- Georgia Perimeter College, a non-residential institution, serves diverse populations of traditional and nontraditional students in Greater Metropolitan Atlanta. Placing learning first, we provide accessible and affordable high quality undergraduate credit and non-credit programs for students seeking to complete an associate degree, transfer to a senior college or university, prepare for immediate entry into a career, pursue personal goals or enhance current workplace skills. Our curriculum specializes in liberal arts and professional preparation and promotes international and intercultural understanding. We also serve the broader community as an educational, cultural, and economic resource.
School Highlights
Georgia State University-Perimeter College serves 17,437 students (36% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 40:1 is higher than the state community college average of 29:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 62%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 17,437 students
- In-state tuition: $3,150
- Out-state tuition: $9,075
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Student-teacher ratio: 40:1
- Minority enrollment: 82%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Georgia State University-Perimeter College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Georgia for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 432 teachers has declined by 44% over five years.
Georgia State University-Perimeter College
(GA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
432 staff
88 staff
Student Body
The student population of Georgia State University-Perimeter College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 40:1 has increased from 24:1 over five years.
The Georgia State University-Perimeter College diversity score of 0.74 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
17,437 students
1,835 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
40:1
29:1
# Full-Time Students
6,204 students
797 students
# Part-Time Students
11,233 students
1,381 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
17,437 students
1,758 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
6,204 students
855 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
11,233 students
1,678 students
% Asian
14%
4%
% Hispanic
14%
11%
% Black
43%
35%
% White
18%
38%
% Two or more races
5%
3%
% Non Resident races
5%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
7%
Diversity Score
0.74
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
22%
43%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,500
$29,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,150 is less than the state average of $3,346. The in-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $9,075 is more than the state average of $6,958. The out-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,150
$3,346
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,075
$6,958
Tuition Notes
$95 per credit hour
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
82%
91%
Median Debt for Graduates
$21,500
$12,069
Median Debt for Dropouts
$8,310
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
91%
76%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Founded by the citizens of DeKalb County and the DeKalb Board of Education under the Junior College Act of 1958, Georgia Perimeter College opened as DeKalb College with its Clarkston Campus in 1964. It was the only public junior college in the state supported and controlled by a local board of education. It was established in order that any resident of the DeKalb School District who held a high school diploma or its equivalent and who desired to seek two years of postsecondary education might have the opportunity to do so. The college's Decatur (formerly known as South) Campus opened in 1972. Also beginning in 1972, students enrolled in DeKalb Area Technical School were able to enroll dually in vocational and collegiate programs, and the college was designated DeKalb Community College. As growth continued both for DeKalb County and the college, the Dunwoody (Formerly North) Campus was added and began operation in 1979. DeKalb College pioneered in Georgia in open-door admissions, personalized approaches to instruction, and community-related curricula and activities. The Decatur Campus is one of the most scenic college campuses in the entire Atlanta area. The campus is surrounded by lush landscaped acres; it even houses its own botanical garden. Several miles of walking trails and tree-lined walkways connect the north and south portions of the campus. On your tour you will find tennis courts, a basketball court and a junior Olympic size swimming pool. The campus boasts ample parking spaces and the lots are all conveniently located. College curricula feature transfer, learning support, career, continuing and distance education programs as well as joint educational offerings with other system institutions and state-supported technical institutes. Associate degrees are awarded to graduates who complete the two-year transfer and career programs. Georgia Perimeter College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Georgia State University-Perimeter College cost?
Georgia State University-Perimeter College's tuition is approximately $3,150 for In-State students and $9,075 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Georgia State University-Perimeter College?
The acceptance rate of Georgia State University-Perimeter College is 91%, which is higher than the state average of 76%.
What is Georgia State University-Perimeter College's ranking?
Georgia State University-Perimeter College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Georgia for: Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Georgia State University-Perimeter College located?
Georgia State University-Perimeter College is located in the Downtown Atlanta neighborhood of Atlanta, GA. There are 2 other community '.colleges.' located in Downtown Atlanta.
Recent Articles
Community Colleges and Careers in Climate Tech and Green Energy
Learn how community colleges are preparing students for careers in climate tech and green energy through specialized training and workforce programs.
Virtual Reality Training Programs in Community Colleges
Explore how virtual reality training programs in community colleges are preparing students for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, public safety, and more.
Design-Your-Own Degree Programs at Community Colleges
Discover how design-your-own degree programs at community colleges help students create personalized pathways for transfer and career success.
