FAQs

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has given initial approval of the consolidation of Georgia Southern and East Georgia State College to broaden educational access, enhance support services and drive regional growth. By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of both institutions, we can create new pathways for student achievement and expand our positive impact across southeast Georgia.

• Expand academic and career pathways for students
• Create additional seamless transfer and progression opportunities
• Increase efficiency in operations and services
• Strengthen regional economic and workforce development
• Build a stronger, more connected university community

The consolidated institution will retain EGSC’s open access mission while becoming a part of Georgia Southern University, with integrated campuses and access points. On May 22, 2025 it was announced the Swainsboro campus will be named Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Campus. The instructional sites in Statesboro and Augusta will be designated as Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Center Statesboro and Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Center Augusta.

Name changes become effective January 1, 2026, following an expected vote on consolidation approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in December.

The new name honors East Georgia State College’s five-decade legacy—beginning as Emanuel County Junior College—while signaling its future as part of Georgia Southern University.

No. If you are currently enrolled at either institution, you will continue your degree program without interruption.

All current financial aid and scholarship packages will continue unchanged, so you can focus on what matters most—your education. EGSC will continue to focus on affordability, and you can view tuition rates set by the Board of Regents for the 2025-26 academic year.

The East Georgia Campus will have its own tuition rate. Rates will be approved at the April University System of Georgia Board of Regents meeting.

The correct school code depends on the FAFSA aid year.

If a student is starting at any of the East Georgia Campuses in Summer 2026:

Complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA and use the East Georgia State College school code: 010997.

For the 2026–2027 FAFSA (a new financial aid year)

All students, both new incoming students and former East Georgia students, must use the Georgia Southern University school code: 001572.

All current services at both institutions will remain in place. Over time, all students will benefit from expanded advising, academic support, and access to additional programs and activities.

Yes. East Georgia campuses will continue to serve students locally, with additional seamless pathways into Georgia Southern programs as part of the consolidated institution.

All students, faculty, staff and visitors must register their vehicles to park on the East Georgia Campus. For FY27, parking will be free (no purchase required).

In the future, students may have increased flexibility and access across campuses, but no changes will be made immediately.

Beginning Fall 2026, the diploma document will display Georgia Southern University on the top line, University College on the second line, and “hereby confers upon” on the third line.

University College is the academic home for students with majors in Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Bachelor of Organizational Leadership (eMajor). Dual enrollment students will also be admitted to University College beginning Fall 2026.  University College oversees interdisciplinary minors and offers IDS courses. University College operates across all campuses and modalities to ensure that students entering through one of the many accessible pathways can achieve a Georgia Southern Bachelor’s degree through collaboration and collaboration with the academic colleges and departments.

The general education courses that have been offered in previous academic years will continue at the East Georgia Augusta Center on the Summerville Campus of Augusta University during Fall Semester 2025 and Spring Semester 2026.

Yes. Athletics at East Georgia will be retained, and current teams will proceed as planned through the 2025–2026 academic year.

The athletic teams on the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro are transitioning from the NJCAA to the NAIA as part of consolidation with Georgia Southern, allowing athletics to continue and grow as a key driver of enrollment and student life at the Swainsboro East Georgia Campus. The transition includes adding men’s and women’s cross-country to meet NAIA requirements, expanding opportunities for student-athletes with minimal startup costs, and competing primarily against in-state NAIA schools to support regional rivalries and manage travel expenses.

The NAIA application was submitted in October 2025, the East Georgia Campus will host a site visit in early 2026, and—pending approval—officially join the NAIA on July 1, 2026, with competition beginning in the 2026–27 season, strengthening recruitment, increasing tuition and housing revenue, and aligning Georgia Southern’s East Georgia Campus Athletics with other University System of Georgia institutions while operating as a separate, compliant program alongside Georgia Southern’s NCAA teams.

There are no immediate changes to employment status or job assignments as a result of the consolidation. Any future changes will be part of a transparent, collaborative process.

Tenure status and promotion policies will be honored and respected. Faculty will help shape how academic policies and governance are integrated moving forward.

Staff across all departments will play a critical role in supporting the transition. You’ll be informed and involved as planning unfolds. No immediate role changes are planned.

Leadership and organizational planning will take place in phases. Any changes to reporting lines or structures will be communicated in advance, with support provided.

All students, faculty, staff and visitors must register their vehicles to park on the East Georgia Campus. For FY27, parking will be free (no purchase required).

Yes. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors must register their vehicles to park on the Armstrong and Statesboro campuses. Vehicle permits will follow Georgia Southern University’s standard permit pricing.

Full operational integration is expected by Spring Semester 2026, with planning and alignment efforts occurring throughout the 2025–26 academic year.

Cross-institutional working groups made up of faculty, staff, and administrators will guide the process. Input from the University community will be a key part of every phase.

Visit the consolidation website regularly for updates and announcements. You’ll also be invited to participate in town halls, submit questions, and join transition planning efforts.