V-State vs Georgia Southern University

Valdosta State University and Georgia Southern University, both esteemed institutions in Georgia, offer distinct educational experiences. Valdosta State, nestled in the charming city of Valdosta, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. Georgia Southern, located in the vibrant city of Statesboro, stands out with its larger student body, providing a diverse and dynamic campus environment. While both universities excel in various academic disciplines, Valdosta State is renowned for its strong programs in nursing, education, and business, while Georgia Southern shines in engineering, health professions, and arts. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including their graduation rates, popular majors, student demographics, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Georgia Southern University	Valdosta State University
Overview
Location	Statesboro, Georgia	Valdosta, Georgia
Campus setting	Town: Distant	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	72.0%	56.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	90.5%	76.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $45
SAT range	990 - 1200	940 - 1140
ACT range	18 - 24	17 - 23
Students submitting SAT score	23.0%	18.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	18,541	8,650
Total number of admissions given out	16,782	6,606
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,571	1,782
Yield rate	33.2%	27.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,011 Out of state: $34,065	In state: $22,695 Out of state: $33,750
Average net price	$15,830	$12,856
Tuition	In state: $4,371 Out of state: $15,425	In state: $4,371 Out of state: $15,426
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,262 Meal plan: $3,750	Room/dormitory: $4,566 Meal plan: $4,204
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	89.0% Average amount $7,748	89.0% Average amount $9,221
Students receiving federal student loan	49.0% Average amount $5,121	57.0% Average amount $5,454
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $8,122	4.0% Average amount $8,546

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	23,527 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	8,760 Men 33.0% Women 67.0%
Graduate students	3,549 Men 28.3% Women 71.7%	2,797 Men 24.7% Women 75.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	6.5%	19.1%
International students	1.5%	1.1%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	5,722	2,857
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Florida South Carolina North Carolina Tennessee	Georgia Florida Alabama South Carolina Tennessee

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Computer and Information Science	Education Health Professions Business Psychology Library Science
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	53.6%	41.0%
Dropout rate	14.3%	14.9%
Transferred out	29.2%	41.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,951 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $96,937 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $82,820 Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $89,855 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,715 Year 2: $64,608 Year 3: $76,683 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,107 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $75,334 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,688 Year 2: $60,399 Year 3: $73,752 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,291 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $73,741 Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $71,792 Year 2: $72,134 Year 3: $70,800 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,135 Year 2: $63,203 Year 3: $69,489 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,923 Year 2: $65,506 Year 3: $68,258 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,090 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $66,074	Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $64,245 Year 3: $69,158 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,210 Year 2: $58,898 Year 3: $64,095 Educational/Instructional Media Design (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,814 Year 3: $61,964 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $59,858 Year 3: $61,823 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,309 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $58,113 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,101 Year 2: $52,524 Year 3: $54,080 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,464 Year 2: $48,432 Year 3: $52,422 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,958 Year 2: $39,009 Year 3: $52,230 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,173 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $51,849 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,788 Year 2: $48,363 Year 3: $51,433

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Valdosta State University (VSU) and Georgia Southern University (GSU)?

Valdosta State University (VSU) is a mid-sized university known for its strong focus on teacher education and performing arts, offering a more intimate campus environment. Georgia Southern University (GSU), on the other hand, is a larger university with a broader range of programs, including engineering and business, and a more prominent athletic presence. GSU also has multiple campuses, while VSU primarily operates from its main campus in Valdosta.
Which university, VSU or GSU, is larger?

Georgia Southern University (GSU) is significantly larger than Valdosta State University (VSU) in terms of student enrollment. GSU typically has a higher number of undergraduate and graduate students.
How do the academic programs at VSU and GSU compare?

Both VSU and GSU offer a wide range of academic programs. VSU is particularly well-regarded for its education, nursing, and fine arts programs. GSU has a broader selection, including strong programs in business, engineering, public health, and information technology. Consider your specific academic interests when deciding which university is a better fit.
What is the campus environment like at VSU versus GSU?

VSU offers a more close-knit, community-focused campus environment. It's located in downtown Valdosta, providing easy access to local businesses and attractions. GSU, being larger, has a more diverse and active campus life with a wider range of student organizations and activities. GSU's main campus in Statesboro is a more traditional college town setting.
How do the costs of attending VSU and GSU compare?

Tuition and fees at VSU and GSU are generally comparable for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition will differ. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities. Also, consider the cost of living in Valdosta versus Statesboro, as this can impact your overall expenses.
Which university has a stronger athletic program?

Georgia Southern University (GSU) generally has a more prominent athletic program, particularly in football. GSU competes in NCAA Division I (FBS) as part of the Sun Belt Conference. Valdosta State University (VSU) has a strong athletic program as well, competing in NCAA Division II. If athletics are a major factor in your college decision, consider which division and conference align with your interests.
What are the locations of VSU and GSU, and how does that affect student life?

VSU is located in Valdosta, Georgia, a smaller city that offers a more relaxed atmosphere. GSU's main campus is in Statesboro, Georgia, a more traditional college town. GSU also has campuses in Savannah and Hinesville. The location can impact your access to internships, job opportunities, and the types of extracurricular activities available. Consider which environment best suits your preferences.
What kind of student support services are available at VSU and GSU?

Both VSU and GSU offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, career services, counseling, disability services, and tutoring. GSU, being a larger university, may have a more extensive network of resources, but VSU's smaller size can allow for more personalized attention. Check each university's website for specific details on the services they provide.
How do the admission requirements compare between VSU and GSU?

Admission requirements for VSU and GSU are generally similar, including minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements (though test-optional policies may apply). GSU, being more selective, may have slightly higher average GPA and test score expectations. It's best to check the admissions websites of both universities for the most current and specific requirements.
Which university is better for international students?

Both VSU and GSU welcome international students and offer support services tailored to their needs, including visa assistance and international student advising. GSU, with its larger size and broader range of programs, may have a larger international student population, potentially offering a more diverse international community. However, VSU's smaller size could provide a more personalized experience. Research the specific international student resources and programs offered by each university to determine which best meets your needs.

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