Georgia Southwestern named fastest growing institution for second consecutive semester

AMERICUS, GA (April 23, 2024) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) celebrates another semester of enrollment success, boasting a total of 3,159 students for Spring 2024. This marks a 13.6 percent increase compared to the previous year, the highest percentage growth in the University System of Georgia (USG).

During the spring semester, GSW experienced growth across all categories, including dual enrollment, transfers, new and continuing undergraduates, and graduates, with noteworthy increases of 11.9 percent in total undergraduates and 15.6 percent in graduates.

“We are honored to serve a growing number of students and are pleased they have chosen GSW as their home,” said Gaye Hayes, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management. “New academic programs, winning athletic teams, committed faculty and staff, and exciting campus activities are reasons students tell us they found their way to GSW. The secret is out – GSW is a quality choice for higher learning!”  

Much of GSW’s enrollment success can be attributed to a blend of:

• Adding new academic programs that align with the region’s workforce needs
• Expanding scholarship offerings making college more affordable
• Implementing student success, engagement, and leadership initiatives
• Engaging a comprehensive recruitment strategy and targeted outreach efforts
• Adding new and enhancing existing campus facilities to meet the needs of students
• Offering accredited, quality programs that are top-ranked regionally and nationally
• Maintaining affordable tuition to alleviate financial strain on graduates

By actively engaging prospective students through these initiatives, GSW strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.

Over the last five years, GSW has built enrollment momentum, increasing 16.2 percent during this time. Since 2020, GSW has increased spring freshmen enrollment by 74.5 percent. This growth in enrollment makes GSW one of only nine USG institutions to grow over the last five years.

Among USG’s 26 public colleges and universities, the spring semester annual report stated increases were seen at 24 institutions. System enrollment totaled 326,385 students.

These enrollment numbers were released in the USG’s annual spring semester enrollment report, which analyzes enrollment data by institution, age, gender, race and ethnicity, in-state, out-of-state and international students. The full report is available here.

There’s still time to apply to GSW for the Fall semester. The undergraduate application fee is waived through the remainder of April. Visit gsw.edu/Apply or contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions to get started today.