Prospective Parents and Family

Nothing compares to a true college experience for the personal growth of your child. From the friends they will make to the life experiences they will find, college will transform your child in a way that will amaze you. But what about their future? Don’t worry, we have that covered too. Just check out these statistics:

• Higher Earning Potential: College graduates, on average, earn significantly more than individuals with only a high school diploma. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, in 2021 the median income reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22 – 27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings were $30,000 a year.¹
• Lower Unemployment Rates: College graduates are less likely to be unemployed than those without a college degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021, the unemployment rate for individuals with a bachelor’s degree was 2.2%, compared to 5.0% for those with only a high school diploma².
• More Career Opportunities: College graduates have access to a wider range of career opportunities and are more likely to find jobs that offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans and paid vacation time. According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, bachelor’s degree holders are 47% more likely to have health insurance provided through their job, and their employers contribute 74% more to their health coverage³.
• Professional Growth: College provides a valuable opportunity for career growth and development, including critical thinking skills, communication skills, increased confidence and independence, networking and the ability to work collaboratively with others. According to a study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 93% of employers agree that a candidate’s ability to think critically, communicate clearly and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major⁴.

1 – “The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates,” The Federal Reserve Bank of New York,” 2022.

2 – https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2022/article/us-labor-market-shows-improvement-in-2021-but-the-covid-19-pandemic-continues-to-weigh-on-the-economy.htm

3 – https://www.aplu.org/our-work/4-policy-and-advocacy/publicuvalues/employment-earnings/#44

4 -https://www.aacu.org/sites/default/files/LEAP/2018_EmployerPrioritiesReport.pdf
updated resource: https://www.aacu.org/research/the-career-ready-graduate-what-employers-say-about-the-difference-college-makes

Financial aid, scholarships, grants and work-study programs can be important resources for families who are considering sending their child to college. Financial aid loans are awarded to students based on need. Scholarships and grants are typically awarded based on academic achievement, talent or other criteria and they do not need to be repaid. Scholarships may be awarded throughout your child’s entire education experience. Loans, on the other hand, must be repaid with interest. To find out more about loans, explore the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) here.  

Did you know?

• Only 62% of families plan to complete the FAFSA, with 29% feeling it’s a waste of time if the family makes too much money¹
• 45% of families believe scholarships are only available for students with exceptional grades or abilities¹

At Georgia Southern, however, 89% of degree-seeking undergraduate (bachelor’s) students received some form of financial aid in 2022, with the average aid package totaling $12,796 per year.

Another option for students is work-study programs. These programs allow students to work part-time on campus while they attend school. The money earned from these jobs can be used to help pay for tuition, fees and other expenses. Work-study programs can also provide valuable work experience and help students build their resume while they are still in school.

Feel free to speak to a Georgia Southern Financial Aid Counselor for resources, tips and guidance. 

1 –https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220209006194/en/New-Research-Shows-College-Bound-Families-Strongly-Believe-in-the-Value-of-College-but-Lack-Confidence-and-Understanding-About-Funding-Their-Education

Georgia Southern University prioritizes safety with a dedicated campus police department that maintains a visible presence throughout the campus. We feature advanced security systems, including surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes and campus-wide alert systems. Other student safety services include nighttime escorts, our LiveSafe app, vehicle jump starts and more.

The University also offers comprehensive safety programs and resources, including self-defense classes and educational campaigns on personal safety. Georgia Southern continuously evaluates and updates its safety protocols to ensure the well-being of its students.

Georgia Southern University prioritizes the well-being of its students by providing comprehensive medical and mental health support services. We offer counseling and mental health services, where trained professionals provide confidential assistance to students facing emotional or psychological challenges. Additionally, disability services are available to ensure that students with disabilities receive necessary accommodations to thrive academically and socially. 

The University’s dedicated staff works closely with students to address their individual needs and promote inclusivity. Georgia Southern University recognizes the importance of holistic student support and actively encourages students to seek help when needed. Make sure to encourage your child to take advantage of these resources as needed.

Georgia Southern offers a vibrant and engaging social life that complements the academic experience of students. The university provides orientation programs that assist incoming students adjust to campus life and build connections with their peers, while emphasizing a balance of academics and social life. 

The Recreation Activity Center is a hub for physical activity, offering state-of-the-art facilities, fitness classes and intramural sports, providing students with opportunities to stay active and connect with others who share similar interests.

There are over 300 student organizations that allow your child to explore their passions and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether it’s academic, cultural, recreational or service-oriented, there is a group for every interest. These organizations offer opportunities for leadership, personal growth and a sense of belonging within the campus community.

There are also exciting sporting events for students to attend. Cheering on the 15 Division I Eagles sports, including football, basketball and more is a popular social activity. 

Georgia Southern also hosts a variety of student events throughout the year, including concerts, cultural celebrations, guest speakers and themed parties.

With ten different residence halls across the Statesboro and Armstrong Campuses, Georgia Southern offers a range of student housing options to meet the diverse needs of its students. Traditional residence halls provide a classic college living experience, while suite-style apartments offer more independent living with shared common areas. Themed housing options allow students with similar interests to live together. Residential Learning Communities allow students to live with others who may have a similar major, are involved in the same campus program or who share an interest/identity. The university prioritizes safety and security in all housing units. 

Georgia Southern offers flexible meal plans that cater to different dietary preferences and schedules, ensuring that your child will have access to nutritious meals throughout their college journey. Students can apply for housing through the university’s housing portal.

Staying connected with your child at Georgia Southern University is important for offering emotional support and guidance. Encourage open communication by setting regular times to catch up and listen to their experiences. Attending family events or other campus activities can provide an opportunity to connect in person and be a part of their college journey. 

Encourage your child to share their experiences with you, whether through phone calls, video chats or social media. By showing genuine interest and actively engaging with their college life, you can foster a strong bond throughout their time at the University.

The cost of attendance at Georgia Southern University varies depending on factors such as residency status, housing options and program of study. 

To estimate your child’s cost of attendance use our Cost of Attendance Calculator. 

We understand that one of your top priorities when considering college for your child is their future career success. That’s why we want to assure you that our university is committed to providing a wide range of career preparation resources to support your child in achieving their professional goals. Our Office of Career and Professional Development is dedicated to helping students navigate the job market and successfully transition from college to career.

One of the key resources provided by our Office of Career and Professional Development is interview and resume preparation. Our team of career counselors can work with your child to develop an effective resume and cover letter that highlights their skills and experience. We also provide mock interview opportunities to help students hone their interview skills and gain confidence in their ability to succeed in the job market.

In addition to interview and resume preparation, we offer a variety of networking opportunities to help your child build connections in their field of interest. Our career counselors can provide guidance on how to effectively network and connect with potential employers. We also offer career counseling services to help students explore potential career paths and develop a plan for achieving their goals. For students looking to gain real-world experience before they graduate, we provide assistance with finding internships and co-op opportunities. These opportunities can provide valuable hands-on experience and help your child build a professional network that will serve them well in their future career.

As a parent, you want the best education possible for your child. Georgia Southern is committed to your child’s academic success. Here are just a few resources available to them:

• Academic Support Services: Georgia Southern’s Academic Success Center will be your child’s one-stop shop for a wide range of academic support services including tutoring, peer mentoring, success coaching, workshops and much more.
• Time Management Resources: The Academic Success Center offers workshops and courses on time management, so your child can learn how to prioritize their studies, balance their workload and manage their time effectively. Additionally, the university provides students with time management planners to help them keep track of assignments, due dates and other important dates.
• Effective Study Resources: Georgia Southern provides resources to help students develop good study habits such as study skills workshops that teach students how to read and take notes more effectively. The award-winning Office of Testing Services is dedicated to preparing students for testing. The University also has a learning commons that provides students with access to technology, resources and support services that will help them succeed.
• First-Generation College Student Resources: If your child is the first person in your family to complete a 4-year college degree, Georgia Southern has the Center for First-Generation Student Success. This center will help your child achieve success effectively and equitably not just across their education, but also through their career and life. TRIO Student Support Services are also available to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their degree. 
• Quality Education: The importance of an education that’s engaging and empowering cannot be overstated in regard to student success. With over 75 bachelor degree programs across eight colleges, there are plenty of opportunities for your child to find their passion and excel. The faculty at Georgia Southern University are experts in their fields and are dedicated to teaching students the skills they need to succeed. Your child will receive a well-rounded education that includes hands-on experiences, opportunities to work on research projects with faculty members, study abroad and much more.

Admission requirements depend on the type of student your child is. Select the student type below for details:

• Freshmen Students
• Transfer Students
• Dual Enrollment
• International Students
• Adult Students & Working Professionals
• Transient Students
• Post-Baccalaureate Students
• Former Students
• Active Duty Military & Veteran Students
• Graduate Students

When starting an application, encourage your child to stay organized, create a timeline working back from the various application deadlines (remember, there are multiple deadlines) and seek out guidance from their school counselor or college advisor. Georgia Southern’s application process is:

1. Review admissions requirements for your student type.
2. Review your desired primary campus.
3. Review the majors offered on our campuses.
4. Create an application account. You will be emailed a pin number to confirm your account.
5. Complete the entire online application.
6. Pay the $30 application fee after submitting your application. You can also upload a valid fee waiver. All application fees are non-refundable, regardless of admission decision. Dual Enrollment and Former Student applicants are not required to pay the application fee.

Three business days after submitting your application, you can check your application status at My.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/admissions.

To make the most of their experience at Georgia Southern, encourage your child to get involved by joining any of the 300+ student organizations, student government, clubs or intramural sports teams so they can connect with peers who share similar interests. Encourage them to take on leadership roles within these organizations. Networking with faculty and peers can open doors for internships, research opportunities and service learning experiences, enhancing their practical knowledge and preparing them for their future careers. 

Supporting Eagle Athletics by attending sporting events builds spirit and a sense of community. Encourage your child to explore the Recreation Activity Center, Botanic Gardens, Wildlife Center, Museum, Planetarium and many other campus facilities that offer unique experiences.

Georgia Southern University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, education, health sciences and liberal arts. In fact, Georgia Southern features more than 135 academic programs. A full list of majors and programs can be found here.

The student-to-faculty ratio at Georgia Southern University is 21:1, and the average class size is 27 students. This allows for a personalized academic experience with opportunities for individual attention and collaboration with peers.

Georgia Southern celebrates diversity in all its forms. We’re committed to all populations feeling valued and respected, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability. At Georgia Southern, inclusive excellence is an on-going, collaborative process that unites students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni.

 Here are some of the programs and resources offered:

• The Office of Inclusive Excellence collaborates with departments and individuals across our campuses to prioritize initiatives that reflect the diversity goals and academic mission of the University. 

• The Office of Multicultural Affairs provides mentorship opportunities, delivers diversity education and inclusion training, organizes cultural events, workshops and discussions on the cultural diversity of all students. 
• LGBTQ+ students are supported through the Rainbow Road, a program that offers counseling, Safe Space and other resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• The Diversity Peer Educators program trains student leaders to facilitate conversations, workshops and presentations on diversity and inclusion. 
• Georgia Southern also offers diversity-focused academic programs such as Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Africana Studies.