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Valdosta State University (VSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Valdosta State University

Sunlit courtyards, red tile roofs, and palms set a laid back South Georgia scene, but academics stay grounded. Valdosta State is known for solid teaching in the arts, business, education, health fields, and the sciences, with hands-on work and faculty-guided projects. Modern classrooms, labs, and studios sit by a lively library, tutoring and advising, a career center, and a rec center. The vibe is welcoming and unpretentious.

Life spills onto a big central lawn, club fairs, and evenings that swing from open mic to intramurals. Outdoor folks find rivers, trails, and springs nearby, with beaches a doable weekend run. The city adds a friendly downtown of local eateries and coffee spots. Career prep leans practical through internships with regional schools, hospitals, and businesses, alumni connections, and employer visits. Traditions favor Blazer pride and torch-lit gatherings. Notable alumni include NFL linebacker Jessie Tuggle.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, Georgia, 31698, USA
Unit ID
141264

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
SACSCOC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Campus Setting
Located in a small city (population under 100,000)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R3 (Moderate Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$6,007
Tuition $4,371 + Fee $1,636
Out-of-State
$17,062
Tuition $15,426 + Fee $1,636
Student Profile
Total Students 10,151
Undergraduate 6,858
Graduate/Other 3,293
Male: 3,155 Female: 6,996
Applications
Total Applicants 4,689
Admitted 3,915
Enrolled 1,135
Acceptance: 83.5% Yield: 29%
Staff
Total Staff 1,142
Full-time 922
Part-time 220
Full-time: 80.7% Part-time: 19.3%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Valdosta State University (VSU) offers 72 degree programs across 23 major academic fields, graduating approximately 2,416 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (19 programs, 710 graduates), Business (9 programs, 469 graduates), Health (6 programs, 255 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 124 graduates) and Liberal Arts (2 programs, 118 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Education (19 programs, 710 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Teacher Education and Professional Development 173
Master's
13.1299
Elementary Education 85
Bachelor's
13.1202
Instructional Technology 75
Master's
13.0501
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 60
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1314
School Counseling and Guidance 58
Master's
13.1101
Early Childhood Education 51
Master's
13.1210
Special Education Teaching 43
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1001
Technology and Industrial Arts Teacher Education 34
Master's
13.1309
Educational and Curriculum Supervision 29
Master's
13.0404
Middle School Education and Teaching 23
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1203
Secondary Education and Teaching 13
Bachelor's
13.1205
Trade and Industrial Teacher Education 12
Bachelor's
13.1320
Bilingual and Multilingual Education 11
Master's
13.0201
Curriculum and Instruction 10
Doctorate (R)
13.0301
Educational Leadership and Administration 10
Doctorate (R)
13.0401
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 8
Master's
13.1401
Music Teacher Education 6
Master's
13.1312
General Education 5
Master's
13.0101
Adult and Continuing Education Administration 4
Doctorate (R)
13.0403
Business (9 programs, 469 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 195
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Organizational Leadership 81
Bachelor's
52.0213
Accounting 54
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0301
Marketing Management 43
Bachelor's
52.1401
Finance, General 35
Bachelor's
52.0801
Administrative Assistant Science 20
Bachelor's
52.0401
International Business and Trade 17
Bachelor's
52.1101
Business Economics 14
Bachelor's
52.0601
Business Administration 10
Bachelor's
52.0101
Health (6 programs, 255 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Speech-Language Pathology 105
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
51.0203
Registered Nursing 103
Bachelor's
Master's
51.3801
Health Administration and Management 16
Bachelor's
51.0701
Marriage and Family Therapy 15
Master's
51.1505
Dental Services and Allied Professions 8
Associate's
51.0699
Nursing Practice 8
Doctorate (R)
51.3818
Psychology (1 programs, 124 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 124
Bachelor's
Master's
42.0101
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 118 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Liberal Arts and Humanities 102
Bachelor's
24.0199
Liberal Arts and Sciences 16
Associate's
24.0101
Library Science (1 programs, 102 graduates)
Information Management, Library Systems and Data Organization
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Library and Information Science 102
Master's
25.0101
Public Services (2 programs, 99 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Social Work 59
Master's
44.0701
Public Administration 40
Master's
Doctorate (P)
44.0401
Arts (6 programs, 81 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Music 20
Bachelor's
50.0901
Theatre Arts 19
Bachelor's
50.0501
Art Studies 17
Bachelor's
50.0701
Interior Design 11
Bachelor's
50.0408
Music Performance 11
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0903
Dance 3
Bachelor's
50.0301
Communication (2 programs, 78 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 39
Bachelor's
09.0101
Mass Communication and Media Studies 39
Bachelor's
Master's
09.0102
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 74 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 70
Bachelor's
Master's
26.0101
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology 4
Master's
26.0908

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Valdosta State University (VSU).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Admission Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
Required
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Neither required nor recommended
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
950 - 1130
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 490 - 580
Median: 530
Math 460 - 550
Median: 500
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
17 - 23
25th-75th percentile
English 16 - 23
Median: 20
Math 16 - 20
Median: 18

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$22,375
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$33,430
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,007
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$17,062
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$8,922 (on) / $10,946 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$6,246 (on) / $5,936 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$6,246
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,208
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$18,106
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

14%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$9,914
Avg. Loan
$6,170
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,426
Additional
Students with Any Grant
1,003
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
530
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
633
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$10,395
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

42%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
67%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$31,232 – $69,186
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$31,232 (25th %) $69,186 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $49,361
Median Salary After 6 Years
$39,416
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$49,361
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
40.8%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
53.6%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$24,779
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 30.8%
Middle 42.4%
High 55.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 41.7%
Independent 37.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Valdosta State University (VSU)

How much does it cost to attend Valdosta State University (VSU)?

The annual tuition at Valdosta State University (VSU) is $6,007 for in-state students and $17,062 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $22,375 for in-state students and $33,430 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,922 (on) / $10,946 (off) and books and supplies $1,200.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Valdosta State University offer?

Valdosta State University (VSU) offers 72 academic programs across 23 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (19 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (9 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
  • Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Valdosta State University?

Valdosta State University (VSU) has an 83.5% acceptance rate and a 29% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 4,689
  • Students admitted: 3,915
  • Students enrolled: 1,135

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Valdosta State University?

Valdosta State University (VSU) provides financial aid to 14% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,914 and average loans of $6,170.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,836
  • State/Local grants: $4,982
  • Institutional grants: $10,395
  • Federal loans: $5,426

The university supports 1,003 students with grants and 530 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Valdosta State University graduates?

Valdosta State University (VSU) graduates earn a median salary of $39,416 after 6 years and $49,361 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $31,232 (25th percentile) to $69,186 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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