December 2024
- Admission Enrollments Reach Record Highs!
- Get Your GED For FREE With HSE
- Dual Enrollment Numbers Rising Across the Nation
- Training Opportunities
Admission Enrollments Reach Record Highs!
Georgia’s postsecondary institutions are setting the pace as University System of Georgia enrollment reached an all-time high with 20,000 more students than last year.
“Right now, our schools are awarding a record number of degrees while also helping more students than ever pursue a higher education,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “That’s a win for them and for Georgia.”
Enrollment grew at all public colleges and universities and USG officials recently told regents they believed GEORGIA MATCH has helped. The program sent over 137,000 letters to high school seniors across the state, informing them which public college and universities in the state are holding a spot for them.
“Governor Kemp’s GEORGIA MATCH initiative is a transformational approach to college admissions in our state,” said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. “In addition to offering direct admissions, we connect our students with opportunities to fund their higher education. There has never been a better time to apply to college in Georgia.”
Get Your GED For FREE With HSE
West Georgia Technical College recently held a registration session for Georgia residents interested in earning their High School Equivalency (HiSET/GED); but they’re not alone. The High School Equivalency Examination Grant Program is accepted at all Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions and available to all Georgia residents.
The HOPE Grant is available to all Georgia residents working towards a certificate; a point recently made by Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley on Fox 5 Atlanta.
“There is no minimum GPA requirement for a student to take advantage of the HOPE Grant program,” said Riley. “So right out of high school, they can get tuition covered at the technical colleges…and if they go into high demand areas, they are eligible for additional supplemental award.”
The HOPE Career Grant aligns with industries important to the state’s economic growth that currently lack skilled workers to fill the available jobs. There are even 18 programs of study where free tuition is available.
“This helps (students) get into the work force rapidly and pursue a dream that doesn’t take four years to obtain a credential.” said Riley. “Everything is right here in Georgia to stay here and thrive.”
Dual Enrollment Numbers Rising Across the Nation
A recent report from Columbia University’s Community College Research Center focuses on student reenrollment after graduating from high school. However, the data starts in the fall of 2015. At the time, the state was behind the national average in Dual Enrollment participation.
Over the past decade, reports show the numbers have steadily increased. Overall enrollment increased by 46% from fall 2015 to fall 2021 and Georgia is alone with the highest bachelor’s completion rates (45%) and one of the four states where more than half of dual-enrolled students completed some postsecondary award within four years after high school.
The University of West Georgia has increased their Dual Enrollment numbers due to their Go West Early program. It recently expanded to include Coweta County and their 75% increase from 2023 means more than 1,500 students taking advantage of the state-funded program.
“Students can use that flexibility,” said Kimberly Scranage, UWG’s vice president of strategic enrollment management, “to graduate college sooner, study abroad and strengthen their resumes through experiential learning opportunities like internships.”
Click here to learn more about the courses available for students to experience college courses while still in high school.
Training Opportunities
Remember, GSFC’s outreach staff is available year-round to conduct FREE training's, workshops and information sessions across the state of Georgia.
Over the last year, GSFC’s outreach team has incorporated online live webinars.
Topics include:
- State financial aid programs (HOPE, Dual Enrollment, etc.)
- SURFER/STARS
- Transcript Exchange
- FAFSA Completion
- GAfutures.org Overview
Visit the Outreach module to learn more about the GSFC’s outreach team what services are provided.
Meet your outreach representative to schedule your training, or contact our offices:
Phone: 770.724.9000 Toll Free: 800.505.GSFC
K -12 email: outreach@gsfc.org
Postsecondary email: SAS@gsfc.org
