Georgia State University
The Vibe Check
Georgia State pulses with the relentless, fast-paced energy of downtown Atlanta, creating a campus that feels less like a traditional quad and more like an urban launchpad. You'll feel like you're in the center of the action, where the city itself is your classroom and networking happens on every street corner. It's a gritty, ambitious environment that rewards students who are ready to hustle and dive into real-world experiences.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Georgia State is a national leader in innovation, particularly known for its groundbreaking approach to student success using predictive analytics to close achievement gaps. The university offers strong, career-focused programs, especially in business, computer science, and the arts, with faculty who bring direct industry experience into the classroom. Research opportunities are abundant, often connected to the university's unique urban mission and partnerships with Atlanta-based corporations.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Atlanta
Student life at Georgia State is inextricably linked to Atlanta, offering endless options for fun and exploration. You can spend weekends exploring the vibrant street art in Little Five Points, catching a concert at the Tabernacle, or cheering on the Braves at Truist Park. The city's world-class museums, diverse food scene, and major sports venues are all easily accessible via the city's MARTA transit system, making the entire metro area your campus.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($47,384):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
As a downtown urban campus, GSU has a visible campus police presence and employs a comprehensive security system, including emergency call boxes and a safety escort service. While the surrounding city area requires standard urban awareness, the university actively works with local partners to maintain a safe environment for its students.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unbeatable in-state value and low average net price.
- ✓ Prime downtown Atlanta location offering unparalleled internship and job opportunities.
- ✓ Pioneering use of technology and proactive advising to support student success and graduation.
- ✓ Extremely diverse student body reflecting the global city it's located in.
Cons
- ✗ The 54.3% graduation rate is below the national average, reflecting the challenges many students face.
- ✗ The urban campus lacks a traditional 'college town' feel or a central green quad.
- ✗ Commuter-heavy student body can make it harder to build a traditional on-campus community.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia State University is renowned for its innovative, data-driven approach to student success, which has dramatically improved graduation rates, especially for underrepresented students. It's also known for its powerhouse College of Business & Marketing, its prime location in the heart of downtown Atlanta, and its commitment to providing access to a high-quality education for a diverse student population.
With an acceptance rate of 62.28%, Georgia State is considered 'selective' but is generally accessible to a broad range of applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1149, but the university is test-optional and uses a holistic review process, placing significant weight on GPA, course rigor, and personal essays.
Campus life at Georgia State is deeply integrated with the urban environment of Atlanta. With a high percentage of commuter students, the campus is a bustling hub during the day for classes and activities, but evenings and weekends can be quieter on campus as students explore the city. Student life is centered around over 400 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and leveraging the city's cultural and professional offerings.
For in-state students, Georgia State is widely considered one of the best values in higher education. The combination of low tuition, a strong average starting salary, and robust career support in a major city like Atlanta provides an excellent return on investment. For out-of-state students, the value is still strong, but it's crucial to compare the total cost against other options and consider the career opportunities the Atlanta location provides.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 33,129
- In-State Tuition $8,478
- Out-of-State $23,709
- Zip Code 30303
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a remarkably low in-state tuition and an average net price that is highly competitive, Georgia State offers an exceptional return on investment, especially for Georgia residents. The 10-year median earnings of $47,384 for graduates, combined with the university's high Pell Grant rate, demonstrate a strong commitment to both affordability and upward economic mobility. For out-of-state students, the value proposition is still solid, particularly when compared to private institutions with similar career outcomes.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.