2025 Georgia State University Perimeter College General Brochure by georgiastate

YOUR ASSOCIATE DEGREE PATH at Georgia State

ALPHARETTA / CLARKSTON / DECATUR / DUNWOODY / NEWTON / ONLINE

A College Experience THAT CATERS TO YOU

Employing Georgia State University's nationally acclaimed approach to student success, Perimeter College makes college possible for anyone. As Atlanta's Gateway to higher education, we have for decades helped students from every background unlock opportunities they never knew existed. We think The Washington Post described us and our mission best: “Harvard for the masses.” At any of our five metro Atlanta locations you’ll have the chance to:

• Study on a campus close to home — or online

• Save money on tuition

• Thrive in smaller classes

• Choose from 30-plus degree pathways and two career programs

• Earn a two-year associate degree

• Transition to the Atlanta Campus for a bachelor’s degree

Our students are part of a network of nearly a half-million Georgia State alumni who hold degrees from one of the country’s largest universities — a university that continues to earn recognition each year as we prove that students from all backgrounds can succeed at the same levels. That’s why The New York Times called us “an innovative engine of social mobility.”

Perimeter College BY THE NUMBERS

266% 19:1

Increase in three-year graduation rate since 2016 016Hold the Highest Degree in Their Fields

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

4,250+ 55%

International Students From 159 Countries* of Full-Time Faculty Hold the Highest Degree in Their Fields

Top College

Awarding Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarships: 28 Awarded Since 2002

* Across all Perimeter campuses and the Atlanta Campus

Georgia State BY THE NUMBERS

Start Your Path AT PERIMETER

Choose from the 30-plus pathways we feature across our campuses to graduate with your associate degree and leave with the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful work. We also offer career programs in nursing and dental hygiene. Students in these programs graduate job- or licensing test-ready with all required training. Our small classes allow professors to provide a lot of personalized attention.

LEAN ON US FOR SUPPORT

Our expert academic advisers help chart your journey, while our Graduation Progression System digitally tracks your progress. Supplemental Instruction pairs students struggling in specific courses with those who have successfully completed them, and students can access more coaching services in the Learning and Tutoring Center on each campus.

SHINE IN THE HONORS COLLEGE

Each of our campuses offers Honors curriculum and benefits, including opportunities for independent research, study abroad and special admittance to community events. If you qualify for the Honors College, you’ll be notified after admittance to Perimeter College.

CONSIDER DUAL ENROLLMENT

Eligible high school juniors and seniors can take classes part time or full time on our Perimeter campuses to earn high school and college credit. Fall, spring and summer semesters of the college academic year are open to dual-enrollment students. Some students who participate are able to graduate from high school and begin college as a sophomore or junior because of credit earned.

TRANSITION TO THE ATLANTA CAMPUS FOR A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

With a streamlined process, you can transition seamlessly to our Atlanta Campus to continue your education and earn a bachelor’s degree. You’ll need to have completed 30 or more credit hours, including all core curriculum and high school required courses with at least a 2.0 grade point average at Perimeter College.

DEGREE PATHWAYS

Degree pathways are areas of study through which students can pursue an associate degree.

Associate of Arts

• African American Studies

• American Sign Language

• Anthropology

• Art

• English

• Film & Media Studies

• History

Associate of Science

• Art

• Biology

• Business Administration

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Criminal Justice

• Education (Early Childhood)

• Education (Middle Grades)

• Education (Special)

• Education (Health & Physical)

• Homeland Security & Emergency Management

• Mathematics

• Journalism

• Philosophy

• Political Science

• Speech Communication

• Sociology

• Theatre

• World Languages

• World Languages With Business

• Education (Secondary)

• Engineering

• Environmental Science

• General Studies

• Geology

• Health Sciences (Health Information Administration)

• Health Sciences (Health Science Professions)

• Health Sciences (Medical Technology)

• Health Sciences (Respiratory Therapy)

• Kinesiology & Health (Exercise Science/Health Coach/Personal Training)

• Music

• Physics

• Psychology

• Social Work

• Sport Management

Career Programs

• Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene

• Associate of Science in Nursing

For more details on Perimeter’s degree pathways, scan the QR code.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMMING

DIVISION I ATHLETICS

100+ CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

WELLNESS & FITNESS

CREATIVE SPACES

A Slice OF LIFE

When you begin your journey in higher education here at one of the nation’s most diverse universities, you won’t just open doors to a future full of professional pursuits, you’ll experience the richness of college life.

GET INVOLVED

Join any of the 100-plus clubs and organizations, which range from religious, multicultural and political to hobby- and profession-based associations.

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

Learn while experiencing life around the world. Perimeter College’s study abroad participation rate is three times the average of a twoyear institution.

GIVE YOURSELF TLC

Participate in an array of free wellness activities on all campuses, including weekly health screenings, health fairs, stress-reduction activities and cancer-awareness events. Be sure to check out the beautiful walking paths and fitness facilities on our campuses, too.

GET IN THE GAME

Unite with fellow Panthers in downtown Atlanta to see Georgia State’s 16 varsity sports teams compete at our various athletics venues. Perimeter College students enjoy free admittance to all events.

CREATE AND COLLABORATE

Check out the Creation and Technology Labs (CATLAB) on each of our campuses. These computer labs allow students to check out video and sound equipment to create multimedia projects and put their innovative ideas into action.

Scan the QR code to tap into the Panther Involvement Network (PIN), and find the club or organization that fits you.

Alpharetta CAMPUS

The Alpharetta Campus has flourished as one of Perimeter College’s fastest growing, serving a diverse student population. The school’s proximity to many park-and-ride MARTA stations makes accessing amenities and attending events on Georgia State’s downtown Atlanta Campus quick and convenient.

Alpharetta offers programs in all academic areas, including day and evening classes, but it’s known for its strong focus on science. With its advanced labs, Alpharetta is a magnet for budding biologists, physicists, chemists, computer scientists and mathematicians. The STEM Career Club connects students to the city of Alpharetta’s burgeoning technology industry, providing them opportunities to visit local businesses, hone their resume writing skills, and snag internships and jobs at area firms.

Campus Highlight

The multimillion-dollar wing of biology and chemistry labs prepares students for work in Alpharetta’s and north Fulton County’s growing science and technology sectors.

POPULAR PATHWAYS

Business administration, psychology, health sciences

Clarkston CAMPUS

The Clarkston Campus is Perimeter's largest and one of Georgia's most diverse, which isn’t surprising considering the city of Clarkston is one of the nation’s most multicultural municipalities.

There’s a special intersection between the school and the surrounding community, which together are a haven for refugees seeking education and employment. The campus’ International Student & Scholar Services office and the Mentoring Initiative for New Americans office are vital in welcoming international students and helping them get settled. The Center for Community Engagement brings together Clarkston community members, governmental, nonprofit and faith-based agencies, Georgia State researchers and local partners to work on issues important to the community.

POPULAR PATHWAYS

Nursing, music, American Sign Language, engineering, science, mathematics, business administration

Campus Highlight

Clarkston’s claims to fame are its fine and performing arts. The Fine Arts Department produces full seasons of plays, concerts and art exhibitions.

The nursing pathway prepares graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

Decatur CAMPUS

Rolling lawns, a 3.8-mile walking trail named for former First Lady Michelle Obama and a stunning botanical garden filled with native plants frame Perimeter’s Decatur Campus.

Decatur is best known for its collaboration with local schools and companies to coach students for today’s competitive career climate. Through Georgia State’s Learning, Income and Family Transformation campaign, offered in cooperation with DeKalb Public Schools and State Farm® Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Decatur students can participate in the State Farm® Scholars program, which includes an award package of as much as $4,000 each year. State Farm® Scholars receive leadership and professional development training throughout the year.

POPULAR PATHWAYS

Computer science, psychology, health sciences, education, business administration, criminal justice

Campus Highlight

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Decatur’s Community Garden is an educational tool for students, who plant and harvest 1,000 pounds of fruits, vegetables and herbs for the benefit of students and nonprofits each year. Volunteer opportunities are available.

Dunwoody CAMPUS

One of Perimeter's largest, the Dunwoody Campus features an array of study spots — including picnic tables with solar-powered outlets — making it beloved for its cozy feel.

Dunwoody is known for its extracurricular offerings. Wordsmiths and poets, for example, can join the Writers’ Circle. A staunch community partner, the Dunwoody Campus also emphasizes service learning in its coursework. Dental hygiene students provide free and low-cost dental services to underserved communities in Georgia. Locally, they partner regularly with elementary schools to offer screenings, cleanings, sealants and counseling to children.

POPULAR PATHWAYS

Dental hygiene, education, engineering, business administration, psychology, accounting, health sciences

Campus Highlight

Only offered at Dunwoody, dental hygiene is one of Perimeter College’s two career pathways, preparing students to work in the field immediately after earning an associate degree. The Dunwoody Campus’ newly opened $6.3 million, 7,904-square-foot dental hygiene clinic houses 20 observatories and trains students using advanced equipment and technology.

One of the campus’ defining offerings is an observatory, where students and the public can gaze at stars and galaxies in the evening sky.

Newton CAMPUS

The Newton Campus is a modern facility set on 100 picturesque acres of forest and countryside. The Newton Campus offers academic coursework that includes a strong commitment to civic engagement.

Through unique approaches to teaching, many of Newton’s professors provide students with an opportunity to explore and play a part in issues that affect the local community. Examples include an Honors American government class that engages students in voter awareness, a sociology course that allows students to tutor children through the Newton County Housing Authority and a public-speaking course in which students conduct interviews and research with local stakeholders on poverty, health and senior citizen issues in their community. Campus partners include the Housing Authority of the City of Covington and Newton Family Connection.

POPULAR PATHWAYS

Biology, health sciences, computer science, business administration

Campus Highlight

Newton’s CATLAB is one of Perimeter College’s most active. The lab is abuzz with students who are working with multimedia equipment — including everything from lighting kits to tripods, cameras, recording devices and digital editing systems — to craft course-related projects and explore their own hobbies.

Online LEARNING

With 28 online associate degree pathways — all with Georgia State’s trademark focus on student success — we boast the largest online program within the University System of Georgia. That’s why an average of 66 percent of Perimeter College students choose to take courses fully or partially online. Online-only students pay a technology fee and special institutional fee but do not pay other mandatory fees that are associated with on-campus services. Plus, they benefit from the free online support provided by the Learning and Tutoring Center.

MILITARY SUPPORT

Designated a military-friendly school by G.I. Jobs, Victory Media, Military Advanced Education & Transition and the Military Times for 13 straight years (2012-24), Georgia State (including the Atlanta Campus and Perimeter College campuses) ranks among the top 10 percent of schools in the nation for its military outreach services and programs. Georgia State is ranked the No. 1 most veteran-friendly school in the Southeast and the No. 4 most veteran-friendly school in the U.S. (out of 5,300+ colleges and universities) by Military Times (2024-25).

The Military Outreach Center (MOC) provides reservists, National Guard, active-duty servicemembers, veterans and their dependents with the support and services they need to reach their academic goals. Located on each Georgia State campus, the MOC promotes and collaborates with community-based veteran and military-affiliated organizations, fostering partnerships that benefit student veterans academically and professionally. You can:

• Learn how to apply and secure VA education benefits.

• Obtain academic support and direction.

• Find campus and community resources.

• Join veteran student organizations and mentorship programs.

• Transition comfortably into a military-inclusive atmosphere across the university.

Invest in YOURSELF

CALCULATE YOUR COSTS

We believe a college education should be accessible to everyone. We’ll do everything in our power to save you time and money along the way.

TUITION (Per Semester)*

IN-STATE TUITION: $1,515 (15 credit hours or more each semester)

OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $5,865 (15 credit hours or more each semester)

STUDENT FEES: $340

BOOKS & SUPPLIES: $516 (estimated)

ONLINE: $107/credit hour

ONLINE STUDENT FEES: Technology fee and instructional fee**

*Based on rates for the 2024-25 academic year

**Fees range from $150-$250 depending on total number of credit hours

Financial Aid & Scholarships

FAFSA — Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for federal, state, Perimeter scholarships and outside scholarships. The priority deadline is April 1,*** and Georgia State’s FAFSA code is 001574. Visit fafsa.gov.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP — Covers full tuition, excluding fees, for students who graduate from a Georgia high school with a 3.0 or higher core GPA and maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in college.

ZELL MILLER SCHOLARSHIP — Covers full tuition, excluding fees, for students who have a 3.7 or higher core high school GPA, a minimum 1200 SAT or 26 ACT score and maintain a 3.3 or higher college GPA.

ACHIEVE ATLANTA SCHOLARSHIP — Awards Atlanta Public Schools students pursuing postsecondary paths after high school with $1,500 in need-based funding for up to two years.

STATE FARM ® SCHOLARS PROGRAM — Selects 50 students per year, awarding them as much as $4,000 in tuition packages annually.

JACK KENT COOKE UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP The country’s largest private scholarship for outstanding two-year and community college transfer students transferring to four-year colleges. It awards up to $55,000 per year for up to three years. Since 2002, Perimeter has had 28 winners, who have earned bachelor’s degrees (and beyond) on Georgia State’s Atlanta Campus, at Yale, Georgia Tech, MIT, Emory, Howard, University of Southern California, Stanford, Agnes Scott College and more.

***FAFSA deadlines are subject to change, so monitor carefully.

For more information about federal aid and scholarships, scan the QR code.

What’s NEXT?

Join Perimeter College, where you’ll be a part of our culture of determination, ambition, achievement and perseverance. Take the next step on your path to greatness right now.

1. EXPLORE OUR CAMPUSES

Visit any or all of our campuses, explore the resources you’ll be using to shape your future and schedule a oneon-one meeting with an admissions counselor. To see when tours are available, visit welcome.gsu.edu/visit-perimeter.

2. LEARN MORE & CONNECT

Connect with Perimeter College on our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ask questions and get personal assistance by contacting an admissions counselor at 404-413-2500 or admissions@gsu.edu.