Georgia State University

Georgia State is moderately selective, admitting about 57.2% of its roughly 42,000 applicants in the most recent cycle. Academic GPA, the rigor of your course load, and test scores are all weighed as very important factors, so a solid record in a college-prep curriculum is the main thing that matters for admission.

Enrolled first-years averaged about a 3.6 high school GPA, and academic GPA is rated a very important factor in admission. Georgia State requires a college-preparatory curriculum, and the University System of Georgia uses a Freshman Index combining your GPA and test scores, so strong grades in core academic courses are the foundation of a competitive application.

Out-of-state applicants face longer odds than Georgia residents. In Fall 2025, Georgia State admitted about 67% of in-state applicants but roughly 48% of out-of-state applicants. Only about 6% of undergraduates come from outside Georgia, so the university draws overwhelmingly from in-state, though out-of-state students who clear the academic bar are still admitted at a meaningful rate.

Yes, a 1200 is competitive at Georgia State. It sits above the median for enrolled first-years, whose middle 50% scored 1030–1240 on the SAT and 18–27 on the ACT. A score in that range or above puts you at or near the top of a typical admitted student's profile.

Yes. Georgia State's most recent Common Data Set reports that an SAT or ACT score is required to be considered for admission to the Atlanta campus, after several test-optional cycles. Among enrolled first-years who submitted scores, the middle 50% landed at 1030–1240 on the SAT and 18–27 on the ACT, so check the current policy on the official admissions site before you apply.

Annual tuition and required fees are about $10,500 for Georgia residents and $31,320 for out-of-state students, among the more affordable options of any major public research university. About 60% of full-time first-years receive need-based grant or scholarship aid, with an average aid package near $16,326.

Business and marketing is the largest field at about 19% of bachelor's degrees, followed by computer and information sciences at roughly 16% and interdisciplinary studies at about 10%. Psychology, the arts, life sciences, social sciences, and health professions round out the most-awarded programs across the university.

The application essay is rated a considered factor at Georgia State, weighed alongside grades and test scores rather than above them. Because admission turns heavily on your GPA, course rigor, and scores, a clear, specific essay is a chance to add context to your record and show who you are beyond the numbers.

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