Augusta University

AU’s academic identity is anchored by health sciences, especially nursing (which saw a 13% enrollment surge recently), but it also offers liberal arts, business, and computer science degrees. The catalog lists over 50 undergraduate majors, with popular choices including psychology, exercise science, and general business. While Reddit users note the medical programs outshine others ('good but not great for non-medical fields'), the College of Science and Mathematics is gaining traction. Small class sizes—many under 20 students—are a selling point, though research opportunities skew toward pre-professional tracks.

Campus life is a mixed bag. Official materials tout leadership workshops, Greek life (10+ organizations), and 100+ clubs, but students on Reddit gripe about the isolated location ('no bars, no restaurants, just millionaire neighborhoods'). The university leans into community service and professional development—think pre-med clubs, not raucous tailgates. Housing is mostly functional rather than luxurious, and the lack of a bustling college town means students often drive to downtown Augusta for entertainment. Still, niche communities thrive, from cultural groups to the much-hyped Jaguar athletics (Division II).

AU’s six-year graduation rate is 50.2%—below the Georgia state average (58.6%) but improving steadily from 39.8% in 2020. Alumni earn a median of $36,427 one year post-graduation, though this rises for health professions. The university has been nationally recognized for boosting earning potential, particularly for first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and low-income students. Retention is middling (49% for first-years), suggesting some struggle with the transition, but career services emphasize clinical placements and local employer partnerships.

AU is a budget-friendly option for Georgians, with an average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $13,486 after aid. In-state tuition is heavily subsidized, and 85% of undergrads receive financial aid, including HOPE Scholarships (for Georgia residents with GPAs above 3.0) and Pell Grants (up to $5,730). The net price calculator flags books and supplies (~$1,200) as a hidden cost, but room/board is reasonable (~$10,000). Out-of-state students pay roughly double, though merit scholarships can offset this.

Augusta University excels as a pipeline for healthcare careers—especially nursing—with clinical rotations at AU Health System giving students a leg up. Its open admissions mission serves non-traditional and first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students, though graduation rates reflect the challenges of that population. The campus vibe is more commuter than collegiate, but scrappy students carve out communities in research labs or service projects. For Georgians seeking an affordable, health-focused degree with real-world connections, AU delivers; for those craving Big 10-style school spirit, look elsewhere.