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. 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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Georgia State University typically demonstrate solid academic preparation across standardized testing measures. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1040 at the 25th percentile to 1280 at the 75th percentile, with a midpoint of 1149. Most admitted students score within this middle range, though scores outside these boundaries do not automatically disqualify applicants. Math sections show ranges from 510 to 640, while verbal sections span 530 to 640, indicating balanced expectations across both testing areas. ACT scores follow similar patterns, ranging from 19 at the 25th percentile to 26 at the 75th percentile with a midpoint of 23. Compared to peer institutions, Georgia State's admitted students score 49 points lower on the SAT and 2 points lower on the ACT, reflecting the university's commitment to serving broader student populations. Students scoring below the 25th percentile ranges should expect to be at some competitive disadvantage but remain eligible for consideration, particularly with strong performance in other application areas. If your scores fall within the middle 50% ranges, you are academically competitive for admission and should focus on other application components. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building comprehensive college lists, treating Georgia State as an accessible option that balances reasonable admission standards with meaningful post-graduation outcomes.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Georgia State University enrolls a notably diverse student body that reflects its commitment to broad educational access. The institution serves 50.1% Pell-eligible students, indicating that roughly half of enrolled students come from lower-income families. Additionally, 32.3% of students are first-generation college attendees, demonstrating the university's role in expanding higher education access to families without previous college experience. Transfer students comprise 25.2% of the student body, showing substantial pathways for students beginning their education at other institutions. This composition significantly exceeds national averages and peer institution medians, positioning Georgia State as a leader in educational access and opportunity. The high proportion of students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds creates a campus environment where varied perspectives and experiences contribute to the academic community. Students from lower-income families should note that 50.1% of enrolled students share similar economic circumstances, creating supportive peer networks and institutional understanding of their needs. First-generation students can expect to find substantial support systems and shared experiences among the 32.3% of students who are also the first in their families to attend college. Transfer applicants should view the significant 25.2% transfer enrollment as evidence of institutional commitment to supporting students from diverse academic pathways.
Given Georgia State's 62.3% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view it as an accessible option. The alternatives below offer different combinations of admission accessibility, geographic location, and outcomes for students building comprehensive college lists.
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Georgia State University maintains solid retention and completion outcomes that reflect institutional effectiveness in supporting student success. The freshman retention rate of 78.3% indicates that roughly 4 in 5 students return for their sophomore year, though this falls below the peer median of 83.7%. Six-year graduation rates reach 53.7%, compared to a peer median of 65.9%, indicating room for improvement in degree completion but still representing meaningful success for the diverse student populations served. Particularly noteworthy is the Pell completion rate of 32.4%, which shows a significant gap compared to the overall completion rate of 53.7%. This 21.3 percentage point Pell gap suggests that lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion, though many still achieve graduation despite these obstacles. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support systems designed to help them navigate college successfully, though they should be prepared for the academic rigor and personal responsibility required for degree completion. Lower-income students should weigh the substantial Pell gap when considering this institution, recognizing both the access opportunity and the additional support they may need to reach graduation. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as realistic indicators of the academic environment and support systems they will experience, planning accordingly for the sustained effort required to achieve their educational goals.
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