Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University is a public university located in Valdosta, Georgia, with an enrollment of approximately 6,622 students. The university admits the majority of applicants — its acceptance rate is 72.3%, meaning that roughly seven out of ten people who apply are offered admission.

In-state tuition is $6,124 per year, while out-of-state students pay $17,836 per year. These figures represent tuition alone and do not reflect the full cost of attendance. The average annual net price — covering tuition, fees, and living expenses after grants and scholarships are applied — is $10,945. This figure applies to students who received grant or scholarship aid; individual costs will vary. Just over half of students (52.3%) receive Pell Grants, which are need-based federal awards, indicating that a substantial portion of the student body has demonstrated financial need. Forty-four percent of all students take out federal student loans. Among those who completed a credential, median federal loan debt was $24,779. Of borrowers entering repayment, 40.8% had a loan balance that was actively decreasing within three years — meaning that a majority were not yet reducing their principal during that window.

Valdosta State's retention rate — the share of first-year students who return for a second year — is 71.9%. The graduation rate is 42.4%. This figure tracks first-time, full-time students over a standard completion window and reflects outcomes across the full student population, not only those in career-focused programs.

Median earnings stand at $49,361 per year, measured approximately ten years after enrollment. This figure covers all federally-aided students who enrolled at Valdosta State, including those who did not complete a degree, so it reflects a broad range of outcomes rather than earnings for graduates alone.

Among the programs relevant to career-focused adult learners, Valdosta State offers preparation for careers in library science, including pathways toward becoming a librarian. Prospective students interested in this field may want to review specific program requirements, degree levels offered, and licensure or certification considerations directly with the university.