Academics
Student Achievement Goals and Outcomes
Student Achievement Goals and Outcomes
South Georgia State College (SGSC) identifies, evaluates, and publishes goals and outcomes for student achievement that align with its institutional mission, student population, and academic programs. The institution offers Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees designed for transfer into baccalaureate programs. Specialized Focus Areas within these pathways support the University System of Georgia’s Complete College Georgia and Momentum initiatives, providing undecided students with structured core courses to guide their academic direction.The Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) program prepares graduates for direct entry into the workforce as Registered Nurses. Additionally, SGSC offers five bachelor's degrees – BS Nursing (RN to BSN), BS Biological Sciences, BS Elementary/Special Education, BS Management, and BS Mechanical Engineering Technology – addressing specific economic and employment needs in south-central Georgia.
SGSC employs multiple measures to evaluate and document student success, which aligns with its 2029 Strategic Plan. Goals 1 and 2 of the plan focus on "Enhancing Academic Programs & Student Success" and "Strengthening Student Engagement." Key strategic objectives include diversifying course offerings and modalities (1.2), establishing articulation agreements for transfer pathways (1.3), and enhancing academic support through Writing and STEM Centers (2.1). Program-specific success metrics include NCLEX-RN licensure pass rates for Nursing students and Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) pass rates for teacher education students. These outcomes reflect SGSC’s dedication to academic excellence and comprehensive student support as outlined in the strategic plan.
Student Success Performance Indicators
In alignment with SGSC’s role as a USG state access college, its mission and strategic plan, and student demographics, the following student achievement metrics have been identified:
- One-year retention rates for First-Time, Full-Time (FTFT) Associate degree-seeking freshmen
- Three-year graduation rates for FTFT Associate degree-seeking freshmen
- Number of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees conferred
- Transfer Admissibility and First-Term Grade Point Average at Receiving USG Institutions
- Pass Rates on National Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN)
- Scores on Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE)
Student Achievement Metrics
SGSC measures student success through key performance indicators aligned with its mission and current strategic plan, concluding in 2029. These metrics reflect SGSC’s commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and institutional effectiveness. By tracking retention, graduation, transfer rates, licensure exams, and degree completion, SGSC supports students in achieving academic and career success.
| Metric | 2024 Baseline | 2029 Target |
|---|---|---|
| One-Year Retention Rate (FTFT Associate Degree Freshmen) | 54% | 56% |
| Three-Year Graduation Rate (FTFT Associate Degree Freshmen) | 23% | 26% |
| Number of Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees Conferred | 352 | 375 |
| Number of Students Transferring to USG Institutions | 215 | 287 |
| Average First-Term GPA of Students Transferring to USG Institutions | 3.19 | ≥ 3.20 |
| Pass Rates on National Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) | 92% | 96% (Goal: 100%) |
| Scores on Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) | 94% | 98% (Goal: 100%) |
Commitment to Transparency and Continuous Improvement
The metrics are reviewed and updated annually to reflect institutional performance and student outcomes. The College remains committed to improving retention, graduation, and transfer success while maintaining professional accreditation and state governance standards for its Nursing and Education programs.