- Gainesville State College, a University System of Georgia two-year institution, was established in 1964. Serving Northeast Georgia, Gainesville State College is a non-residential and co-educational institution. The main campus, located six miles southwest of downtown Gainesville and 45 miles northeast of Atlanta, is easily accessible from I-985, Exit 16. The Oconee Campus is located on Bishop Farms Parkway in Watkinsville.
School Highlights
Gainesville State College serves 8,328 students (62% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 61%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 8,328 students
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 40%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Gainesville State College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Georgia for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 404 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Gainesville State College
(GA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates--Public Rural-serving Medium
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
404 staff
209 staff
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School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Gainesville State College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Gainesville State College diversity score of 0.63 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
8,328 students
2,242 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
18:1
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# Full-Time Students
5,137 students
882 students
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# Part-Time Students
3,191 students
1,722 students
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

# Enrollment Undergraduate
n/a
299 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
8,328 students
929 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
87 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,191 students
1,891 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
53 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
654 students
% Asian
2%
4%

% Hispanic
8%
10%
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% Black
5%
35%

% White
60%
39%
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% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
1%
3%
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% Non Resident races
13%
1%
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% Unknown races
11%
7%
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Diversity Score
0.63
0.71

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
0.4279%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.2368%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$37,100
$29,500

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
73%
94%
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Median Debt for Graduates
$9,775
$9,775

Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,500
$4,490

Acceptance Rate
99%
63%

SAT Total Avg.
1,425
1,380
SAT Reading
475
465

SAT Math
485
450

SAT Writing
465
465

ACT Total Avg.
66
61
ACT Composite
20
18

ACT English
19
18

ACT Math
20
18

ACT Writing
7
7

Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Gainesville State College is a premier institution in the University System of Georgia. On our two campuses, Gainesville and Oconee, we provide a welcoming and nurturing environment that focuses on student success. In addition to our strong academic programs, the College provides a full array of extracurricular activities and opportunities for leadership development that lead to our students' personal and social development. Gainesville State College offers courses leading to the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees, as well as several certificate programs. Ninety percent of Gainesville State College students are in programs that are transferable to four-year colleges and universities. The 150 acre main campus consists of 12 buildings including its most recent addition, the Science, Engineering and Technology building that is considered to be one of the top ranked teaching facilities in the state. Recreational facilities include a rustic walking/exercise trail, biking trail, track, tennis courts and gymnasium with an Olympic-size pool and newly enhanced fitness center. Gainesville State College integrates academic with extracurricular activities to emphasize development of the "whole person." Students can enjoy the "total college experience" by participating in student activities, intramurals, clubs and organizations, bands, chorus, student publications, cultural affairs programs, personalities and speakers, fine arts offerings, extended orientation, and international-intercultural studies programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Gainesville State College?
The acceptance rate of Gainesville State College is 99%, which is higher than the state average of 63%.
What is Gainesville State College's ranking?
Gainesville State College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Georgia for: Largest student body.
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