Georgia Gwinnett College: A Study in Diversity and Opportunity

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), established in 2005, stands as a testament to modern public higher education. As the first four-year public college founded in the 21st century and the first such institution created in Georgia in over 100 years, GGC has quickly become a college of choice for Gwinnett County students, enrolling more from the county than any other institution. With a commitment to student engagement and faculty-student mentoring, GGC offers a dynamic learning community focused on fostering individual growth and academic excellence.

Leadership and Administration

GGC is led by President Dr. Jann L. Joseph, along with a team of dedicated administrators:

Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost: Dr. Chavonda Mills
Chief of Staff: Sloan Jones
Vice President for Advancement and Community Engagement: Dr. Darin Wilson
Vice President for Business and Finance (Interim): Wanda Aldridge
Vice President for Enrollment Management: Kimberly Jordan
Vice President for Information Technology and Institutional Research, CIO: Dr. Christine Miller Divine
Vice President for Student Affairs: Dr. Matthew K. Add

This team works collaboratively to ensure the college's mission and goals are met, providing a supportive and enriching environment for all students.

Affordability and Financial Aid

One of GGC's defining characteristics is its commitment to affordability. In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition was $3,214, significantly lower than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges ($29,280). This commitment to accessible education extends to financial aid, with 75% of undergraduate students receiving grants and 24% receiving loans in 2023. After factoring in grants and loans, the average net price for students is $11,037.

Student Expenses Beyond Tuition

Beyond tuition, students also face expenses such as room and board, and books and supplies. In 2023, the average yearly cost for room and board was $14,320, while books and supplies averaged $1,510. These costs have seen slight increases between 2022 and 2023, reflecting broader economic trends.

Admissions and Enrollment

GGC's accessibility is reflected in its high acceptance rate. In 2023, the college received 6,390 undergraduate applications and accepted 6,107 students, resulting in a 95.6% acceptance rate. This represents an increase from the 93.6% acceptance rate in 2022. The college's overall enrollment yield, which is the percentage of admitted students who enroll, stands at 44.5%.

The total enrollment at GGC in 2023 was 11,907 students, with 7,795 enrolled full-time and 4,112 part-time, meaning that 65.5% of students enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College are enrolled full-time.

Diversity Statistics

Georgia Gwinnett College prides itself on its diverse student body. The racial and ethnic composition of the student population in 2023 is as follows:

Black or African American: 31.6%
Hispanic or Latino: 27.4%
White: 21.2%
Asian: 11.5%
Two or More Races: 3.84%
American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.277%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders: 0.176%

This diversity is further reflected in the gender distribution, with a significant portion of students identifying as female. Specifically, the most common groupings are Black or African American females (18.4%) and Hispanic or Latino females (17.6%).

National Recognition for Ethnic Diversity

GGC's commitment to diversity has earned it national recognition. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks GGC among the top colleges in the Southern region for ethnic diversity. GGC was ranked #3 in ethnic diversity among regional colleges in the nation. These rankings underscore the college's success in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Read also: The Dynasty of Excellence

Academic Programs and Outcomes

In 2023, Georgia Gwinnett College awarded 1,166 degrees across its undergraduate and graduate programs. A majority (63.3%) of these degrees were awarded to women, while 36.7% were awarded to men. The most common race/ethnicity among degree recipients was white (349 degrees), followed closely by black or African American (320 degrees).

The most common bachelor's degree concentration at GGC in 2023 was General Business, with 336 degrees awarded. Other popular majors include Nursing and Information Technology.

Specialized Majors

GGC offers several specialized majors that distinguish it from other institutions. These include:

Parks, Recreation, & Leisure
English
History

These programs provide students with unique opportunities to develop expertise in specific fields.

Career Paths of Graduates

Graduates of Georgia Gwinnett College pursue a wide range of careers across various industries. Common job titles for alumni include:

Read also: Choosing Your UGA Major

Elementary & middle school teachers
Other managers
Lawyers, & judges, magistrates, & other judicial workers
Secondary school teachers
Postsecondary teachers

The most common industries employing GGC graduates include:

Elementary & secondary schools
Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges
General medical and surgical hospitals, and specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals
Outpatient care centers

Graduation and Completion Rates

While GGC is committed to providing accessible education, graduation rates remain an area for improvement. In 2023, only 4% of students completed their program within 100% of the "normal time" (i.e., four years for a four-year degree). However, 21% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 25% within 200%.

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Georgia Gwinnett College is Female and White (25.6% graduation rate).

Campus Resources and Support Services

Georgia Gwinnett College offers a range of resources and support services to enhance the student experience. These include:

Computer Labs: At least one staffed computer lab is available to students, with a total of 243 computers across campus.
Wireless Network: A wireless computer network is available throughout the campus.
Special Programs: GGC offers a variety of special programs, including English as a Second Language (ESL) support, academic remediation, distance learning options, double major options, independent study, learning disabilities services, advanced placement credit, an honors program, internships, and summer sessions for credit.
Study Abroad: GGC sponsors its own study-abroad program, providing students with opportunities to gain international experience.

Student Life and Engagement

GGC fosters a vibrant campus community with a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. The college also has an Army cross-town ROTC unit, providing students with opportunities for leadership development and military service.

Geographic Diversity

While GGC primarily serves students from Georgia, it also attracts students from other states and countries. Approximately 1.36% of students come from out of state, and 0.66% come from out of the country.

Age Diversity

GGC's student body includes individuals of all ages, with a good mix of traditional college-age students (18-21) and older learners.

tags: #Georgia #Gwinnett #College #diversity #statistics