The Basics
Why Choose GSU?
A+ Features
Needs Improvement
New Collegiette On Campus
All About Academics
Learn from the Best
Interests & Involvement
Team Spirit
Girl Power
Food & Drink
Social Scene
Dorm Life
Exploring Atlanta
Learn More!
The Basics
Location: Atlanta, GA
Funding: Public School
Size: 32,087
Percent Female: 59% female
Tuition (one year): In-State Tuition: $10, 240
Most Popular Majors: Business, Journalism, Biology, Marketing, Pre-Nursing
Greek Life: Yes
Acceptance Rate: 55%
For more information about financial aid, scholarships, majors, study abroad, and average test scores, click to visit Georgia State Univeristy’s admissions!
Why Choose GSU?
"I knew I always wanted to attend a school near the Downtown Atlanta area. So, when I discovered GSU, it seemed like the perfect option for me. When I actually visited the school, I fell in love with the modern feel of the campus. I loved how diverse it seemed to be and I loved the fact that it offered so much for students."
"I chose GSU because it's obviously the real GSU! Heart of the city. You see something new and different every single day. It has a lot of culture and promise since we began as just a commuter school. I'm from New York, and although not from the city, I still wanted that connection to something from home. Oh! and we're one of the most diverse Universities in the south. I love diversity. Academics are challenging, theres something for everyone, food everywhere (i love food), and it's just a great but unique campus experience."
"GSU is all about diversity, and that is something that I thoroughly enjoy! I love the broad ranges of people that I have encountered!"
"After spending my freshmen year at a traditional university and taking a break from school I decided to attend GSU. I researched the school and found that many of the students were non traditional like myself and felt that I would be more comfortable in the environment.""As a transfer student, I wanted to be back in the city and take advantage of all the opportunites GA State has to offer."A+ Features
"The best part of being a GSU student is that there is a place for everyone. You don't have to at all be anything but yourself. There are resources everywhere to help you succeed, and even if you fail for the moment, there are more to help lift you back up. We're all so different all with common goals and you can easily make connections because most people are so easy going."
"You can be whoever you are at this school! Everyone is so different in so many ways that it is much easier to embrace your true identity while attending GSU."
"The best part of being at GSU is the connections you make. GSU is at the heart of Atlanta where no matter your field."
"Being a GSU student allows you to be accessible to a lot of things that happen in the Downtown Atlanta area! Some of these events are exclusive and costly but they are discounted and open to GSU student for enjoyment!"
"The best part of being a GSU student is the people. I've met so many cool people here. Everyone has their own unique passion and their own thing going on. It's very inspiring to be surrounded by so many young entrepreneurs and go getters."
Needs Improvement
"The only thing that I do not like is the proximity of the campus from housing. It's not super far, but it doesn't allow you to really have that traditional campus feel."
"I will say that as a transient student the traffic downtown can be a little annoying."
"GSU is exactly what you make it. Its not a campus that breeds friendships but its not hard to do make friends if you get involved!"
"The worst part of being a GSU student is the fact that they don't offer a huge variety of online courses. The majority of this school's students are commuters or non traditional. It would be beneficial for the students if the school offered more online courses."
"The dining hall is only good if you live at the dorms too, otherwise it's expensive."
New Collegiette On Campus
"The first year is the most fun! You make a lot of friends in your classes, get to learn new things through checking out organizations on campus, and have a lot of fun at all the parties that are thrown."
"It's a lot to take in if you're not from the city. If you live in the dorms, the school does a great job setting up events to help you meet people. The mistake I made was not getting involved with anything my first year. I felt like I had so much to figure out that I pushed that aside. I would encourage first year students to try out different organizations and find one you want to commit to and find community with."
"It is exciting to be a first year student because there are a lot of opportunities for campus involvement. There is always something to do or an organization to join."
"It is overwhelming in a sense, there is just so much to do that you can get lost! Taking your time and just doing things at your own pace and not feeling pressured to join too much, or take on too many courses, will make it a better experience. Getting the hang of making some sort of structure for your day does help because you can get lost in procrastination and distractions very easily."
"Being a freshman at GSU is an adjustment. Living here can be very fast paced, there is a party ALL THE TIME and if your head is not on right these could easily be a distraction. For the most part everybody is really friendly so making friends really is not a problem. As long as you have good time management skills you should be fine."
All About Academics
"I think Business/Marketing is huge! Also, journalism, film. I think we have an awesome Psychology field as well (my major), and Law. There is something for everyone. We are excelling or on the way to excelling in lots of fields."
"I think across the board on a national level the most common major is phycology– and I found that reflected at GSU as well. A lot of students major in business management, film was popular as well. I majored in marketing and that was another big one."
"While these programs are highly selective (so not many students take them), it should be known that GSU has great schools for nursing and graphic design."
"The most popular major/department in my opinion is the journalism department."
"Sociology is in my opinion the most popular major because of their students ability to further study so many different things past undergrad. They're limitless."
"In my opinion, the most popular department is the Business department. Just about everyone I meet is either a Marketing, Accounting, or Managerial Science major!"
"Of course I have to say Arts and Sciences!"
Learn from the Best
"My favorite professors are Colleen McEdwards and Richard Welch. Classes are typically lecture style and students are responsible for their own education so following the syllabus closely is highly recommended."
"I'm not sure of the most popular, but I did enjoy taking Dr. Voss (English), Dr. Peterson (Psychology). Doctorate level professors are almost always the best because they're so much fun and free in the way they speak. It's not bad to sit through a lecture."
"Of course my favorite professor is Dr. McEdwards! She is very down to earth and more focused on helping students retaining the information and actually learn opposed to quizzing and testing student to see what they know and what they don't know. "
"STEPHAINIE DEVINE! Take her for English! She is amazing! She is really down to earth, funny, and very understanding. She is absolutely amazing. Dr. Susan Laury was really good for Econ, if you do what she says you'll do amazing in her class. Dr. Powell is a GREAT Psychology professor. Dr. Kleitches isn't the best professor but his class is so easy. You actually have to try to fail his section of Geography. These are the best professors....TAKE THEM!"
Interests & Involvement
"The Living Room was where I found great community and friendships with people who cared about many of the same things as I do. It's an off-campus gathering, but they send a shuttle to The Commons every week. It's a non-denominational Christian organization that features free dinner, worship (incredible band), and practical teaching. Super welcoming, come-as-you-are place. Students from all over ATL go, but it's mostly State students. thelivingroomATL.com is where you can learn about it."
"I played intramural basketball– that was a blast!"
"Spotlight my freshman year was pretty awesome! Great way to find connections and meet great, fun people. I regret not being as social but it takes me a bit longer to open up. Take it full on! Spotlight is merging with Campus Events but those are great. Of course, Her Campus. If you love to write or maybe just do publicity things, or both, we just started a new chapter so check it out, it's at a very good start. Also, if you don't want to commit, volunteering for some organizations are also effective to network, have a little fun. There's also intramurals, art, awareness groups, i'm sure it's all great."
"As a member and ultimately President of Infinite Appeal, the fashion and community service organization, I gained business skills and I was able to express my creativity.
I don't know much about the clubs and organizations."
"A lot of people volunteer with Spotlight. Greek life is significant around here. I really personally enjoyed volunteering with Spotlight. Just about everyone is a member of SAA for the perks and the free stuff."
"Some of the most popular organizations on the GSU campus are Spotlight, Infinite Appeal, and the SGA! I've been honored to be apart of the GSU Her Campus Chapter in it's launch this Spring semester! Being involved in this organization has made me feel involved on campus as a part time student it's given me the extra push to keep going!"
Team Spirit
"Once you go to a GSU game, you fall in love with the spirit. You literally bleed blue for the team that plays!!! Its warm energy and great social outings. Nothing but fun"
"It's growing. Was really strong my freshman year and then died out a little. Football brought it back up for a while. But now, with our basketball team doing so well and getting so much attention in this year's NCAA tournament, I feel like it's on the rise again. But YOU can effect this! Go to the games (that your fees pay for anyway) and actively cheer. Bring friends– help shape the culture!"
"I would say that GSU students and alum have a ton of spirit. We keep hoping that the football team pulls through. The basketball team is straight fire. The other sports win a lot of their tournaments too.
Compared to my previous school I wish it was a lot stronger."
"I think that the spirit for Georgia State sports is very positive! The students get really involved in attending the sport events. Even during Spring Break students made an effort to go and support the basketball team!"
"PANTHER PRIDE IS REAL!!!"
"GSU sports, my gosh. We root so hard for our sports. Granted, our sports our newer than most universities so of course, things like our football team need some work but we still support. That in itself will make us better. Our basketball team made some huge advancements! I'm proud of our school either way."
Girl Power
"As a woman on the GSU campus, I feel liberated and educated. This school has changed my outlook on education."
"I think the major issue for girls at GSU is the feeling of safety since State is an open campus. I never had an incident while I was there. The dorms are super safe. But if you're out walking around at night (like back from a basketball game or the rec center) be smart and don't walk alone if you can help it."
"I feel like there is so much offered to women at GSU as far as services and organizations. Even though it seems that we have more women than men, women have the chance to really shine on this campus in numerous ways."
"The gender ratio seems pretty cool because I feel if not even, women dominate. I think there are so many strong, beautiful and focused women on campus. It's awesome to come across those similar to you and vibe or exchange similar interests."
"There is a noticeable imbalance in the gender ratio. There's a lot more females than males, but ultimately that allows for us women to obtain leadership positions, engage in healthy competition, and develop lifelong friendships."
"A Georgia State woman has so much grace and poise! It is an amazing feeling. The gender ratio is almost even, maybe a few more women than men, but not intimidating at all."
Food & Drink
"My favorite place to eat on the GSU campus is Rosa's Pizza. This family owned pizza shop is located on Broad Street next to the Aderhold classroom building. Being born in New York this pizza is the closest thing to home, and the prices are very cheap! For $6.50 you get two slices w/ one topping and drink. If you're not that hungry you can get one slice for $2.15"
"Moes by Aderhold, Willy's on Decatur Street, Maria's Pizza by Aderhold"
"The Chic-fil-A in the University Center is great. Also there is a Chinese place called Cajun Asia near Aderhold that is pretty good. Wok n Roll is good for late night Chinese. Mangoes on Auburn is really good also."
"Reuben's. Hands down. Nowhere compares. Best deli in Atlanta. (It's on Broad Street by the Aderhold classroom building)"
"My favorite place to eat on campus is the courtyard in the student center, but since we are right downtown there are a ton of local and chain restaurants from which to choose."
"The Sweet Auburn Market! They have different types of food in there too like crepes, hamburgers, Jamaican and BBQ."
Social Scene
"The beauty of Georgia State is that it's in Atlanta– not some middle of nowhere college town like Southern. Which means people do different things. There are parties if you're into that, but it's not a "party school" because there are hundreds of other options. Hawks, Falcons, Braves games when those teams are in season. Museums, parks, neighborhood exploring, coffee shops, shopping– the list of possibilities goes on and on."
"A lot students party of course. Sometimes, we have Panther Prowls (themed events that begin with activities and end with a party put on by Spotlight Programs Board) on Fridays. There is always something going on in Atlanta, so students usually find different things to do on weekends."
"Occasionally there are events on campus, but the weekends are the perfect time to explore the city and check out some events around town."
"Most student go out check out everything Atlanta has to offer. Between festivals, new bars and lounges popping up, and exploring the vast Atlanta cuisine. There is literally so much to do."
"Go to the parties hosted by the Greek people. Of course if there's something on campus, a lot of people are likely to go to that too. And there's pretty much ALWAYS something on campus."
Dorm Life
"I lived in The Commons for two years. It was nice, but really expensive. Not the community feel you get in some of the other options (like Freshman Hall). Feels more like an apartment building because of the security (doors have to be closed and they automatically lock). You have to be intentional about creating community (which isn't that hard)."
"GSU dorm life is the best way to meet people. Though i commute, i made alot of friends in class and visited them in their dorms which introduced me to a larger group of people! Very friendly and safe environment."
"Dorm life is great to meet people really fast. Everyone seems to know everyone and everything going on. I stay in my own place right near freshman dorms but I enjoy that as well having a little more privacy. Dorm life is great if its for you, you may actually meet your best friend in your roommate."
"The GSU dorm life varies depending on where you stay. In the GSU Commons you have more privacy because you have a room to yourself and only share the common space. At Piedmont and the
"I only stayed in a dorm one semester. Piedmont and Patton is traditional dorm style, whereas the Commons and the Lofts you can get more privacy. Overall I always felt safe and the RAs were extremely nice and did a good job of actually doing their job."
"I made some friends living in the dorms. And the dining halls were AWESOME. But you do have to be careful because I've heard of people getting into disagreements about cleanliness, having guests over, and throwing parties."
Exploring Atlanta
"Going to school in Atlanta provides you with the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and have amazing experiences that prepare you for life after college. You get the best of both worlds, college town area meets big city lifestyle!"
"You are the in the middle of the city and there is always something to do. There is literally never really a dull moment. You have access to some many things; the parks, Atlantic Station, so many different lounges and clubs. There are hangout spots for literally all walks of life here. It is so amazing. In addition to the social aspect, academically it is really good. Atlanta is a hub for a lot of business in Georgia and Georgia State has partnerships with a lot of them. Being here you are able to make valuable connection but also be in the general area for different places when it comes to internship and furthering your career."
"This city is all about getting out there and being a go getter. Atlanta is a fast pace city where anything can happen and any important person (like even the President) can pop up. You can connect with people. You can connect with jobs. You can honestly find your passion in this city. The location also allows you to go to any big event in town like a festival at Piedmont or a concert at the Philips arena!
"As a film major, Atlanta is becoming Southern Hollywood! Meaning more opportunities and Jobs for me!"
"The benefits are MAINLY connections. So much networking. So much music and art and just culture on the rise! It's amazing. Stay on the scene if you love any of those. It uplifts your spirits. And of course, the many various things to do around Atlanta that you don't even need a car to visit/access. World of Coca Cola, the Aquarium, the mall, it's at your disposal!"
"There are lots of employment/internship opportunities while you're still in school because so many businesses surround you. Take advantage of living in Atlanta while you're here. Go to Braves games, go to the High, take a photo on the Jackson Street Bridge, check out the Krog Street Market, and if you're studying art or design go to a "Creative Mornings". Atlanta is a truly amazing city."
Learn More!
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