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Georgia Southwestern State University

Americus, GA·Public·2,291 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 2,291 students.

77%
Accept
2,291
Students
$12,052
Net Price
32%
Grad Rate
$40,100
Earnings
10 yr
$11,000
Debt

About This School

Georgia Southwestern State University is a public institution located in Americus, Georgia with approximately 2,291 undergraduate students enrolled. Georgia Southwestern State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 77%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,052 per year. The graduation rate is 32%, and the typical graduate earns $40,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is a state public university in Americus, Georgia, United States. Founded as the Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School in 1906, the university was established and is administrated by the Georgia Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The historic core of the campus has been listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, since 2007.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $12,052 average net price and a surprisingly low median debt of $11,000 at graduation make this one of the more affordable options in Georgia, but a 32% graduation rate and 64% freshman retention rate are real red flags that suggest many students struggle to finish. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan to stay on track, but go in with eyes open — fewer than 1 in 3 students who start here end up with a degree.

Founded
1906
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing41%
Health Professions16%
Education12%
Psychology8%
Social Sciences3%
Computer Science3%
Visual & Performing Arts3%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jimmy CarterRosalynn CarterGriffin BellJaha Dukureh

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite998
Reading 75th %ile590
Math 75th %ile540

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$4,980
Out-of-State Tuition
$15,702
Avg Net Price
$12,052
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$11,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
32%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
64%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

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

Student Body

White54%
Black34%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,291 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Georgia Southwestern State University

800 Georgia Southwestern State University Dr.

Americus, GA 31709-4693

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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