Georgia Southwestern ranks among Top Public Universities in the South

AMERICUS, Ga. (October 1, 2025) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) has once again earned national recognition, ranking #48 in the Top Public Universities in the South in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges list.

GSW also placed #62 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and in the top 100 of Best Regional Universities in the South. 

“Georgia Southwestern’s recognition across several categories with U.S. News & World Report is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of our university’s momentum,” said GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. “This continued rise in the rankings highlights our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success. Our dedicated faculty and staff, supportive community, and innovative programs consistently elevate GSW as one of the premier public universities in the South.”

These rankings add to a series of milestones fueling GSW’s growth and reputation. The University has achieved record-breaking enrollment, exceeded fundraising goals, celebrated athletic championships, set new standards in community service, and invested in transformative campus enhancements. Together, these accomplishments demonstrate GSW’s commitment to providing an inclusive, dynamic environment that empowers students, strengthens community partnerships, and positions the institution as a leader in higher education.

Over the past three decades, the U.S. News college rankings have become a widely used resource for students and parents researching higher education. The rankings evaluate more than 1,700 colleges and universities using up to 17 factors, including graduation and retention rates, class sizes, student debt, and academic reputation.

The full list of rankings is available at www.usnews.com/best-colleges.