Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Atlanta, Georgia
62.3% Acceptance Rate
Georgia State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
62.3%Acceptance Rate
3.54Avg GPA
1149Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$26,535Annual Cost
$47,384Grad Salary
50.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
62.3%
Avg GPA
3.54
Avg SAT
1149
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1040–1280
ACT Middle 50%
19–26
Avg Net Price
$15,931
Need-Based Aid
50.1% receive Pell
Georgia State University is a major public research institution in downtown Atlanta renowned for its innovation, diversity, and dedication to student success. As a national leader in eliminating achievement gaps, the university offers a rigorous and inclusive environment where students engage in top-tier research and professional development. Its strategic location in a hub of commerce and culture provides students with unparalleled access to internships, networking opportunities, and career-launching experiences.
Georgia State University Acceptance Rate
Georgia State University is moderately selective. 62.3% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What Georgia State University Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 62.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.09
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Georgia State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Georgia State University is November 15 for Early Action applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 97 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 15
Regular Decision (Spring)
December 1
Regular Decision (Summer)
May 1
Regular Decision (Fall)
August 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Honors College / Centennial Merit / Stamps / Presidential Scholarships: 2025/11/15) 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 State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Georgia State University is 3.54. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.24 and 3.54? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.74–3.94.Georgia State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.14 – 3.33
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.13
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Rigorous coursework strengthens admission competitiveness.
- Dual Enrollment and AP courses provide significant advantages.
- Community leadership aligns well with Georgia State's mission.
- Early application improves scholarship consideration.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Georgia State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Georgia State 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 State University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Georgia State University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Georgia State University Without SAT or ACT?
Georgia State University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Georgia State University Average SAT Score: 1149
The average SAT score of admitted students at Georgia State University is 1149 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1149 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1280 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Georgia State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1040, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Georgia State University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 575 | 510 | 640 |
| SAT Reading | 585 | 530 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1149 | 1040 | 1280 |
Below 1040, you're behind most admitted students; at 1280 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Georgia State University with a 1300 SAT?
A 1300 SAT puts you ahead of most of Georgia State University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Georgia State University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Georgia State University is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT English | 22 | 18 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 19 | 26 |
Can I get into Georgia State University with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Georgia State University's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Georgia State University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Georgia State University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Georgia State University takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Target Academic Excellence in Core Subjects
Georgia State University evaluates applicants carefully on college preparatory coursework and academic performance. Strong grades in mathematics, English, science, and social studies demonstrate readiness for university-level study. Students should focus on maintaining academic consistency and showing upward grade trends when possible.
Leverage Dual Enrollment and Advanced Coursework
Applicants who complete AP, IB, Honors, or Dual Enrollment courses demonstrate academic initiative and preparedness. Success in challenging coursework can strengthen admission competitiveness while potentially earning college credit.
Build a Strong Urban Leadership Profile
As a major metropolitan research university, Georgia State values leadership, initiative, and community engagement. Participation in civic projects, student organizations, leadership programs, and volunteer activities can enhance an applicant's profile.
Apply Early and Complete Financial Aid Requirements
Students should submit applications and financial aid documents as early as possible. Early action can improve access to scholarships, housing options, and institutional support programs while reducing administrative delays.
Expert Insight: Expert Warning:
Many applicants underestimate the importance of senior-year performance. Declining grades during the final year can negatively affect admission decisions and scholarship opportunities.
Georgia State University Profile
Full Name
Georgia State University
City
Atlanta
State
Georgia
ZIP Code
30303-3083
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Georgia State University Degree Worth It?
At $26,535/year against a $47,384 median graduate salary, Georgia State University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $72,200, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.53%.
How much does a degree from Georgia State University Cost?
The sticker price is $26,535/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $15,931.
50.1% of students receive a Pell Grant and 41.5% take federal loans at Georgia State University. File your FAFSA early and list Georgia State University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Georgia State University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $47,384. That's about 17% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Georgia State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | 1100 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Georgia State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Georgia State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Georgia State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia State University Admissions
Median earnings for Georgia State University graduates sit around $47,384 a year.
At about $26,535 a year, Georgia State University is on the more affordable end.
With 50.1% of Georgia State University students on a Pell Grant, need-based aid odds here are strong. An early FAFSA filing naming Georgia State University is the key move.
At 62.3%, Georgia State University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Georgia State University average a 3.54 GPA.
Georgia State University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.24 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.14, Georgia State University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Georgia State University — aim above 1149, ideally within the 1040–1280 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Georgia State University is November 15 for Early Action applicants.
The application fee is 60. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is Honors College / Centennial Merit / Stamps / Presidential Scholarships: 2025/11/15. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.