Gordon State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Gordon State College, located in Barnesville, Georgia, stands as a public institution with a rich history and a commitment to providing accessible higher education. Situated fifty-five miles south of Atlanta and thirty-five miles northwest of Macon, the college offers associate and bachelor's degrees to a diverse student body.
Historical Development
Founded in 1852 as the Barnesville Male and Female High School, a private school, Gordon State College has evolved significantly over the decades. In 1872, the institution's name was changed to Gordon Institute in honor of General John B. Gordon, a Georgia native, governor, and former Confederate general. Simultaneously, its scope broadened to include elementary grades. Alice Wooten of Monroe County became Gordon Institute’s first graduate in 1875.
The institution has ties to North Georgia College and State University and Woodward Academy in Atlanta through J. C. Woodward. An alumnus of North Georgia Agricultural College, Woodward was hired in 1890 to start the first military program at Gordon Institute. He later founded Georgia Military Academy, now known as Woodward Academy.
In 1907, Gordon Institute's name officially changed to Gordon College. The Department of War recognized Gordon College as a junior military unit. During World War I (1917-18), 450 Gordon alumni served, with 160 becoming commissioned officers.
In 1928, Gordon added the first two years of college to its program, and five years later, it was named an honor military school. This designation allowed cadets, upon completing the junior college coursework, to enter the military as commissioned officers.
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In 1933, the state of Georgia offered the former Georgia Industrial College campus to Gordon College. The high school and junior college departments relocated to the new campus, while the elementary school moved into the former high school building.
World War II (1941-45) saw numerous Gordon alumni serving in Europe and the Pacific. Post-World War II, Gordon Military College experienced enrollment growth, leading to the addition of five new buildings, including two dormitories.
However, lacking endowments or public funds and facing increasing competition for student enrollment, the school encountered financial difficulties in the 1960s. A fund-raiser raised $70,000, but it was insufficient to cover the college's $1.8 million debt. In 1970, the trustees approached the state about incorporating the college into the university system. In 1986, "junior" was dropped from the school’s name.
Academics and Rankings
Gordon State College is a medium-sized, four-year public school, offering both associate and bachelor's degrees. The student-faculty ratio at Gordon State College is 21:1. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Gordon State College is ranked No. #87-96 in Regional Colleges South. It's also ranked No. #86 in Lowest Acceptance Rates.
Two notable strengths of Gordon State are its nursing and prepharmacy programs. In 2002, Gordon College led the state’s two-year nursing programs with a 100 percent passing rate on the national licensing exam.
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Campus and Student Life
The Gordon State College campus spans 236 acres. The student body, exceeding 5,000 students by 2011, primarily comes from Lamar County and surrounding areas but also includes students from out of state and around the world.
Admissions and Financials
Gordon State College has an acceptance rate of 86.78%. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $3,628; out-of-state tuition and fees are $10,948. The average net price for federal loan recipients is $8,844. The four-year graduation rate is 7%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $33,163. Interested students can apply without a fee waiver.
Athletics
Gordon State College competes in Region XVII of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) at the Division I level as a member of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, and club football, while women's sports include soccer, softball, and volleyball. The college also fields co-ed golf and esports teams.
Before the 1980s, the athletic teams at Gordon State were known as the Bulldogs. Through the mid-1980s, Gordon State's teams were known as the Generals, a nod to General Gordon.
Leadership
From May 1963 to April 1964, retired major general Derrill M. Daniel served as president. Donald J. is the current President.
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