GS vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA with Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Georgia Southern University is larger than VSU based on total student enrollment (27,423 students vs. 10,262 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA (Remote Town setting); Valdosta State University is in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting).
• Georgia Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Georgia Southern University 25:1; Valdosta State University 17:1.

GS vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GS or VSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Valdosta State University than GS ($11,144 vs. $15,971).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 17.1% lower than at Georgia Southern University ($9,530 vs. $11,492).
• Valdosta State University is 1.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GS (about $102 more per year; $6,124.00 vs. $6,022.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at VSU than at Georgia Southern University (about $102 more per year; $17,836.00 vs. $17,734.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valdosta State University than at Georgia Southern University (93% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 13.5% larger than aid received by Georgia Southern University students ($10,206 vs. $8,994).

GS vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GS or VSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VSU and GS.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Georgia Southern University (1060) is 50 points higher than at VSU (1010).
• Incoming GS students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 986/1133; Valdosta State University 920/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 18/23; Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GS - Required; VSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: GS May 1, 2027; VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GS students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at VSU (3.23).
• GS has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at GS vs. 26% at VSU.

GS vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GS and VSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Georgia Southern University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Valdosta State University's (43%).
• Graduates from Georgia Southern University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Georgia Southern University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, GS graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($237 vs. $258).
• More GS graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 41%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.