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Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA·Public·6,858 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. 51% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

83%
Accept
6,858
Students
$11,298
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$41,600
Earnings
10 yr
$13,750
Debt

About This School

Valdosta State University is a public institution located in Valdosta, Georgia with approximately 6,858 undergraduate students enrolled. Valdosta State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 83%. The average net price after financial aid is $11,298 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $41,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Valdosta State University is a public university in Valdosta, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1906, it launched in 1913 as an all-girls college. VSU is one of the four comprehensive universities in the University System of Georgia. As of 2019, VSU had over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. VSU also offers classes at Moody Air Force Base, located northeast of Valdosta in Lowndes County.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $11,298/year after aid and $13,750 in median debt, the cost is genuinely manageable, but a 42% graduation rate and 67% freshman retention rate suggest many students struggle to finish — worth asking hard questions about academic support and your own readiness. Median earnings of $41,600 a decade out are modest but reasonable given the price point, especially for students targeting careers in education, nursing, or public service in the Southeast Georgia region. This is a solid option for cost-conscious students with a clear plan, but if you need strong academic momentum and structure to stay on track, look closely at what's driving that low completion rate before committing.

Founded
1906
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing25%
Health Professions18%
Psychology10%
Communications6%
Education6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences4%
Social Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Pauley PerretteLisa BlountNancy GraceRay McKinnon

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1037
Reading 75th %ile580
Math 75th %ile550

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,007
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,062
Avg Net Price
$11,298
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants51%
Median debt at graduation$13,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
67%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

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

White44%
Black38%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,858 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Valdosta State University

1500 N Patterson St

Valdosta, GA 31698

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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