Valdosta State University vs Georgia Southern University

Valdosta State University vs Georgia Southern University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

VSU and Georgia Southern are both regional public universities in Georgia. Georgia Southern is more universally recognized, particularly in STEM, Nursing, and Business, with greater enrollment and program variety. Valdosta State is stronger in teaching and local service, with Education, Nursing, Health Professions, and Social Sciences being its strengths. Neither is highly ranked in major global lists such as QS or THE among the world's top universities in recent years, although they do show up in the US regional / state rankings.

General Information

Georgia Southern, with 27,506 total students, is much larger than VSU's 10,151. Georgia Southern has more than one campus (Statesboro, Armstrong, Liberty) and a large range of undergraduate and graduate degree offerings; VSU has fewer students, fewer campuses, and more emphasis on undergraduate and master's level degrees. The settings in which the campuses are located vary: Georgia Southern has campuses spread out in small city / coastal / regional environments, whereas VSU exists in a rural setting serving a regional student population.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Georgia Southern's acceptance rate (~ 89.6%) is greater (less selective) than VSU's (~ 83.5%). Both schools accept high percentages of in-state students. Georgia Southern's current acceptance rate is typical for being non-selective; VSU's is a bit more selective but remains open. SAT/ACT score ranges were not consistently located in consulted sources for recent graduating classes; both institutions have numerous students not submitting test scores, as test-optional or test-flexible policies are in effect or partially in effect in the U.S. South.

Research Impact & Facilities

Georgia Southern is a Doctoral University with higher research activity (R2) in most sources, and it has numerous research centers, particularly in areas such as public health, engineering, coastal studies, and applied sciences. Retention and student success measures have been on the rise. VSU is a more teaching- and regional-service oriented institution with emerging research in Education, Health Sciences, and regional concerns, but much smaller scale of research and fewer doctoral programs.

Cost & Financial Aid

VSU in-state tuition is roughly US$6,007; out-of-state roughly US$17,062. Georgia Southern is comparable or a bit lower or higher depending on campus and residency; specific recent net price and aid averages cannot be stated. A large percentage of Georgia Southern students receive grant aid; VSU gives financial aid to a significant percentage of its students as well. Average net price (after grants) at VSU is approximately US$11,500; at Georgia Southern cost after aid is slightly higher, but still quite affordable for most in-state students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Georgia Southern graduates enjoy a six-year graduation rate ~ 54%, which is greater than VSU's ~ 42%. Median post-graduation earnings are greater at Georgia Southern than at VSU. Georgia Southern's alumni base, particularly in Georgia, has more developed ties in business, engineering, healthcare, and local/regional industry, which is more likely to result in greater longer-term performance than VSU, which is stronger in Education, Health Professions, and local/social regional services. VSU graduates are more likely to remain regionally, whereas Georgia Southern extends its influence somewhat more broadly, including some out-of-state, coastal, and STEM jobs.