 95.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.8%
Location
Carrollton sits about 50 miles west of Atlanta, placing students within reach of Georgia's major metropolitan center. The town of roughly 26,000 residents creates a classic college atmosphere where the university's 7,485 students make up nearly a third of the local population. Rolling hills and small-town charm define this part of west Georgia, offering a quieter alternative to urban campus life. The setting provides easy access to outdoor recreation areas and lakes popular with students. With 95.61% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Georgia's landscape and culture. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare University of West Georgia with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Carrollton, Georgia 30118-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,587
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,160
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,970
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of West Georgia?
University of West Georgia accepts 80% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1035. The school serves as an accessible pathway to higher education for Georgia students, with 96% of the student body coming from in-state.
How much does University of West Georgia cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,450 annually at University of West Georgia. In-state tuition runs $5,971 while out-of-state students pay $17,024, making it an affordable option for Georgia residents.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of West Georgia?
University of West Georgia maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its 7,485 students. The university has built a reputation for personalized attention in a small-town setting just west of Atlanta.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of West Georgia?
University of West Georgia graduates 43% of students within six years, with alumni earning a median salary of $49,587 after ten years. The employment rate reaches 95%, though many students carry typical debt loads of around $24,000.
Where is University of West Georgia located and what is campus life like?
University of West Georgia sits in Carrollton, a college town about an hour west of Atlanta with housing for 2,835 students. The campus culture centers around the Wolves athletic teams competing in NCAA Division II with 12 varsity sports.
Does University of West Georgia have a diverse student body?
University of West Georgia enrolls a diverse student population with 50% white students, 32% Black students, and 9% Hispanic students. Women make up 64% of the student body, creating a campus environment that reflects Georgia's changing demographics.
