Georgia Match Program Boosts University System Enrollment by 5.9%

The University System of Georgia USG is experiencing a notable increase in college enrollment, thanks to the innovative Georgia Match program aimed at high school students. Officials report that total enrollment across the system’s 26 institutions has risen to nearly 365,000 students, a 5.9% increase compared to 2023.

Chancellor Sonny Perdue attributes the success to the program’s ability to highlight the long-term value of higher education.

“We focus on demonstrating quality versus cost,” said Perdue. “When families see a high-quality education offered at an affordable rate, they’re more likely to choose our institutions.”

Promoting Higher Education Accessibility

Georgia Match actively engages high school students by providing information on state university opportunities and simplifying the admissions process. This initiative is part of a broader trend called direct admission, aimed at encouraging students who might not have considered college as an option.

According to Perdue, more than half of the students who received a Georgia Match invitation applied for admission. The program also helps students envision pathways to flagship institutions, even if they initially enroll in smaller access colleges.

National and Regional Trends

USG’s growth contrasts with national enrollment trends. While the National Student Clearinghouse reported a 3% increase in student enrollment nationwide for 2024, Georgia’s system doubled its intake of first-time freshmen.

“Where much of the country was down, we were up,” Perdue remarked. “This demonstrates the strength of our approach in delivering value and affordability.”

Addressing Pre-Pandemic Declines

Enrollment figures had been declining since before the pandemic, prompting state officials to act decisively. Georgia Match has emerged as a key strategy in reversing this trend, providing a model for other states looking to bolster their higher education numbers.

With programs like Georgia Match, the University System of Georgia not only increases enrollment but also sets a standard for accessibility and affordability in higher education.

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