Gordon vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Gordon State College in Barnesville, GA with Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Valdosta State University is larger than Gordon based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 3,179 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gordon State College is located in Barnesville, GA (Distant Town setting); Valdosta State University is in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting).
• Gordon State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gordon State College 20:1; Valdosta State University 17:1.

Gordon vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gordon 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 Gordon State College than VSU ($7,807 vs. $11,144).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 8.8% lower than at Gordon State College ($9,530 vs. $10,444).
• Valdosta State University is 68.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Gordon (about $2,496 more per year; $6,124.00 vs. $3,628.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.9% higher at VSU than at Gordon State College (about $6,888 more per year; $17,836.00 vs. $10,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valdosta State University than at Gordon State College (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 57.9% larger than aid received by Gordon State College students ($10,206 vs. $6,462).

Gordon vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gordon 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 Gordon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gordon State College (1010) is the same as at VSU (1010).
• Incoming Gordon students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 19) as students at VSU (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gordon State College 890/1130; Valdosta State University 920/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gordon State College 15/24; Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gordon - Test optional; VSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Gordon has a higher acceptance rate (85.9%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.1% at Gordon vs. 26% at VSU.

Gordon vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gordon 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).

• Graduates from Valdosta State University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Gordon graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $34,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gordon State College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($17,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Gordon graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($180 vs. $258).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gordon students, three years after graduation. (41% vs. 26%)

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.