Positioned at the midway point between Atlanta and Orlando within just 20 miles of the Florida border, Valdosta State University is located in the urban heart of what is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Often referred to as "Azalea City," Valdosta is Georgia's newest rapidly-growing metropolitan area that provides the university's over 11,500 students with a mild climate, friendly atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and pristine Atlantic beaches.
First opened in 1913 as the South Georgia State Normal College by Colonel W.S. West through the Georgia Senate, the school quickly transformed to a four-year institution for female students known as the Georgia State Woman's College. It was not until 1950 that the campus became co-educational and men began to outnumber women as it yet again evolved into Valdosta State College. In 1978 until the leadership of Dr. Hugh Coleman Bailey, the college doubled in size and was officially accepted as the second institution into the University System of Georgia as Valdosta State University.
Valdosta State is currently recognized as the 69th best college and 30th top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Along with being the only public university in Georgia that is a member of the prestigious Association of American Colleges and Universities, VSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in subjects ranging from social work and nursing to information science and business administration.
Outside of the classroom, Valdosta State offers more than 200 recognized student organizations, including the Spectator weekly newspaper, the annual literary publication Odradek, the student-operated radio station 90.9 FM, and 23 fraternities and sororities. For those who are athletically inclined, the VSU Blazers compete in NCAA Division II football, basketball, baseball, tennis, cross-county, golf, soccer, and volleyball in the Gulf South Conference.
With an outstanding reputation as a regional public institution, Valdosta State has served the educational needs of many notable alumni. Among the former Blazers are Oscar-winning actress Lisa Blount, Emmy-nominated producer Debra Fordham, CNN media personality Nancy Grace, country music singer Kip Moore, NFL offensive lineman Ryan Schraeder, Christian right activist Randy Brinson, MLB pitcher Jason Bulger, and Georgia State Senate member Tim Golden.
Total undergraduate enrollment: 7482
Total institution enrollment: 8792
School type: 4-year public
School classification: Master's Colleges and Universities I: These institutions typically offer a wide range of baccalaureate programs, and they are committed to graduate education through the master's degree. They award 40 or more master's degrees per year across three or more disciplines.
Valdosta State University
1500 N Patterson
Valdosta, GA 31698
(229) 333-5800
WebsiteMale undergraduate population: 40%
Female undergraduate population: 60%
Undergrad visible minorities: No Data
Degrees Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's