Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Statesboro, Georgia
89.6% Acceptance Rate
Georgia Southern University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
89.6%Acceptance Rate
3.36Avg GPA
1057Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$24,563Annual Cost
$53,236Grad Salary
35.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
89.6%
Avg GPA
3.36
Avg SAT
1057
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
980–1160
ACT Middle 50%
18–23
Avg Net Price
$16,531
Need-Based Aid
35.5% receive Pell
Georgia Southern University is a public, research-oriented institution that emphasizes student-centered learning and community engagement. Admissions are based on a profile of academic performance and standardized testing, with a focus on core curriculum completion. The university seeks students who are ready to thrive in a large, active campus community and contribute to its innovative research and service efforts.
Applicants should showcase a steady upward trend in their grades and a commitment to school-based organizations. Highlighting any leadership roles held in high school whether in sports, clubs, or community service is highly recommended. A strong application demonstrates the applicant's readiness for university-level research and their enthusiasm for the collaborative culture that defines Georgia Southern.
Georgia Southern University Acceptance Rate
Georgia Southern University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 89.6%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 89.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.36 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.16 – 3.35
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.91
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Georgia Southern University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Georgia Southern University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of August 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 12 days left — Rolling
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Georgia Southern University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Rolling
August 1
Rolling
October 1
Rolling
December 1
Rolling
March 1
Rolling
April 1
Rolling
May 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Honors scholarship priority: 2026/01/15) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Georgia Southern University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Georgia Southern University is 3.36. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.56-3.76 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.06 and 3.36, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Georgia Southern University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Georgia Southern University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.36, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.36 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.16 – 3.35
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.96 – 3.15
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.95
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate ~88?90% (BigFuture 87.89%, Wikipedia 89.6% for 2025); ACT or SAT required for Fall 2026 admission - NOT test-optional per Common App profile; no personal essay required; no letters of recommendation required; priority deadline February 1 (scholarship consideration built into admission application); $30 application fee; ~30,000 students; founded 1906; R2 Doctoral University.
- Four campuses: Statesboro (flagship, 900 acres), Armstrong/Savannah (268 acres), Liberty/Hinesville, East Georgia/Swainsboro (added January 1, 2026, consolidated from East Georgia State College, approved April 15, 2025); Sun Belt Conference athletics (Eagles); in-state tuition ~$7,426; out-of-state ~$21,766; average admitted GPA 3.36; average SAT 1170 (49% submitting), ACT 20 (24% submitting).
- Parker College of Business: AACSB-accredited (fewer than 5% of global business schools); PhD in Logistics/Supply Chain Management (first in Georgia, est. 2010); Savannah Logistics Innovation Center (SLIC): partnership with Plug and Play (Silicon Valley VC firm), adjacent to Port of Savannah (4th-largest US container port); Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health; Waters College of Health Professions; Honors College.
- Military-friendly: 9 consecutive years Military Friendly designation; #1 Best Schools for Military Students (multiple organizations); Liberty Campus in Hinesville adjacent to Fort Stewart; 141+ degree programs at bachelor's/master's/doctoral levels; East Georgia Campus (Swainsboro) programs still developing in 2026 - verify specific program availability before enrolling.
- The Rigor Metric: At Georgia Southern University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Georgia Southern University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Georgia Southern University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Georgia Southern University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Georgia Southern University Without SAT or ACT?
Georgia Southern University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Georgia Southern University Average SAT Score: 1057
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Georgia Southern University is 1057 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1057 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1057 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1160 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Georgia Southern University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 980, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Georgia Southern University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 525 | 480 | 570 |
| SAT Reading | 545 | 500 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1057 | 980 | 1160 |
It means that if you have scored less than 980 then you are below most of the admitted students at Georgia Southern University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1160 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Georgia Southern University with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Georgia Southern University are good but the admission staff at Georgia Southern University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Georgia Southern University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Georgia Southern University is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
This score makes Georgia Southern University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 21 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 17 | 23 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 23 |
Can I get into Georgia Southern University with a 23 ACT?
A 23 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Georgia Southern University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Georgia Southern University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Georgia Southern University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Georgia Southern University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 23 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Georgia Southern University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Georgia Southern University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
ACT or SAT Required for Fall 2026 - This Is Not Test-Optional
Georgia Southern's Common App profile for Fall 2026 explicitly states that ACT or SAT scores are required for admission - not optional, not recommended. The average ACT score for enrolled students who submitted scores in 2025 was 20 (24% of the entering class submitted ACT); the average SAT was 1170 (49% submitted). If you don't submit scores, you are applying outside the standard admission criteria as stated by the institution. No personal essay is required and no letters of recommendation are required, which means your transcript, GPA, and test score are the primary materials in the file. The average admitted GPA in 2025 was 3.36 unweighted. Apply by February 1 for priority scholarship consideration - the scholarship application is built into the admission application, so there is no separate form to complete.
Choose Your Campus Carefully - They Are Not Interchangeable
Georgia Southern now operates four campuses: the Statesboro flagship (900 acres, ~50 miles from Savannah, traditional large-campus feel, 900-acre wooded campus, Sun Belt Conference athletics), the Armstrong Campus in Savannah (268 acres, urban setting, 4th-largest US container port adjacent, home to the Savannah Logistics Innovation Center), the Liberty Campus in Hinesville (smaller, 21,000 sq ft, designed for military-connected students near Fort Stewart), and the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro (added January 2026 from the consolidation with East Georgia State College). Programs, campus culture, and geographic environment differ meaningfully between these campuses. Choosing Statesboro for its athletics-heavy residential culture is a different decision than choosing the Armstrong Campus in Savannah for its logistics and supply chain ecosystem adjacent to America's fourth-largest container port. Visit the campus you intend to attend, not just the flagship.
Supply Chain and Logistics Is the Academic Differentiator in Savannah
Georgia Southern's Parker College of Business (AACSB-accredited - a distinction held by fewer than 5% of business schools globally) launched the first PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management offered in Georgia in 2010. On the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, the Savannah Logistics Innovation Center (SLIC) partners with Plug and Play - a Silicon Valley venture capital firm - to connect Georgia-made logistics advances to global markets. The Port of Savannah, adjacent to the Armstrong Campus, is the nation's fourth-largest container port and one of the fastest-growing. For students who intend to build careers in logistics, supply chain, international trade, or related fields, the combination of the AACSB business school, the PhD-granting supply chain program, the SLIC innovation center, and the port's industry ecosystem is a genuinely rare convergence of academic and professional infrastructure.
Use Georgia Southern's Military-Friendly Designation as a Real Resource
Georgia Southern has earned Military Friendly designation for nine consecutive years and has been ranked #1 in Best Schools for Military Students (Veterans News Report, Intelligent.com "Top 60 Military Friendly Colleges"), #1 in Best Education Options for Veterans (Veterans News Report), and "Best for Vets" by CollegeFactual. For active-duty servicemembers, veterans, reservists, and military dependents, Georgia Southern's multi-campus structure means the Liberty Campus in Hinesville (near Fort Stewart) provides a physically proximate option. Tuition assistance processing, credit for military training, and veteran-specific advising are built into the institutional infrastructure rather than added as a student services afterthought. If military-friendly environment is a meaningful factor in your enrollment decision, Georgia Southern consistently backs the designation with measurable outcomes data.
Expert Insight:
Georgia Southern's East Georgia Campus consolidation (finalized January 1, 2026) added a fourth campus in Swainsboro - a small town of ~7,400 approximately 110 miles west of Savannah. The consolidation brings new associate degrees in arts and applied sciences and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, nursing, early childhood education, and liberal studies to the Swainsboro location, with consortium programs with Savannah State University planned. For prospective students, the key disclosure is this: the Swainsboro campus is in early transition, programs are still being developed, and the advising infrastructure and program stability there may differ materially from what the three established campuses offer. If your target program is listed as available at the East Georgia Campus, confirm directly with the Georgia Southern registrar that it is fully operational for your entering cohort.
Georgia Southern University Profile
Full Name
Georgia Southern University
City
Statesboro
State
Georgia
ZIP Code
30460-8126
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Georgia Southern University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Georgia Southern University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Georgia Southern University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Georgia Southern University is $62,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.42%.
How much does a degree from Georgia Southern University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Georgia Southern University is $24,563. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Georgia Southern University is $16,531.
35.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 40 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Georgia Southern University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Georgia Southern University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Georgia Southern University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Georgia Southern University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $53,236. An average Georgia Southern University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Georgia Southern University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Georgia Southern University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Georgia Southern University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Georgia Southern University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Southern University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $53,236 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24,563 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
35.5% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Georgia Southern University is 89.6% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.36. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.06, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.06, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.96 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.36, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Georgia Southern University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1057 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 980–1160.
The application deadline for Georgia Southern University is August 1 for Rolling applicants. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee for Georgia Southern University is 30. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is Honors scholarship priority: 2026/01/15. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.