University Of West Georgia

University Of West Georgia admits 49.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the institution in the Selective category (25-50% admission rate), making it moderately competitive for prospective students.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights University Of West Georgia's more selective approach compared to typical public institutions serving similar student populations. This 35.2 percentage point difference indicates that University Of West Georgia maintains higher admission standards while still serving diverse student populations including 41.8% Pell-eligible and 31.9% first-generation students.

For prospective applicants, this selectivity level means that strong academic preparation increases admission likelihood, but the institution remains accessible to students from varied backgrounds. Students should treat University Of West Georgia as a target school rather than a safety, particularly given its combination of selective admission with strong support for first-generation and transfer students.

The 76.0% retention rate and commitment to student success indicate that admitted students typically thrive in the academic environment. Applicants should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates alongside University Of West Georgia to ensure admission options.

University Of West Georgia's published cost of attendance totals $23,504 per year, including $17,024 in out-of-state tuition, $11,642 for room and board, and $1,275 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $5,971, reducing total costs substantially for Georgia residents.

However, the average student pays just $15,450 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,054 through institutional and federal assistance programs. This net price places University Of West Georgia $1,357 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating above-average affordability relative to similar public institutions.

The substantial gap between sticker price and actual costs demonstrates the institution's commitment to making education accessible through financial aid. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $12,779 for families earning under $30,000 to $19,101 for families earning over $110,000.

This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income families pay substantially less while higher-income families contribute more toward educational costs. For prospective students, the key financial metric is net price rather than published costs, as most families receive significant financial assistance reducing their actual educational investment.

University Of West Georgia graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings increase from $41,000 six years after enrollment to $45,491 at eight years and $49,587 at ten years, representing 20.9% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 3,882 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures across the institution's diverse program portfolio. Graduates earn $3,310 beyond expectations compared to students with similar backgrounds nationally, placing University Of West Georgia at the 68.6th percentile for earnings uplift.

The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with graduates at the 25th percentile earning $31,963 and those at the 75th percentile reaching $69,802, reflecting differences in program selection and career trajectory. Low-income graduates earn $39,200, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income families.

Approximately 27.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Earnings remain around the national average at the 40th percentile, while the institution's ability to exceed expectations for its student population marks a significant achievement.

University Of West Georgia offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management stands out with a #1 national ranking and #1 state ranking, graduating 101 students with median earnings of $50,197 and achieving a perfect 100.0 value score.

Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #82 nationally and #3 in Georgia, producing 150 graduates with strong median earnings of $77,594 and a 70.4 value score. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program by enrollment, graduating 180 students annually with median earnings of $52,649 and ranking #178 nationally.

Broadcast Journalism ranks #34 nationally and #3 in Georgia with 131 graduates earning $40,309. Criminology achieves #32 nationally and #1 in Georgia, graduating 142 students with median earnings of $41,811.

Digital Marketing ranks #99 nationally and #4 in Georgia, producing 112 graduates with median earnings of $52,304 and a 55.0 value score. These programs demonstrate the institution's strength across diverse fields from specialized technical programs to traditional liberal arts disciplines.