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Georgian Court University

Accept Rate
70.52%
Grad Rate
54.5%
Enrollment
1,174
Avg SAT
1078
Tuition
$37,110
Median Salary
$53,096
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Georgian Court University offers a serene, almost storybook campus experience centered around its historic mansion and lush gardens, providing a peaceful refuge from the bustle of nearby New York City and Philadelphia. The atmosphere is intimate and nurturing, with a close-knit community where faculty and staff know students by name. It feels like a supportive sanctuary for creative and service-oriented minds.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

70.52%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1078

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 25

Admissions Tips

Highlight any volunteer work, service-learning, or caregiving experience in your application, as GCU values its mission of service and social justice. When submitting your application, ensure your personal essay reflects a clear connection to GCU's unique blend of arts and health-focused programs. Consider applying for the universityโ€™s honors program, which offers enhanced learning opportunities and can strengthen your financial aid package.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1078
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

GCU is distinguished by its strong programs in health professions, psychology, and the visual and performing arts, supported by a dedicated faculty committed to personalized attention. The university emphasizes experiential learning through clinical placements, internships, and creative projects, offering research opportunities tailored to undergraduate interests. Small class sizes ensure that teaching is interactive and mentoring is a core part of the academic experience.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
41.7%
Psychology
12.9%
Business & Marketing
9.5%
Public Administration
6.4%
Multidisciplinary Studies
5%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.2%
English & Literature
3.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.9%
Criminal Justice
3.1%
Biology & Biomedical
2.5%
History
2.5%
Communications
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

54.5%
Graduation Rate
76%
Retention Rate
1,174
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$37,110
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,218
After financial aid
Total Cost
$49,198
Cost of attendance/year
30.2%
Receive Pell Grants
44.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lakewood CDP

Student life at GCU is centered on campus, with a strong emphasis on community events, theater productions, and wellness activities. For off-campus fun, students often explore local eateries in Lakewood or take short trips to the Jersey Shore beaches. The campus's proximity to major highways also makes day trips to New York City or Philadelphia very accessible.

Local Rent Check

$1,743 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lakewood CDP
Explore Lakewood CDP

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$148,440
$0Est. 4 Years: $148,440

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($53,096):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe, with active campus security and well-lit pathways throughout the grounds. The surrounding Lakewood area is a quiet suburban community, though standard urban precautions are advised when traveling to nearby cities.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Beautiful, historic campus centered around a mansion and gardens offers a unique learning environment.
  • โœ“ Strong, focused programs in Health Professions, Psychology, and the Arts with personalized faculty attention.
  • โœ“ Generous financial aid reduces the net cost significantly for many students.
  • โœ“ Proximity to major Northeast cities provides internship and career opportunities without the high cost of city living.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below the national average, which may indicate challenges in student persistence.
  • โœ— Location in Lakewood is suburban and somewhat isolated; a car is often needed for substantial off-campus entertainment.
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment size means less variety in clubs and activities compared to larger universities.

Notable Alumni

Sister Mary Reilly
A prominent leader in education and service, embodying the university's mission of social justice.
Dawn M. Gifford
An accomplished professional in the field of nursing and healthcare education.
Jennifer L. Monahan
A notable figure in the arts community and advocate for arts education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Georgian Court University is known for its historic campus featuring a mansion and formal gardens listed as a National Historic Landmark. Academically, it is recognized for strong programs in Health Professions, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts, and its mission rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, emphasizing service and social justice.

No, Georgian Court University is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of approximately 70.52%, admission is moderately competitive. Applicants with a solid high school GPA and a completed application are typically given strong consideration.

Campus life at GCU is intimate and community-focused due to the small enrollment of roughly 1,174 students. Students enjoy a residential experience centered on the historic mansion and grounds, with a strong emphasis on arts, wellness, and service-oriented activities. While social life is primarily campus-based, its location offers easy access to the Jersey Shore and major metropolitan areas for weekend trips.

The value of a degree from GCU depends on the specific program and financial aid received. With an average net price of $20,218 and median earnings of $53,096 after ten years, the ROI is solid for high-demand fields like nursing and allied health. However, students should weigh this against the lower graduation rate and compare it with more affordable public university options in New Jersey.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Jersey Shore University Medical Center Community Medical Center Ocean Medical Center Meridian Health Local School Districts and Non-Profits
Smart Start Score
57

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,733
  • In-State Tuition $37,110
  • Zip Code 08701

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 27.9% โ™€ 72.2%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $20,218โ€”significantly lower than the sticker tuition of $37,110โ€”the financial burden is often reduced by institutional aid and grants. The 10-year median earnings of $53,096 suggest a reasonable return on investment, particularly for graduates entering high-demand fields like healthcare. However, prospective students should carefully compare this net price against public state school options to ensure the best financial fit.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $37,110
Housing (12 mo) $20,916
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $65,226
With avg financial aid:
$20,218/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.