About Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University builds teachers, nurses, and Division II athletes in south Georgia's college town atmosphere. The 6,858-student campus has produced NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and actress Hayden Panettiere. Education and nursing programs anchor this full university that accepts 89% of applicants. Students typically score around 1040 on the SAT, making VSU accessible to middle-performing high schoolers.
The financial picture looks manageable for Georgia families. After aid, students pay an average of $11,298 annually, with in-state families earning under $30,000 paying just $9,443. Graduates earn a median of $49,361 ten years out, carrying typical debt of $24,779. Those numbers suggest decent value, though the 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the strong education and nursing pipeline. Half receive Pell Grants, indicating VSU serves many first-generation college students. The Blazers compete in 12 Division II sports with over $2 million in athletic scholarships. With 81% of students from Georgia, VSU maintains its regional character while building careers in teaching, healthcare, and beyond.
The financial picture looks manageable for Georgia families. After aid, students pay an average of $11,298 annually, with in-state families earning under $30,000 paying just $9,443. Graduates earn a median of $49,361 ten years out, carrying typical debt of $24,779. Those numbers suggest decent value, though the 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the strong education and nursing pipeline. Half receive Pell Grants, indicating VSU serves many first-generation college students. The Blazers compete in 12 Division II sports with over $2 million in athletic scholarships. With 81% of students from Georgia, VSU maintains its regional character while building careers in teaching, healthcare, and beyond.
Academics & Faculty
Valdosta State University built its reputation on preparing teachers and nurses for South Georgia communities. The education program produces graduates who fill classrooms across the region, while the nursing school maintains strong clinical partnerships with local hospitals. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide hands-on mentoring. The 41% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work part-time or attend school while raising families. Two-thirds of students are women, drawn to programs in education, nursing, and social work. Academic support centers help first-generation college students navigate degree requirements. The university emphasizes practical skills over theoretical research, preparing graduates for immediate employment in healthcare, education, and business fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.7%
- Retention Rate
- 67.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,361
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $64,245 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Certificate | $61,814 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,771 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Certificate | $59,858 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,898 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,964 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $52,524 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $48,363 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,128 |
Campus Life
Valdosta sits in south Georgia, about 230 miles from Atlanta and 120 miles from Jacksonville. The housing capacity of 2,320 serves roughly one-third of the 6,858 students, creating a mix of on-campus and commuter experiences. Expect hot, humid summers and mild winters where a light jacket suffices most days. The small city setting means everything revolves around campus life and Blazer athletics.
Women make up 66.93% of students, and the campus has a strong sense of community despite the moderate 67.47% retention rate. Students gather for Division II football and basketball games, with the 356 athletes creating visible school spirit. Greek life and student organizations fill weekends when students aren't heading home to family. The Gulf South Conference athletics provide regular entertainment, and the education and nursing programs create tight-knit cohorts within the larger university. Downtown Valdosta offers restaurants and entertainment within walking distance, though many students drive to nearby Tifton or make weekend trips to Florida beaches two hours south.
Women make up 66.93% of students, and the campus has a strong sense of community despite the moderate 67.47% retention rate. Students gather for Division II football and basketball games, with the 356 athletes creating visible school spirit. Greek life and student organizations fill weekends when students aren't heading home to family. The Gulf South Conference athletics provide regular entertainment, and the education and nursing programs create tight-knit cohorts within the larger university. Downtown Valdosta offers restaurants and entertainment within walking distance, though many students drive to nearby Tifton or make weekend trips to Florida beaches two hours south.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,320 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 39°–62°F
- July Avg
- 71°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Valdosta State draws primarily from Georgia, with over 80% of students coming from in-state. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus serves a diverse population with significant Black and Hispanic representation. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating VSU's role as an accessible option for working-class families in south Georgia. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable personal attention despite the university's full offerings.
- Men
- 33.1%
- Women
- 66.9%
- White
- 44.1%
- Black
- 37.9%
- Hispanic
- 11.0%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 80.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 50.9%
Location
Valdosta sits in south Georgia, about 120 miles from Jacksonville, Florida, and 230 miles from Atlanta. The city of 56,000 creates a classic college town atmosphere in Georgia's farming region. Valdosta State draws 80.86% of its students from in-state, reflecting strong local and regional appeal. The area is known as the "Azalea City" for its abundant spring blooms and serves as a gateway to Florida. Students enjoy warm weather year-round and easy access to both Atlanta's urban opportunities and Florida's beaches. The Gulf South Conference brings competitive Division II athletics to this tight-knit community. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Valdosta State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Valdosta, Georgia 31698
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,361
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,333
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $263/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,779
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Valdosta State University?
Valdosta State University accepts 89.47% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1040. The university provides accessible higher education opportunities while maintaining academic standards for its comprehensive programs.
How much does Valdosta State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,298 annually, with 50.86% receiving financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,443 on average, making this Georgia university particularly affordable for first-generation college students.
What is Valdosta State University known for academically?
The university operates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and excels in education and nursing programs. With 6,858 students, VSU has built a strong reputation for preparing teachers and healthcare professionals throughout South Georgia.
What are the graduation and employment rates at Valdosta State University?
VSU graduates 41.70% of students within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $49,361 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 94.6%, reflecting the university's focus on career-oriented programs.
Where is Valdosta State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Valdosta, Georgia, housing 2,320 students in on-campus facilities. With a student body that is 66.93% female and diverse, including 37.90% Black students, VSU creates a welcoming environment in this small Southern city.
Does Valdosta State University have notable alumni in professional sports?
VSU has produced NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and quarterback Jake Fromm among its graduates. The Blazers compete in NCAA Division II with 356 total athletes across 12 varsity sports, supported by over $2 million in athletic scholarships.
