Georgia Southern Recognized by U.S. News & World Report

February 4, 2013

Georgia Southern University continues to be a preferred destination for students from across the United States and around the world. This past fall, the University not only set a new record for enrollment with 20,574 students from 49 states and 93 countries, but also a new record high average SAT score of 1115. For the third consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Georgia Southern as one of the top national universities that students want to attend.

This past week, the magazine looked at the yield rate which is determined by the number of first year students who enrolled after being accepted. For fall 2012, 5,456 students were accepted by Georgia Southern, and 3,542 enrolled. The University’s yield rate was 64.9 percent – besting Yale University, MIT and others.  Georgia Southern is the only university from the southeastern United States in the top 10.

“I think people are starting to take notice. Georgia Southern is changing, it is growing and more and more students are making it their top choice for their college education,” said Brooks Keel, Ph.D., president of Georgia Southern. “I really do think people, particularly parents and alumni who may not have visited campus in a long time, are surprised when they see how much has changed.  Georgia Southern has undergone an incredible transformation not only physically with numerous new buildings, but academically as well.  When you combine that with living in Statesboro, one of the truly iconic, main street college towns in this country, it is a really attractive choice for students.  I tell parents all the time to just visit.  If they do, they and their son or daughter are sold.”

As more students enroll, Georgia Southern continues to attract some of the best and brightest students. The 2012 freshman class had an average SAT score of 1115 for math and reading – a new record for the growing institution.  What’s attracting record numbers of outstanding students?  University officials believe it is the unique combination of opportunity and atmosphere. Students have the opportunity to pursue degrees in a wide range of popular programs ranging from business and IT to healthcare and education.  In 2011, the University began offering bachelor’s degrees in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering through its newly established Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Information Technology – one of the nation’s newest engineering schools.

The resulting record enrollment and growing popularity of Georgia Southern are not only being felt on campus, but are driving factors in the region’s economy, too. Last year, the University had an economic impact of $846 million supporting more than 8,000 jobs in the region. That investment continues with the construction of a new Biological Sciences building that will house teaching labs and research space.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.