Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Gordon State College (Gordon) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Barnesville, Georgia 86.8% Acceptance Rate

Gordon State College (Gordon) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Barnesville, Georgia 30204 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.gordonstate.edu/

Gordon State College — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

86.8%Acceptance Rate
950Avg SAT
18Avg ACT
$14,944Annual Cost
$37,871Grad Salary
47.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
86.8%
Avg SAT
950
Avg ACT
18
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
910–980
ACT Middle 50%
15–21
Avg Net Price
$8,918
Need-Based Aid
47.2% receive Pell

Gordon State College Acceptance Rate

Gordon State College (Gordon) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 86.8%, 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
Gordon State College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 86.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

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 Gordon

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Gordon State College'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

⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Gordon State College (Gordon) 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 Gordon Without SAT or ACT?

Gordon State College 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.

Gordon State College Average SAT Score: 950

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Gordon State College is 950 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Gordon State College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 950 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 950 on the SAT.

Composite
950
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (980 SAT or 21 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Gordon State College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 910, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Gordon. 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

SAT score percentiles for Gordon State College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math---
SAT Reading---
SAT Composite950910980

It means that if you have scored less than 910 then you are below most of the admitted students at Gordon and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 980 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 950

Can I get into Gordon State College (Gordon) with a 1000 SAT?

With a 1000 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Gordon State College (Gordon) are good but the admission staff at Gordon 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.

Gordon State College (Gordon) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Gordon is 18.

ACT Competitiveness

Gordon State College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 18 — Accessible

This score makes Gordon State College an easy target for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 18 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Gordon State College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math191522
ACT English171221
ACT Composite181521

Can I get into Gordon State College with a 21 ACT?

A 21 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Gordon State College — 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 Gordon State College 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 Gordon State College — 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 Gordon State College 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 21 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 18

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Gordon

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

Gordon is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.

Consistency over Perfection

Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.

Placement Validation

Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.

Practical Leadership

Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.

FAFSA & Deadlines

At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.

Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Gordon to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

Gordon Profile

Full Name
Gordon State College (Gordon)
City
Barnesville
State
Georgia
ZIP Code
30204
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a Gordon Degree Worth It?

Getting into Gordon 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. Gordon 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 Gordon is $63,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.24%.

How much does a degree from Gordon Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Gordon State College is $14,944. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Gordon State College is $8,918.

47.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 35.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Gordon and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Gordon State College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Gordon as your choice in the form.

How much does a Gordon Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $37,871. An average Gordon 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.

$14,944Annual Cost
$8,918Net Price
47.2%Pell Grant
35.9%Federal Loan
$37,871Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Gordon State College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR 916 16
Bethune-Cookman University Daytona Beach, FL 913 17
Johnson University Florida Kissimmee, FL 940 NA
Trinity College of Florida Trinity, FL 905 19
Warner University Lake Wales, FL 937 17
Wesleyan College Macon, GA 905 NA
Morningside University Sioux City, IA 910 17
Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA 929 18
Kentucky State University Frankfort, KY 910 17
Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LA 938 17
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Gordon State College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama A & M University Normal, AL 947 17
Johnson University Florida Kissimmee, FL 940 NA
Baker University Baldwin City, KS 950 17
Grambling State University Grambling, LA 955 17
Avila University Kansas City, MO 942 18
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Gordon State College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Faulkner University Montgomery, AL 1016 20
University of West Alabama Livingston, AL 1015 20
Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, AR 980 20
Central Baptist College Conway, AR 1022 20
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton Morrilton, AR 1020 20

Degree Programs at Gordon

Bachelor Degree Programs

Associate Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Gordon State College →

Frequently Asked Questions About Gordon Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $37,871 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $14,944 per year, making it more affordable for many students.

47.2% 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 Gordon State College is 86.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

Admission to Gordon State College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 950 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 910–980.

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.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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