Georgia State University is part of The University System of Georgia, which began operation in 1932, and is among the oldest unified statewide systems of public higher education in the United States and includes all state-operated universities, four-year colleges and two-year colleges in Georgia.

Georgia State University is the Southeast's leading urban research institution. It is on the list of the top 100 public universities for doctoral degrees awarded. More than 250 fields of study are offered through some 55 accredited degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral levels, through six colleges. Students may enroll in day or evening classes and in part-time or full-time study.

More than 40,000 students are seeking degrees at Georgia State, and more than 28,000 of them are on campus each semester. Students come to the campus from every county in Georgia, every state in the nation and 160 countries.

Georgia State has the largest campus police department of any school in Georgia with more than 100 employees who secure student safety 365 days a year. The force is the only nationally and state certified police force among the universities in Georgia. The school uses video surveillance, call stations, and escort systems to ensure student safety comes first.

Georgia State University is home to twenty-three fraternities and sororities: four of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (IFC), five of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), eight of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and six of the National Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). Greek life is continually growing at Georgia State and expects a dramatic increase in membership with the future opening of on-campus Greek housing.

Georgia State University's College of Education offers four online programs through the GOML system.