Georgia State University combines broad educational access with strong value-added outcomes. Serving 50.1% Pell-eligible students while generating earnings beyond expectations at the 89.9th percentile nationally, the university demonstrates exceptional effectiveness in converting educational opportunity into economic advancement for diverse student populations.
Above average, driven by strong earnings beyond expectations relative to student demographics
Above average, showing controlled costs and reasonable debt levels for graduates
Among the highest we track, reflecting the university's commitment to enrolling Pell-eligible and first-generation students well above national averages
Among the highest we track, indicating exceptional effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisGeorgia State University delivers exceptional earnings beyond expectations performance while maintaining affordability for diverse student populations. Graduates earn $13,899 beyond expected levels based on their demographics and backgrounds, ranking at the 89.9th percentile nationally well above average.
This value-added performance demonstrates the institution's effectiveness in converting educational opportunity into economic advancement. Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years after enrollment, with earnings spanning from $24,994 at the 25th percentile to $72,355 at the 75th percentile.
Students seeking strong outcomes relative to their academic backgrounds, particularly first-generation and lower-income students. Well-suited for those who value accessibility combined with meaningful earnings growth, especially in technology, business, and interdisciplinary fields.
Georgia State's Opportunity Builders designation reflects its ability to serve diverse students while delivering earnings beyond expectations.
Georgia State University admits 62.3% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This moderately selective admission rate provides reasonable access for qualified students while maintaining academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Georgia State is somewhat more selective than typical institutions in its category, though still significantly more accessible than highly competitive universities. This selectivity level means academically prepared students have good prospects for admission, though applicants should still demonstrate strong preparation across academic dimensions.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Georgia State University's published cost of attendance is $26,535 per year, including $8,478 in-state tuition, $16,328 for room and board, and $2,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $23,709 in tuition, significantly higher than the in-state rate.
However, the average student pays just $15,931 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,604 from the sticker price. This net price falls slightly below the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability relative to similar institutions.
The university demonstrates commitment to affordability through substantial financial aid that reduces costs for most students. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $13,552 for families earning under $30,000 to $20,338 for those earning over $110,000.
This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income families receive the most substantial aid support. The gap of $6,786 between lowest and highest income tiers reflects targeted aid that makes Georgia State accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining revenue from higher-income families.
Computer Science.
260 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
263 graduates
Insurance.
43 graduates
Actuarial Science.
38 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
157 graduates
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia Gwinnett College Higher acceptance rate (33.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 27 miles away; similar graduate earnings | GA | 96% | $47,730 | Compare |
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This is the Georgia State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/georgia-state-university/analysis.
Strong value-added performance for diverse students
Georgia State University ranks #37 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with access performance at the 97.8th percentile nationally among the highest we track. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this large public university maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 62.3% acceptance rate while serving 50.1% Pell-eligible students and 32.3% first-generation students.
These access rates significantly exceed typical peer institutions, positioning Georgia State as an accessible pathway to higher education for diverse student populations. Graduates earn $13,899 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 89.9th percentile nationally well above average.
Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years after enrollment, representing strong outcomes given the institution's mission and student demographics. Compared to a peer median of $60,543, Georgia State demonstrates exceptional value creation through its earnings beyond expectations performance.
This combination of high access, moderate selectivity, and strong value-added outcomes places Georgia State within the Opportunity Builders quadrant, where institutions prioritize broad educational access while maintaining meaningful economic advancement for graduates.
Students considering Georgia State should view it as a realistic option rather than a reach school, particularly those with solid academic credentials. The university's accessible admission standards align with its mission to serve diverse student populations, including significant numbers of first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
For application strategy purposes, Georgia State represents a strong match school for students with moderate academic profiles, and applicants should focus on presenting well-rounded applications that demonstrate readiness for college-level work. The sections below provide context on admitted student characteristics and alternative institutions that may complement a balanced college list including Georgia State University.
Georgia State University graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth and strong outcomes relative to their starting profiles. Median earnings progress from $37,844 six years after enrollment to $42,670 at eight years and $47,384 at ten years, representing 25.2% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts including 17,918 graduates in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. The university generates $13,899 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 89.9th percentile nationally well above average on this critical value-added measure.
Low-income graduates earn $45,600, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Earnings distribution ranges from $24,994 at the 25th percentile to $72,355 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across the institution's diverse program portfolio.
Approximately 24.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Georgia State's performance in earnings beyond expectations particularly stands out, showing the institution adds substantial value through its educational programs and support systems for students who might not achieve similar outcomes at other institutions.
Georgia State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Computer Science ranks #69 nationally and #2 in Georgia, producing 260 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $90,238 and a value score of 62.8.
Artificial Intelligence ranks #48 nationally and #2 in Georgia, graduating 263 students with median earnings of $79,310 and a strong value score of 76.6. Digital Marketing performs exceptionally well, ranking #33 nationally and #2 in Georgia with 262 graduates earning $59,099 and achieving the highest value score of 85.3.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other ranks #22 nationally and #1 in Georgia, representing one of the institution's flagship programs with 287 graduates and median earnings of $47,111. Psychology, General serves as the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 482 students annually with median earnings of $40,518.
Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #72 nationally and #2 in Georgia, producing 218 graduates with median earnings of $65,600. These programs demonstrate Georgia State's strength in preparing students for high-demand fields while maintaining substantial enrollment across diverse disciplines.
Truett Mcconnell University Higher acceptance rate (28.4 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 69 miles away; similar graduate earnings | GA | 91% | $46,700 | Compare |
Shorter University Higher acceptance rate (34.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 58 miles away; similar graduate earnings | GA | 97% | $44,604 | Compare |
Southern Wesleyan University Higher acceptance rate (37.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | SC | 100% | $47,756 | Compare |
Fairmont State University Higher acceptance rate (37 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | WV | 99% | $46,857 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cuny City College Similar quality tier (#37 ranked) | NY | 58% | $66,039 | #37 | Compare |
The University Of Texas At San Antonio Similar quality tier (#35 ranked) | TX | 88% | $57,131 | #35 | Compare |
San Diego State University Similar quality tier (#34 ranked) | CA | 34% | $64,909 | #34 | Compare |
Cuny Lehman College Similar quality tier (#38 ranked) | NY | 55% | $58,013 | #38 | Compare |
Rutgers University-New Brunswick Similar quality tier (#33 ranked) | NJ | 65% | $74,479 | #33 | Compare |
