Story and photos developed by University Communications.

F rom a record number of out-of-staters to historically-high grade point averages (GPAs), the class of 2026 promises to be a collection of smart, impassioned young adults who’ll amaze and surprise everyone—even themselves—in the next four years.

“To know they’re going to have that special experience here is satisfying,” said Joel Robinson, senior associate vice president for Enrollment Management. “Very seldom do students get a private-school education at a public-university price. We’re special in that way.”

With the conclusion of six orientations, the Georgia College & State University campus is preparing to welcome nearly 1,400 excited and slightly nervous freshmen.

What are the characteristics of the class about to embark on a journey of knowledge and self-discovery?

Here are some preliminary stats:

•    About 11% of the incoming class arrives with a high school GPA of 4.0. The average GPA for this class is 3.65—up from 3.58 last year.
•    Georgia College continues to be a top choice for in-state students. They come from 214 towns and cities and 106 counties in Georgia.
•    The number of out-of-state students rose 78% over last year to about 14. They come from eight states: Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Washington and Virginia.
•    The average SAT score is 1167 and ACT is 25 for incoming freshmen.
•    International students are traveling from six countries: Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Vietnam and United Arab Emirates.
•    Top majors for this class include business undecided, nursing, undeclared, biology, psychology, exercise science, marketing, education, mass communication and accounting.

Javier Francisco, interim executive director of Admissions, said he’s impressed at the amount of research prospective students put into choosing a university—right down to the curriculum.

When on campus tours, future students asked about several new courses offered this year: a marine biology class connected to the university’s new Aquatic Sciences Center; as well as two business and technology courses—data science and finance.

“We recruit some great students,” Francisco said. “Seeing them excited about their potential, their future at Georgia College as they start their journey with us—that’s always the exciting part.”

Parents especially like Georgia College’s focus on early career services, leadership development, undergraduate research and community outreach. Georgia College develops these pursuits through its GC Journeys program, which encourages students to partake in five transformational experiences, including study abroad and internships.

This concentration on the personal development of each student is a hallmark of the Georgia College experience.

“That’s our big strength and one we want to preserve—that smaller environment and liberal arts approach, where faculty know your name and you’re going to be in a community of people who know and care about you,” Robinson said.