Georgia State University: An Analysis of Student Population Trends

Georgia State University (GSU), a public research university located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, has experienced significant changes in its student population over the years. Founded in 1913, GSU has grown into one of the most comprehensive public institutions in Georgia. This article examines the trends in student enrollment, demographics, costs, admissions, and graduation rates at Georgia State University, providing a comprehensive overview of the university's student body.

Overview of Georgia State University

Georgia State University is one of the four research universities within the University System of Georgia. Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research spending and doctorate production," GSU offers over 250-degree programs across 10 academic colleges and schools. The university's commitment to research is underscored by its participation in initiatives like SURAGrid, a supercomputing grid involving 24 universities across 15 states.

Enrollment Trends

In the fall of 2024, Georgia State University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 27,438 students. This large student body reflects GSU's accessibility and appeal as a major public university in an urban setting. Full-time enrollment at Georgia College & State University is 5,602 students and the part-time enrollment is 1,209. This means that 82.2% of students enrolled at Georgia College & State University are enrolled full-time.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

In 2023, full-time enrollment at Georgia College & State University accounted for 82.2% of the total student body, with 5,602 students attending full-time compared to 1,209 part-time students. This indicates a strong preference for full-time study among GSU students.

Retention Rate

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Georgia College & State University was 84%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Masters Colleges and Universities (74%), Georgia College & State University had a retention rate higher than its peers.

Enrollment by Race and Ethnicity

The racial and ethnic composition of Georgia College & State University's student body is diverse, with a significant white population. The enrolled student population at Georgia College & State University, both undergraduate and graduate, is 78.5% White, 7.96% Black or African American, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.19% Two or More Races, 1.75% Asian, 0.176% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0734% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

Admissions and Acceptance Rate

Georgia College & State University received 6,214 undergraduate applications in 2023, which represents a 40.8% annual growth. In 2023, Georgia College & State University had an acceptance rate of 87.8%, with 5,454 students being admitted out of 6,214 applicants. This relatively high acceptance rate suggests that GSU is accessible to a wide range of students. The university also has an overall enrollment yield of 33.3%, indicating the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll.

SAT Scores

In 2023, 31% of enrolled first-time students submitted SAT scores with their applications.

Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees

Georgia State University's in-state tuition and fees are $10,500; out-of-state tuition and fees are $31,320. The median undergraduate tuition at Georgia College & State University is $7,508, which is $−17,067 less than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($24,575). In 2023, the cost of tuition at Georgia College & State University was $7,508. The cost of tuition at Georgia College & State University is $−17,067 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($24,575).

Average Net Price

After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $19,769. In 2023 Georgia College & State University had an average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - of $19,769. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Georgia College & State University grew by 2.62%.

Read also: The Dynasty of Excellence

Financial Aid

Seventy-two percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $17,202. 82% of undergraduate students at Georgia College & State University received financial aid through grants or loans in 2023. This represents a decline of 7.87% with respect to 2022, when 89% of undergraduate students received financial aid.

Student Loan Default Rate

In 2022 the default rate for borrower's at Georgia College & State University was 0%, corresponding to 0 out of the 1,384 total borrowers.

Graduation Rates and Outcomes

The four-year graduation rate at Georgia State University is 33%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $37,844. In 2023, 49% of students graduating from Georgia College & State University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 62% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 62% within 200%.

Graduation Rate by Race and Sex

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Georgia College & State University is Male and Black or African American (66.7% graduation rate). Across all Masters Colleges and Universities, Asian Female students have the highest graduation rate (74.3%).

Degrees Awarded

In 2023, 1,761 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Georgia College & State University. 67.5% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 32.5% awarded men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was white (1,409 degrees), 8.14 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american (173 degrees).

Read also: Choosing Your UGA Major

Campus Development and Facilities

Georgia State University has continually expanded its campus to accommodate its growing student population. Recent developments include:

University Commons: A US$165 million complex housing 1,992 students.
Freshman Hall (Patton Hall): A 325-bed residence hall exclusively for freshman students.
Parker H. Petit Science Center: Offering state-of-the-art science laboratories and teaching space.
25 Park Place Building: Housing academic units of the College of Arts and Sciences.

In November 2024, Georgia State University secured $107 million to initiate significant upgrades to its downtown campus as part of a transformative plan featuring nine projects aimed at revitalizing and reimagining the campus experience.

Student Life and Activities

Georgia State University offers a vibrant student life with a wide range of activities and organizations. The on-campus Recreation Center features racquetball courts, a squash court, a 7,000-square-foot free-weight area, an aquatic center, and a climbing wall. The university also operates Cinefest Film Theater, a student-run movie theater showcasing international cinema, art house films, and classic movies.

Greek Life

Georgia State University is home to 31 fraternities and sororities, including those from the North American Interfraternity Conference (IFC), National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).

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