Skip to main content

Out-of-State Students

Georgia Southern University welcomes and supports out-of-state students!

Students who are not residents of Georgia by definition of the Board of Regents residency requirements are considered out-of-state students for the purposes of admission to Georgia Southern University. Students from 50 different states currently study at Georgia Southern University, making up 9% of the student body.

Georgia Southern is the largest and most comprehensive university in the southern half of Georgia, recognized worldwide for offering students a superior university education taught by exceptional and caring faculty. We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring an educational experience recognized by employers for its high quality.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about Georgia Southern University and our campuses, academic programs, and admissions process.

Questions? Contact your admissions counselors.

In-state Tuition for Residents of Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee!

Residents of border states are eligible for in-state tuition on undergraduate programs at Georgia Southern’s three campuses.

Out-of-State Fee Waiver Scholarship

The Out-of-State Fee Waiver Scholarship priority deadline for fall is May 1, 2022. Full scholarships are available, valued at approximately $6,900/semester (based on fall 2021 Statesboro Campus rates).

What is the Out-of-State Fee Waiver Scholarship?

The waiver is a highly competitive academic scholarship allowing select out-of-state students to attend Georgia Southern without paying out-of-state fees. Out-of-state fees are common at state universities throughout the country because students who live in other states haven’t supported the institution with tax dollars. The State of Georgia recognizes the value of inviting high-achieving students to study and earn degrees here regardless of where they live, allowing Georgia Southern to award a limited number of out-of-state fee waivers.

*Note students from bordering states are not eligible for this scholarship because they will go through the Border State Waiver process.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Out-of-State Fee Waiver Scholarship (also called the Academic Presidential Waiver), students must meet the requirements listed below. Meeting these requirements does not mean you will be awarded the scholarship.

Freshmen

  • Top 50% of the previous year’s incoming freshmen class in regards to SAT or ACT scores, and High School Grade Point Average
  • Admission to Georgia Southern University

To be competitive, students should have a 3.5+ high school GPA. Students must begin as a full-time freshman in the fall semester. This scholarship is highly competitive and only a limited number of students will be awarded.

Transfers

  • Top 50% of the previous year’s incoming transfer class in regards to Cumulative College Grade Point Average
  • Admission to Georgia Southern University

To be competitive, students are encouraged to have a 3.5+ cumulative college GPA.

Requirements

Students must submit their Application for Admission to Georgia Southern University to access the Scholarship Application. The Scholarship Application can be completed as part of the Application for Admission, or it can be submitted separately after applying for admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Georgia Southern University?

Georgia Southern’s three campuses are located in the southern part of the United States, in the state of Georgia. The largest campus is located in the town of Statesboro, about an hour drive from Savannah. The Armstrong Campus is in Savannah. The Liberty Campus is in Hinesville.

How much does it cost to attend Georgia Southern as an out-of-state student?

The cost of attending Georgia Southern is around $32,000 per year for out-of-state undergraduate students. This includes expenses for tuition and fees, housing and food, and other personal expenses. These costs are lower than many other U.S. universities of comparable size and facilities. To see a breakdown of fees, visit the Office of Student Accounts. (These rates are based on fall 2021 Statesboro Campus rates.)

Why do out-of-state students attend Georgia Southern?

Academics & Reputation

Georgia Southern is the fourth-largest university in Georgia. We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring an educational experience recognized by employers for its high quality. Our Honors College continues to grow, which is a magnet for high-achieving students and an indicator of rising student quality at the University

Location

Our largest campus, a nearly 1,000-acre park-like environment, is home to more than 20,400 students, located in historic Statesboro, a growing college town built around a shop-lined Main Street. It offers the exciting benefits of a large university and the personal feel of a smaller college. Situated on the Atlantic coast in beautiful Savannah, the Armstrong Campus is located just minutes away from the National Historic Landmark District downtown and a short drive from the sunny beaches of Tybee Island. The 268-acre arboretum campus is home to more than 6,500 students and offers an abundance of resources to help students succeed.

Are there other out-of-state students at Georgia Southern University?

Yes, hundreds of students from around the United States apply to study at Georgia Southern each year. The out-of-state student population makes up nine percent of the student body and is growing!

Are there any special admission requirements for out-of-state students?

All prospective students must meet the same requirements no matter the state they are from. Review the full list of requirements for freshmen.

My high school graduation course requirements are different from the courses listed for admission. What do I need to do?

In order to be admitted to Georgia Southern you must meet the minimum course requirements as listed on the Staying On Course document issued by the Georgia Board of Regents. However, there may other opportunities to satisfy these requirements. Please reach out to your admissions counselor for more information.

Is there a limit on the number of out-of-state students Georgia Southern will accept each year?

No, there is no limit on the number of out-of-state students Georgia Southern will accept each year.

Is there special assistance or scholarships for out-of-state students?

Yes, Georgia Southern offers the Out-of-State Fee Waiver Scholarship for out-of-state students. Out-of-state students are also eligible to apply for academic merit-based scholarships. Additionally, residents of Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee could be eligible for in-state tuition.

What is the difference between the Out-of-State Fee Waiver Scholarship and the Border State Waiver?

The Out-of-State Fee Waiver Scholarship is a competitive academic scholarship for out-of-state students that are not residents of bordering states. You apply for this scholarship through the MyScholarships application through your status check page. The Border State Waiver is a non-competitive waiver for students from the bordering states of GA (AL, FL, NC, SC & TN). Students must show they are residents of one of those states by filling out a form here and then they will be reviewed for in-state tuition.

Do you accept Florida Prepaid or other 529 plans?

Yes, most states allow students to use their pre-paid money for any college, whether or not it is in-state or out-of-state. Students with a prepaid account should contact the program for specific information regarding specifics about the use of the funds.

Will Georgia Southern accept state tax scholarships, such as Bright Futures and Palmetto Fellows?

No, the scholarship funds generated through state taxes must stay within the state. For instance, Bright Futures is for Florida students who attend a Florida college or university. Students cannot use the award in another state, just as Georgia students could not use their HOPE to attend a school outside the state of Georgia.

Last updated: 8/23/2021