The University System of Georgia (USG) reached an all-time high in enrollment this fall with 364,725 students, marking a 5.9% increase over Fall 2023. This growth, recorded in USG’s Fall 2024 Semester Enrollment Report, represents the system’s second consecutive year of gains and surpasses the 2.9% national increase in higher education enrollment.
Enrollment increased across all 26 USG institutions, adding 20,333 students to the system’s total from the previous year. A significant portion of the growth—13,360 students—came from within Georgia, reflecting a 4.9% rise in the number of Georgians pursuing degrees within the USG network.
"USG is in the business of boosting the state’s workforce and contributing to economic development, and that means not just enrolling students but getting them to graduation so they can have a positive impact on both their families and the state,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “Right now, our schools are awarding a record number of degrees while also helping more students than ever pursue a higher education. That’s a win for them and for Georgia, and I’m grateful to presidents, faculty and staff for the hard work they’re doing to help our students succeed.”
The largest growth by headcount was seen at the Georgia Institute of Technology, which added 5,402 students, surpassing Georgia State University as the system’s largest institution. The University of West Georgia recorded the highest percentage growth at 12.7%.
The increase spanned both undergraduate and graduate enrollment. Undergraduate numbers rose by 12,213 students (4.6%), while graduate enrollment jumped by 8,043 students (11.1%), with master’s programs experiencing the greatest surge.
This year also marked the second consecutive fall of increased freshman enrollment across USG, up 2.6% over the previous year, defying the national trend where first-year student numbers fell by 5%.
Dual enrollment within USG hit a record in Fall 2024, with 21,109 students, a 39.5% increase over last year. This surge followed adjustments in admissions test requirements, allowing more students to participate in dual enrollment programs.
Regent Everett Kennedy of Statesboro highlighted the unique appeal of Georgia’s higher education offerings, crediting both the value and distinct campus experiences available throughout the state. “Here in Georgia, we truly believe in the value of a degree from our state institutions. Our tuition and fees are among the lowest in the country, which makes a Georgia education a valuable and affordable choice. Combine that with our state’s recognition as the number one state for doing business for 11 years running, and the job opportunities here are abundant. Students can pursue a top-tier education in Georgia and step directly into a thriving job market right here at home," said Kennedy.
He also praised Georgia’s leadership in returning students to campus post-COVID, saying, “Georgia took the lead in getting students back to campus. We prioritized in-person learning, bringing students back to classrooms faster than nearly any other state, ensuring that their education remained hands-on and community-oriented.”
Kennedy further emphasized the diverse environments offered across USG’s 26 institutions, “The diversity across our state institutions—from rural campuses to urban centers and coastal regions, coupled with a strong athletic culture—creates a unique and vibrant campus experience unmatched elsewhere. There truly is something for every student in Georgia, and that appeal is drawing students from across the country.”
He also recognized the significant role that Georgia Southern University President Dr. Kyle Marrero and his team have played in this enrollment growth. “Dr. Marrero’s leadership has been instrumental, with a strong focus on enrollment that’s positioning Georgia Southern—and by extension, Statesboro and Savannah—as premier destinations for higher education,” Kennedy noted. Georgia Southern's enrollment for Fall 2024 is 27,506.
The detailed enrollment figures and trends were published in USG’s annual fall semester enrollment report, which provides insights into enrollment by institution, age, gender, race, ethnicity, and residency. The full report is available here.
