Georgia Southern University, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Georgia Southern University has reached a remarkable total enrollment of over 29,500 students, showing a significant increase of 2,000 from the previous year. Alongside this achievement, the university conferred a record 5,771 degrees last year, highlighting its dedication to quality education. With an impressive freshman and sophomore retention rate of 81.4%, GSU remains committed to student success. Initiatives such as fundraising efforts aimed at $300 million by 2030 and the new Ready Day One Connect program further demonstrate GSU’s investment in its students and community.
Georgia Southern University Reports Record Enrollment and Degree Conferrals
In a remarkable achievement, Georgia Southern University (GSU) has recorded an impressive total enrollment of over 29,500 students across all campuses, marking a notable increase of 2,000 students from the previous year. As the new academic year kicks off, excitement fills the air as more students than ever choose GSU as their educational home.
Not only has enrollment increased, but GSU has also conferred a record number of 5,771 degrees over the last year. This achievement showcases the university’s commitment to delivering quality education and preparing students for successful careers.
Retention Rates and Educational Initiatives
Equally impressive is the retention rate for freshmen and sophomores, which stands at 81.4%. This figure reflects the university’s dedication to supporting students throughout their academic journey, ensuring that they have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.
At the core of GSU’s efforts is its strategic plan called “Soaring Beyond 2030”, which emphasizes people, purpose, and action for both community impact and student success. The university is not just invested in its students; it also strives to enhance the value of a GSU diploma each and every day.
Fundraising has been a fruitful area for the university, having raised an impressive $27 million last year alone. Over the past five years, GSU has brought in $135 million, leading to $6 million in scholarships awarded last year to students with financial needs. As part of the vision for future growth, GSU aims to reach a goal of $300 million in fundraising by the year 2030.
Innovative Programs and Collaborations
One exciting initiative is the launch of the pilot program called “Ready Day One Connect”, which will soon span across all college curriculums. This program aims to help align students’ interests with suitable majors, guiding them in their academic and career pursuits. To further enhance student preparedness, GSU has incorporated internship or experiential learning into graduation requirements, ensuring that graduates are not just ready to earn a degree, but are job-ready as well.
Particularly noteworthy is the growth in enrollment at GSU’s Liberty campus, where student numbers have risen from 444 to 486. Over 70% of these students reside in Liberty and Long counties, with more than 50% being military-affiliated. The Liberty campus is deeply engaged in the community, participating in collaborations such as hosting the Think BIG youth group and providing training spaces for military personnel.
Community Impact and Workforce Integration
Recently, GSU awarded five Eagle Excellence scholarships aimed at supporting students with unmet financial needs. To support this growing enrollment, GSU has also welcomed 53 new faculty and staff members.
Beyond the confines of the campus, Georgia Southern is active in initiatives such as the Institute for Water and Health and the Institute for Health Logistics and Analysis. The university is recognized as a leader in logistics and advanced manufacturing education, establishing itself as a vital contributor to the region’s economy and workforce.
As GSU looks ahead, there is great anticipation for the fall semester, with enrollment expected to exceed 29,000 students, which will set another record. This year’s “Operation Move-In” event welcomed over 5,900 freshmen, showcasing not just the university’s appeal but also its economic impact as community organizations joined in to assist with the move-in efforts.
As students settle in, they are expected to shop local for their dorm essentials, bolstering local businesses. Move-in activities at both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses will continue throughout the weekend leading up to classes starting on August 13.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Georgia Southern University’s total enrollment?
- Georgia Southern University has achieved a total enrollment of over 29,500 students across all campuses, an increase of 2,000 from last year.
- How many degrees were conferred by GSU last year?
- The university conferred a record number of degrees in the last year, totaling 5,771.
- What is the freshman and sophomore retention rate at GSU?
- Freshman and sophomore retention rates have reached 81.4%.
- What is GSU’s fundraising goal for 2030?
- The university aims to increase fundraising to $300 million by 2030.
- What new initiative is being implemented at GSU?
- A pilot program called “Ready Day One Connect” will expand across all college curriculums to align students’ interests with appropriate majors.
- How many faculty and staff members has GSU added?
- GSU has added 53 new faculty and staff members to accommodate the growing enrollment.
Key Features of Georgia Southern University
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 29,500+ |
| Degree Conferred | 5,771 |
| Freshman & Sophomore Retention Rate | 81.4% |
| Fundraising Efforts | $27 million last year |
| Scholarship Awards | $6 million last year |
| New Faculty & Staff | 53 |
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Additional Resources
- Coastal Courier: Georgia Southern Keeps Growing
- WTOC: Record-Breaking Freshman Class Moves into Dorms at Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro Herald: Students Flock to Georgia Southern for New School Year
- Grice Connect: Statesboro Buzzes as Georgia Southern Kicks Off Operation Move-In
- Wikipedia: Georgia Southern University
- Google Search: Georgia Southern University
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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