The number of students who earn a degree at a public college or university in Georgia keeps rising.
Enrollment has been rising, too, but that is not the only reason for the increasing graduation rates at the University System of Georgia.
Enrollment has gone up 12.8% since 2011, but the number of degrees awarded has far outpaced that, shooting up 50.6% over the same period, according to the Board of Regents.
The graduation gains coincide with USG’s decision to join the Complete College America program in 2011.
“Our focus on student success delivers real value — not just for the state, but for every student whose degree opens doors to opportunity and long-term prosperity,” Chancellor Sonny Perdue said in a statement Tuesday.
USG cited several initiatives, including the creation of a website (Georgia Degrees Pay) that informs families about college costs and value, with data about success rates, borrowing, debt and average earnings by degree for all 26 of the system’s colleges and universities. The system also pointed to the Georgia Momentum Approach, which uses predictive analytics and targeted advising for students who are transitioning to college. Remediation and teaching practices were also updated.
The gains have produced all-time highs: the number of degrees awarded in Fiscal Year 2025 rose 7.9% over the prior year, for a record 82,607 degrees. Early students lagged their more advanced peers: 53,739 of the degrees awarded in FY 2025 went to undergraduates, for an increase of 4.3%, while graduate and professional degree awards increased 15.2% to 28,868.
Four-year graduation rates were not evenly distributed last year. Of the Freshmen who enrolled in the system in 2020, 35.6% earned a degree within four years, according to a USG graduation report available online. The rate at Georgia Tech was 69.3% and at the University of Georgia it was 77.4%. However, the rate at Fort Valley State University was 15.9% and at Georgia Gwinnett College it was 10.2%.
This article is available through a partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Association’s nonprofit, tax-exempt Educational Foundation.

Ty Tagami | Capitol Beat
Ty Tagami is a staff writer for Capitol Beat News Service. He is a journalist with over 20 years experience.