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Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley, GA·Public·2,684 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. median debt is moderately high; earnings barely cover the debt load. 73% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

66%
Accept
2,684
Students
$10,338
Net Price
41%
Grad Rate
$34,700
Earnings
10 yr
$31,000
Debt

About This School

Fort Valley State University is a public institution located in Fort Valley, Georgia with approximately 2,684 undergraduate students enrolled. Fort Valley State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 66%. The average net price after financial aid is $10,338 per year. The graduation rate is 41%, and the typical graduate earns $34,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Fort Valley State University is a public land-grant historically black university in Fort Valley, Georgia, United States. It is part of the University System of Georgia and a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $11,609 average annual net price makes this one of the more affordable HBCU options in the Southeast, and the land-grant mission means strong programs in agriculture, veterinary technology, and the sciences. However, the 45% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish — and median earnings of $34,700 a decade out suggest limited financial upside for many graduates. Worth considering if cost is a priority and you have a clear plan to stay on track, but look closely at completion rates for your specific program before committing.

Founded
1939
Setting
Fringe town
Avg Faculty Salary
$7,426

Popular Programs

Psychology15%
Business & Marketing14%
Biological Sciences12%
Computer Science4%
Social Sciences2%
Communications2%
Education2%
Visual & Performing Arts1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Catherine Hardy Lavender

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite994
Reading 75th %ile560
Math 75th %ile510

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite18

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$5,526
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,932
Avg Net Price
$10,338
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$9,017
$30–48k$9,021
$48–75k$11,502
$75–110k$15,571
$110k+$16,914

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants73%
Median debt at graduation$31,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
41%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
79%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$31,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$26,600
Female graduates$24,400

Gap: 8% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$31,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$25,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.1x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black92%
Hispanic/Latino3%
Two or more races3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,684 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Fort Valley State University

1005 State University Dr

Fort Valley, GA 31030-4313

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Georgia

Browse all Georgia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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