Georgia State University vs Georgia Southern University

Georgia State University vs Georgia Southern University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Georgia State ranks higher globally compared to Georgia Southern. In QS World University Rankings 2026, Georgia State ranks around 621–630, whereas Georgia Southern is ranked 901–950. In Times Higher Education 2025, Georgia State is ranked 401–500, and Georgia Southern is unraked among the top 600. Georgia State is strong in Business, Law (76th in US News 2025), and Social Sciences with solid urban research programs. Georgia Southern stands out for Education, Health Professions, and Engineering Technology, with regional attention in the Southeast (EduRank 2025). Georgia State's urban concentration provides it with a wider scholarly advantage.

General Information

Georgia State is larger, with 34,974 students to Georgia Southern's 26,041. Georgia State has more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered through 10 colleges, with an emphasis on urban research and professional education. Georgia Southern offers 132 undergraduate and graduate degrees, with an emphasis on hands-on, community-based education on its Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville campuses. Georgia State's campus in Atlanta is incorporated within a vibrant metropolitan area, while the Statesboro campus of Georgia Southern provides a traditional college town setting.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Georgia State's admissions are slightly more competitive, at a 62.3% acceptance rate vs. 89.6% for Georgia Southern. Georgia State's SAT range is 1040–1280, and ACT is 19–26, whereas Georgia Southern's is 980–1160 and 18–23. Both institutions are test-optional, with Georgia State's requiring a GPA of 3.54 and Georgia Southern's 3.36. Georgia State's pool of applicants is larger (30,230 vs. 14,410), with a lower yield rate (24.1% vs. 36.8%). Georgia State draws a diverse, metropolitan pool of applicants, whereas Georgia Southern focuses on access for local students.

Research Impact & Facilities

They are both R1 research universities with high research activity. Georgia State's research is strongest in Business, Social Sciences, and Public Health through urban facilities and collaborations with Atlanta's corporate and government communities. Georgia Southern has its strengths in Education, Health Professions, and Engineering through facilities such as the Center for Sustainability and a 1.5-million-volume library system. Georgia State has more research output based on its urban size and funding, whereas Georgia Southern prioritizes undergraduate research and regional community impact.

Cost & Financial Aid

Georgia State's in-state rate is $8,664, out-of-state $24,840, with room/board $16,328. Georgia Southern's in-state rate is $6,022, out-of-state $17,734, with room/board $10,993. Georgia State provides more financial aid ($8,636 average vs. Georgia Southern's $7,158), with 93% of students receiving aid vs. 89%. Georgia Southern is cheaper overall, especially for out-of-state students, while Georgia State's larger aid figures help fund its spread-out urban student body.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Georgia State graduates have a slightly higher median salary ($46,200 vs. Georgia Southern's $44,800 ten years after graduation) and a slightly higher graduation rate (54% vs. 52%). Georgia State's alumni are successful in Business, Law, and urban sectors, taking advantage of Atlanta's economic center. Georgia Southern's alumni prosper in Education, Health Professions, and local markets, with strong connections to Georgia's rural and coastal economies. Georgia State's urban setting promotes professional networking, while Georgia Southern's community orientation promotes regional career opportunities.