Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University System of Georgia (USG) had a record year for degree awards — awarding an all-time high of 72,929 degrees in fiscal year 2021, which ended June 30.
During the year, USG awarded 2,050 more degrees than the previous year — reflecting a three percent annual increase over fiscal year 2020. This number set a record for the most degrees awarded in the system’s 90-year history.
“This is a direct reflection on the resiliency and commitment of our students, as well as our faculty and staff,” Sachin Shailendra, Chairman of the Board of Regents told IAG. “Our mission at USG is to ensure that our students succeed and are prepared for the future. It’s exciting to know that we were able to carry out that mission — and more — during a very challenging time.”
The number of degrees awarded annually has increased every year since USG joined the Complete College America program in 2011 and refocused system efforts on raising education attainment in Georgia.
“Students continue to show incredible fortitude despite the challenges of the pandemic, and I am incredibly grateful for their hard work and the support given to them by USG’s 26 public colleges and universities,” said Teresa MacCartney, Acting Chancellor
As a result, since 2011 the number of degrees awarded annually has increased nearly 33 percent. Over that same time period, USG enrollment has grown by 7.4 percent — meaning the rate of awarding degrees continues to far outstrip the growth of USG’s enrollment.
USG in 2018 also received permission from accreditors to create the first-of-its-kind Nexus degree, a targeted degree of 18 hours for students at any stage of their career if they have passed core courses. The Nexus degree allows institutions to work with industry and focus on high-demand careers including cybersecurity, financial technology and film production – all areas that play an important role in Georgia’s economy. Ten Nexus degrees have been approved at six institutions so far, and the first Nexus graduates received their degrees in Fall 2020.
Other initiatives contributing to the success are USG’s Momentum Year program, which zeroes in on the first-year college experience; programs alerting advisors to lagging student performance and providing “degree roadmaps” to help students avoid spending time and money in courses that do not count toward their degree.
