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Georgia College Achieves Top Five Ranking in the South

In exciting news for higher education, Georgia College & State University (GCSU) has achieved a remarkable milestone by being ranked No. 5 among public universities in the South according to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Colleges list. This year marks a significant leap from its previous position, where GCSU had been consistently ranked No. 6 in recent years. The university also earned recognition in multiple categories, including No. 9 for Most Innovative Schools and No. 5 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, showcasing its strong commitment to academic standards and student engagement.

President Cathy Cox expressed pride in the university’s strides, noting that the rankings signify a period of substantial growth and achievement at GCSU. She highlighted that interest in attending GCSU has significantly increased, evidenced by a 51% rise in applications since 2022. This interest reflects the vibrant campus life and transformative educational experiences that GCSU provides.

GCSU's undergraduate programs are also noteworthy, ranking No. 12 overall among all public and private institutions in the South, an improvement from last year's No. 15. Notably, GCSU is the sole public institution in Georgia to make it into the Top 20 in this competitive category. This achievement is accompanied by high affordability rankings, as GCSU claimed the title of No. 2 Best Value School among public regional institutions in Georgia.

With a focus on maintaining small class sizes, GCSU ensures that students receive personalized attention. Approximately 75% of classes have fewer than 30 students, fostering an environment conducive to collaborative and experiential learning. The university’s unique Pre-Med Mentoring Program boasts an impressive 100% placement rate into medical school for the past 15 years, exemplifying the success of its academic programs. Additionally, GCSU's scholar-athletes have proudly maintained the top spot in national academic success rates among public NCAA Division II schools since 2000.

This year's rankings extend to graduate programs as well, with several programs recognized among the Top Five in Georgia. GCSU has garnered accolades from reputable organizations including Colleges of Distinction and The Princeton Review. President Cox reiterated the value of the liberal arts mission at GCSU, which guarantees early access to experiential opportunities that students at larger institutions may have to wait for years to access. This experiential learning not only enriches students' educations but provides them with a significant advantage in their future careers.

The university has enrolled a record number of 7,300 students this academic year, solidifying its role as a key economic driver for Middle Georgia, contributing to a reported $333 million economic impact in the region. This positive trajectory signifies not only academic growth but also the university's importance in the local community and economy.

In summary, Georgia College & State University's recent achievements reflect its unwavering commitment to providing quality education, fostering innovation, and ensuring affordability for its students. With its impressive rankings and dedication to student success, GCSU stands out as a leading institution in the South and continues to pave the way for future generations of learners.