USG Enrollment Hits All-Time High with 364,725 Students in Fall 2024

The University System of Georgia USG achieved a record-breaking enrollment of 364,725 students in Fall 2024, marking a 5.9% increase from Fall 2023, according to USG’s Fall 2024 Semester Enrollment Report. This milestone marks the system’s second year of growth, outpacing the national higher education enrollment increase of 2.9%.

Growth was observed across all 26 USG institutions, with a significant addition of 20,333 students over the previous year. Of these, 13,360 students were from Georgia, reflecting a 4.9% increase in state residents pursuing degrees within USG.

Chancellor Sonny Perdue underscored the importance of this trend, noting that USG’s mission to drive Georgia’s workforce and economic development is bolstered by helping students reach graduation, which in turn benefits both their families and the state.

Georgia Institute of Technology experienced the largest headcount increase, adding 5,402 students and surpassing Georgia State University as the largest USG institution. The University of West Georgia saw the highest percentage growth at 12.7%. Undergraduate enrollment rose by 4.6%, while graduate enrollment saw a notable 11.1% increase, with master’s programs showing the most substantial growth.

Freshman enrollment across USG also grew for the second consecutive year, up 2.6% from last year, bucking the national decline of 5% in first-year students. Dual enrollment surged by 39.5% to 21,109 students, attributed to relaxed admissions test requirements, which made the program more accessible.

Regent Everett Kennedy of Statesboro attributed the system’s appeal to Georgia’s affordable tuition rates and vibrant campus experiences, combined with the state’s recognition as a top business-friendly environment.

He also emphasized Georgia’s proactive return to in-person learning post-COVID, which allowed for a hands-on educational approach. Additionally, Kennedy praised Georgia Southern University President Dr. Kyle Marrero for his pivotal role in driving enrollment growth, enhancing the university’s appeal as a premier destination for students in Statesboro and Savannah.

USG’s detailed enrollment report, which includes insights by institution, age, gender, race, ethnicity, and residency, provides a comprehensive overview of the system’s growth and is available for public viewing.

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