Financial Analysis and Institutional Characteristics of Georgia State University
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Financial Analysis and Institutional Characteristics of Georgia State University
Tondelya Nekeisha Beaton
School of Education Liberty University
Author Note
Tondelya Nekeisha Beaton
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Tondelya Nekeisha Beaton. Email: [email protected]
Abstract
This report comprehensively analyzes Georgia State University, a prominent public research university in Atlanta, Georgia. It delves into GSU’s historical evolution, institutional characteristics, financial landscape, and student financial aid trends from 2016 to 2020. GSU’s commitment to academic excellence, community impact, and financial strategies is emphasized, highlighting its important role in higher education.
The report explores critical enrollment trends, faculty-student ratios, and the diverse expertise of GSU’s workforce. It scrutinizes the University’s fiscal landscape, revenue sources, expenses, and influential factors, highlighting the impact of economic conditions and state funding dynamics on its financial trajectory. Additionally, the report outlines GSU’s endowment’s significance in supporting academic programs and enhancing the student experience.
Furthermore, it analyzes student financial aid trends, showcasing GSU’s dedication to making higher education accessible through grants and federal student loans. The report’s insights underscore GSU’s numerous contributions to higher education and its commitment to student success.
Keywords: Georgia State University, higher education, enrollment trends, faculty-student ratio, financial analysis, student financial aid, endowment, academic excellence, institutional characteristics.
Financial Analysis and Institutional Characteristics of Georgia State University
Overview and Institutional Characteristics
Georgia State University is a renowned public research institution in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. Its history spans many years and has seen several name alterations since its founding in 1913 (Armstrong-Mensah et al, 2019). With time, it has transitioned into one of the four research-focused universities affiliated with the University System of Georgia, firmly demonstrating its enduring dedication to academic excellence and leading-edge research. This area offers a detailed representation of Georgia State University, highlighting its unique attributes as an academic institution and demonstrating its significant role in shaping the field of higher education.
Historical Evolution
Georgia State University’s (GSU) journey through time reveals a captivating tale of transformation and progress. Established in 1913 as the Georgia Tech Evening School of Commerce, the institution has undergone multiple name changes. It evolved from being recognized as the Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia and later emerged as the Georgia State College of Business Administration. Notably, a significant milestone occurred in 1969 when it officially assumed the name Georgia State University. This marked a momentous pivot in its historical trajectory, affirming its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and pioneering research in higher education (Armstrong-Mensah et al, 2019).
Size and Enrollment
In Fall of 2018, Georgia State University established itself as a significant presence in higher education. It can be proudly noted that Georgia State University stood out as the largest higher education establishment in Georgia, deserving thanks to its impressive enrollment numbers. During the specified period, the University hosted many students from different communities totaling approximately 52,814 individuals. This included a significant cohort of 44,735 undergraduates, 6,789 graduate students, and 1,866 doctoral candidates. These enrollment figures show the institution’s significance in offering educational opportunities to a wide range of students. These robust enrollment numbers vividly highlight the University’s critical role in extending access to higher education across a broad spectrum of students.
Academic Excellence
Georgia State University is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity.” This classification reflects the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge research across various fields of study. The University offers an extensive array of more than 250 degree programs spanning over 100 fields of study, encompassing 10 academic colleges and schools. This diverse academic landscape enables students to pursue various disciplines and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration (Toldson, 2018).
Campus and Facilities
Georgia State University’s campus is strategically located in the bustling center of Atlanta, providing students with the advantages of experiencing urban and suburban surroundings. The primary campus, nestled within the city’s urban site, covers an expansive area of approximately 109.87 acres. This substantial campus space creates a lively and energetic atmosphere, fostering a dynamic learning environment for its students. The Perimeter College campuses also contribute to the institution’s comprehensive reach, encompassing 440.06 acres across all instructional sites. Georgia State University’s facilities span a substantial 771.41 acres, fostering a conducive environment for learning, research, and community engagement. Its storied history, dedication to excellence, and commitment to student prosperity collectively position it as an honored institution in higher education. This report will further explore various aspects of Georgia State University, providing valuable insights into its financial performance, student demographics, and overall institutional standing.
Enrollment Trends at Georgia State University
Over the past five academic years, Georgia State University has witnessed outstanding enrollment trends, reflecting its evolving educational environment. The University’s total enrollment, as presented in Table 1 and Chart 1, demonstrates both fluctuations and a degree of stability. During 2019/2018, Georgia State University achieved its highest enrollment, with a remarkable 54,329 students—an important milestone. There was a decrease in enrollment, with the most recent data from 2021/2020 revealing a total of 52,814 students. These fluctuations occurrence might be due to shifts in population demographics, economic circumstances, and modifications in the University’s admission policies.
Undergraduate and graduate students have been differentiated visually using Table 2 and Chart 2 provided. Throughout these five years, undergraduate enrollment consistently outpaces graduate enrollment. In 2021/2020, there were 44,735 undergraduate students compared to 8,079 graduate students. While undergraduate enrollment has remained relatively stable, graduate enrollment has experienced minor fluctuations but has generally maintained its presence.
These enrollment trends at Georgia State University reflect the institution’s adaptability and commitment to providing accessible higher education. Despite variations, the University has sustained a diverse student body, maintaining a balance between undergraduate and graduate populations. These trends offer valuable insights for academic planning, resource allocation, and the continued pursuit of the University’s educational mission. As Georgia State University continues to evolve, understanding enrollment patterns will remain crucial in shaping its future academic excellence and student success strategies.
Employees
As of the Fall of 2018, Georgia State University retained a significant workforce separated into two primary categories: academic and administrative staff. The University’s academic staff had a varied group of faculty members covering a broad spectrum of academic fields. This diversity did not just enhance the student’s learning and added to a lively atmosphere for research. On the administrative side, a dedicated team of professionals handled various critical functions, ranging from financial management to student support services. These employees collectively played an essential role in ensuring the efficient operation of the institution, which was pivotal to Georgia State’s success (Graduate assistantships, 2018).
Diversity and Expertise
What truly makes Georgia State University’s employees look different is its workforce’s remarkable diversity of skills, backgrounds, and areas of expertise (Graduate assistantships, 2018). Academic staff, for instance, comprised experts from various fields, each bringing their unique knowledge and passion for teaching and research. This diversity in faculty expertise offered students a broad array of courses and facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. On the administrative side, professionals with specialized skills contributed to effectively managing the University’s operations. Their collective expertise ensured that Georgia State ran smoothly, from managing budgets to providing vital student support services.
Trends in Employee Growth
The growth and composition of Georgia State University’s workforce have evolved dynamically over the years, closely mirroring the shifts and developments in the higher education levels. Examining the trends in employee growth reveals valuable insights into the institution’s strategic priorities and areas of emphasis. The increase in the number of employees often relates to the University’s development in programs, research initiatives, and student populations. By analyzing these patterns, one can understand the institution’s adaptability in responding to the ever-changing needs of its community and the broader higher education sector.
Faculty-Student Ratio
Although specific figures are not provided, the faculty-student proportion at Georgia State University is a critical factor supporting the quality of education the institution offers. This proportion explicitly influences the level of personalized attention students receive, their engagement in coursework, and the effectiveness of teaching and mentorship. An optimal faculty-student ratio fosters an environment where students can interact closely with faculty members, benefitting from their expertise and guidance. Creating a conducive learning atmosphere where students can thrive academically and personally is essential. This highlights the significance of the institution’s diverse employee base, collective expertise, adaptability, and crucial role in shaping the quality of education and research activities at the University.
Revenues and Expenses
Georgia State University boasts a substantial budget allocation, with a reported budget of $1.149 billion in 2020 (Budget and planning, 2018). This financial scale reflects GSU’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, extensive research endeavors, and comprehensive student support services. It underscores the institution’s role as a significant player in higher education. This budget empowers GSU to allocate resources effectively to fulfill its desired mission.
Revenue Streams
State funding is pivotal in sustaining the institution as a public entity. The dynamics of state funding, subject to variations, significantly influence GSU’s fiscal equilibrium. Analyzing state funding patterns is essential in gauging the institution’s financial status. Tuition and fees add up to a significant portion of GSU’s revenue, contributed by its diverse student body. Patterns in tuition rates and enrollment figures give significant insights into the institution’s financial welfare and capacity to attract and retain students.
Expense Categories
While analyzing GSU’s financial framework, a closer examination of the various expense categories is imperative. Most of GSU’s budget is dedicated to academic affairs, including faculty salaries, research grants, curriculum development, and scholarly endeavors. These allocations show the institution’s dedication to fostering research and educational excellence. Furthermore, GSU’s budget is crucial in supporting diverse student programs and services, all aimed at enhancing the overall student experience. Scrutinizing these expenditures offers valuable insights into GSU’s general approach to student development. Moreover, GSU persistently invests in infrastructure development to preserve its excellent state as a research university. This long-term planning and expansion accomplishment is evident in allocating resources to provide state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
Influencing Factors
GSU’s financial stability is closely tied to external influences that can significantly shape its fiscal trajectory. Fluctuations in state funding allocations can substantially influence the institution’s financial balance. Understanding the stages of state funding dynamics is essential for effective financial planning. Economic factors also play a pivotal role in shaping GSU’s financial status. Evaluating how economic conditions influence revenue and expenditure patterns is integral to the institution’s financial planning, highlighting GSU’s adaptability in the face of economic changes. Furthermore, student enrollment trends directly impact tuition revenue, making a comprehensive assessment of enrollment patterns essential. This demonstrates GSU’s responsiveness to shifts in student demographics and preferences.
Overview of the Endowment
Georgia State University’s endowment is a key financial resource that contributes to the institution’s academic programs and activities. As of the most recent accessible information from Wikipedia, the endowment was valued at $170.8 million in 2020. This substantial financial resource reflects the University’s strong financial position. Over the years, Georgia State University has demonstrated a commitment to growing its endowment, achieving substantial increases from previous figures. The endowment’s significance lies in its capacity to provide crucial funding for scholarships, faculty research, infrastructure development, and program enhancements, contributing to the institution’s financial sustainability (Financial Services – Finance & Administration, n.d.).
Impact of the Endowment
The endowment is essential to Georgia State University’s operations, significantly contributing to the institution’s financial sustainability. The funds from the endowment help with things like scholarships for students who need them, grants for faculty to do research, improving the campus, and improving academic programs. It means more students can afford college, and it lets professors do substantial research and academic work, which makes the University look better academically. The endowment income also facilitates ongoing improvements to university facilities, guaranteeing that the campus remains conducive to learning and research activities.
Future Growth Strategies
Georgia State University remains dedicated to securing its endowment in the coming years. To achieve this goal, the institution has outlined strategic plans that include targeted fundraising campaigns and sound investment management practices. The University’s actions match its goal of securing its financial future and staying true to its promise of providing top-notch education and research chances. By using its increasing endowment, Georgia State University wants to keep on making a positive difference for students, faculty, and the local community. This way, it can depend less on tuition fees and state funding, ensuring it stays financially strong for the long haul.
Capital
Over the years, Georgia State University has significantly invested in its infrastructure to support its growth and academic goals. Notable projects include expanding the Pullen Library, constructing the 10-story General Classroom Building (now called Langdale Hall), and developing the Sports Arena. These endeavors have expanded the University’s physical footprint and enhanced its capacity to accommodate a growing student body effectively (Campus connector, 2020).
Campus Facilities
The University prioritizes offering a general educational experience, evident in its state-of-the-art facilities. These encompass the University Library, distributed across Library North and Library South on the main campus and Perimeter College campuses, along with the Law Library. These libraries house an impressive collection of over 13 million holdings, serving as vital resources for students and faculty. The University’s commitment to adapting to evolving needs is demonstrated through renovations of existing structures, including Alumni Hall (later Dahlberg Hall) and Library South.
Community Impact
Georgia State University’s strategic urban location and extensive facilities enable it to connect deeply with the surrounding community. The University serves as a real-world learning hub, forming connections with businesses, government bodies, non-profits, and local community groups. This teamwork improves education by allowing students and professors to do practical research in areas like community projects and history across various disciplines.
Future Development
Looking forward, Georgia State University has outlined plans for continued development. These initiatives include expanding graduate student housing and upgrading sports facilities like baseball, softball, and soccer stadiums. Additionally, the University’s acquisition and redevelopment of Turner Field into Georgia State Stadium represent a significant step toward enhancing its athletic and community engagement offerings.
Student Financial Aid
Student financial aid is a vital aspect of higher education, ensuring students have the financial resources to pursue their academic objectives. This area looks into student-specific financial aid at Georgia State College (GSU) for 2017/2016 to 2021/2020. The information includes the number of undergraduate students awarded various financial aid forms, the rate of students accepting aid, and the average amounts granted. Additionally, relevant tables and charts visually represent the patterns over the five years.
Number of Undergraduate Students Awarded Grant Aid
A significant financial aid metric is the count of undergraduate students benefiting from grants. In the academic year 2021/2020, a total of 23,523 undergraduate students at GSU were recipients of grant aid, showcasing a steady increase from the 17,787 students who received grants in 2017/2016. This increase signifies the University’s commitment to supporting its students financially.
Percentage of Undergraduate Students Awarded Grant Aid
The percentage of undergraduate students awarded grant aid is a fundamental metric for evaluating the accessibility of financial aid. GSU has reliably shown commitment to providing aid to its students, with 82% of students receiving grant aid in 2021/2020. This rate has consistently increased over the five years, reflecting the University’s commitment to facilitating access to higher education.
Average Amount of Grant Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students
Understanding the average sum of grant aid awarded to undergraduate students is very important in evaluating the extent of financial assistance they receive. GSU has maintained a reasonably steady average grant aid amount over the past five years, ranging from $7,236 in 2017/2016 to $8,462 in 2021/2020. This shows that the University is serious about giving students good financial aid.
Number of Undergraduate Students Awarded Federal Student Loans
In the 2021/2020 academic year, 12,772 undergraduate students at GSU were granted federal student loans, demonstrating the significant role these loans play in financing higher education. This number has remained relatively consistent over the past five years, indicating a stable demand for federal loan assistance among GSU undergraduates.
Percentage of Undergraduate Students Awarded Federal Student Loans
The percentage of undergraduate students awarded federal student loans provides insights into the reliance on this form of financial aid. GSU has maintained a relatively stable percentage, with 44% of undergraduates awarded federal student loans in 2021/2020. This percentage has shown a minor fluctuation but remains within a relatively narrow range.
Average Amount of Federal Student Loans Awarded to Undergraduate Students
The average amount of federal student loans awarded to undergraduate students reflects the level of financial support provided through this channel. GSU has demonstrated a commitment to consistent support, with average loan amounts ranging from $6,164 in 2020/2019 to $7,236 in 2017/2016. This stability ensures that students have access to predictable loan amounts.
Discussion
The data presented in the previous sections regarding student financial aid at Georgia State University holds significant practical implications for the institution and its stakeholders. The consistent increase in the number of undergraduate students awarded grant aid highlights GSU’s commitment to fostering accessibility to higher education. This pattern indicates that the University is actively working to alleviate the financial burdens faced by students, potentially attracting more individuals to pursue higher education. Furthermore, the stable average amount of grant aid over the five years reflects GSU’s ability to provide reliable financial support to its students. This predictability can be crucial for students and their families in planning for the cost of education.
Using Information for Informed Decisions
GSU can utilize this data to make informed decisions about its financial aid policies and strategies. For instance, the University can analyze the trends in the percentage of undergraduate students awarded grant aid to assess the effectiveness of its outreach and aid programs. If the percentage increases, it may indicate that GSU’s initiatives to promote financial aid opportunities are successful and may warrant further investment. Conversely, fluctuations or declines may prompt the institution to reevaluate its strategies and adjust to serve its student population better.
Biblical Worldview and Financial Stewardship
From a biblical perspective, the idea of managing one’s finances responsibly is firmly based on the teachings found in scripture. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV) offers guidance: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” This verse highlights the importance of using financial resources wisely and responsibly. In the context of higher education, GSU can align its financial aid policies and practices with this biblical principle. By diligently managing its budget and resources, the University can ensure that it provides meaningful support to its students, thereby honoring the Lord’s guidance on stewardship. Additionally, GSU can encourage students to approach their financial decisions with a similar stewardship mindset, promoting responsible financial practices that align with biblical teachings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this comprehensive report on Georgia State University thoroughly examines the institution’s historical evolution, institutional characteristics, enrollment trends, employee diversity and growth, financial analysis, endowment impact, capital investments, and student financial aid. The data presented shows Georgia State University’s commitment to academic excellence, adaptability to advancing trends, and commitment to giving accessible higher education. Strategic use of resources and the University’s financial steadiness, including its developing endowment, emphasize its role as a leading institution in higher education. This report highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making and its significant impact on the institution’s mission and success.
References
Appendix
Table 1: Total Enrollment
Chart 1: Total Enrollment Trends
Table 2: Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment Trends
Chart 2: Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment Trends
Table 3: Number of Undergraduate Students Awarded Grant Aid
Chart 3: Number of Undergraduate Students Awarded Grant Aid
Table 4: Percentage of Undergraduate Students Awarded Grant Aid
Chart 4: Percentage of Undergraduate Students Awarded Grant Aid
Table 5: Average Amount of Grant Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students
Chart 5: Average Amount of Grant Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students
Table 6: Number of Undergraduate Students Awarded Federal Student Loans
Chart 6: Number of Undergraduate Students Awarded Federal Student Loans
Table 7: Percentage of Undergraduate Students Awarded Federal Student Loans
Chart 7: Percentage of Undergraduate Students Awarded Federal Student Loans
Table 8: Average Amount of Federal Student Loans Awarded to Undergraduate Students (in dollars)
Chart 8: Average Amount of Federal Student Loans Awarded to Undergraduate Students
CriteriaRatingsPointsPowerPoint–Information47 to >42 ptsAdvancedPresentation displays allrelevant highlights from theBudget Spreadsheet andCase Study.42 to >38 ptsProficientPresentation displaysmost of the highlightsfrom the BudgetSpreadsheet and CaseStudy.38 to >0 ptsDevelopingPresentation displays aminimum of the highlightsfrom the BudgetSpreadsheet and CaseStudy.0 ptsNotPresent47 ptsPowerPoint–Organization23 to >20 ptsAdvancedPresentation is outlined ina logical, easy-to-followorder. All required sectionsare presented.20 to >18 ptsProficientPresentation reflects anoutline but some sectionsmay be out of order ormisnamed. Some to mostof the required sectionsare presented.18 to >0 ptsDevelopingPresentation may or maynot have a clear outline.0 ptsNotPresent23 ptsPowerPoint– GrammarandSpelling,Current APAFormatting15 to >13 ptsAdvancedSpelling and grammar arecorrect. Bulleted points arecomplete, clear, andconcise.Where applicable,references are cited incurrent APA format.13 to >12 ptsProficientSpelling and grammarhas some errors. Bulletedpoints are presented aswell. Where applicable,references are cited withsome current APAformatting.12 to >0 ptsDevelopingSpelling and grammarerrors distract. Bulletedpoints are incomplete orunclear. Where applicable,references are minimally ornot cited in current APAformat.0 ptsNotPresent15 ptsPowerPoint– SlideElementsand Design15 to >13 ptsAdvancedThe slides are visuallyappealing andprofessional. Numeroususe of graphics, images,color, and/or charts. ThePowerPoint contains10–20 slides, not includingthe title and referenceslides.13 to >12 ptsProficientMost slides are viewedwith ease. Moderate tolimited use of graphics,images, color, and/orcharts. The PowerPointcontains 8–10 slides, notincluding the title andreference slides.12 to >0 ptsDevelopingDifficult to view, too muchinformation on slides. Fewor no use of graphics,images, color, and/orcharts. The PowerPointcontains less than 8 slides,not including the title andreference slides.0 ptsNotPresent15 ptsTotal Points: 100Course Project: Part 3 – PowerPoint Grading Rubric |EDUC783_B02_202340
Course Project: Part 3 – PowerPoint Assignment Instructions
You must prepare a PowerPoint presentation consisting of 10–20 slides, excluding the title and reference slides. The slides must display highlights from the Budget Spreadsheet and Case Study, similar to a formal budget presentation to an institution’s senior administration or governing board. You have freedom to prepare your presentation in a layout and order you determine is most effective. However, the following items must be included:
Title slide
Institutional Characteristics (name, sector, affiliation)
Enrollment (undergrad/grad)
Employees
Revenues and Expenses
Endowment
Capital/Plant
Reference slide(s)
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