Georgia Gwinnett College Ranks High For Diversity, Affordability

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Georgia Gwinnett College received high marks for its ethnic diversity and affordability in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings released this week.

In the magazine's 2017 rankings, GGC ranked in the top 10 public schools in the Southern region, placing it in the ranks of several state universities.

For the third year in a row, Georgia Gwinnett was ranked the most ethnically diverse college in the Southern region. The magazine cited the school's largest minority group, African Americans, who make up 34 percent of the college's student body.

GGC also ranked second in the Southern region for having the least student debt -- an improvement over its 5th place ranking last year.

A look at 73 percent of GGC graduates showed them having an average debt of $18,612. That's compared to some schools on the other end of the spectrum where debt levels approached $50,000.

"We are delighted to be recognized again for our campus community’s ethnic diversity and our

exceptional affordability," said GGC President Stas Preczewski in a news release. "These rankings indicate that GGC is succeeding in its game-changing efforts to make an attentive higher education experience accessible to a broad population at an affordable cost."

Georgia Gwinnett’s tuition is $129 per credit hour and is capped at 15 credit hours, even if a student takes additional courses. The college has raised its tuition only $7 since 2008.

"At less than $6,000 per year for commuters, Georgia Gwinnett offers exceptional value, which is

important to our students -- 94 percent of whom qualify for federal financial aid," Preczewski said.

U.S. News & World Report defines the Southern region Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Photo courtesy Georgia Gwinnett College