The University System of Georgia (USG) continues to outpace much of the nation in student growth. Spring 2024 enrollment across Georgia’s 26 public colleges and universities reached 345,823 students, setting an all-time record for the spring semester. This marks the second consecutive year of enrollment growth after declines in 2022 and 2023, as the system emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The largest enrollment increases this spring occurred among undergraduate students, whose numbers grew by 14.1% over last year. Enrollment in master’s programs also rose significantly—by 12.6%.
Research universities such as the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech saw a 6.5% increase, while comprehensive universities like Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State experienced 6.1% growth.
While overall minority enrollment in the system declined from 47% to 42% over the past five years, some minority groups saw gains in the last year. Hispanic enrollment rose from 10% to 12%, and Asian American student enrollment increased from 11% to 14%.
Chancellor Sonny Perdue noted that Georgia’s growth continues to outpace national trends. He also pointed to the rising popularity of dual enrollment, which allows high school students to take college courses, as a factor driving new conversations among state lawmakers about the potential for three-year degree programs in the system.
