50 Years Strong: UWG College of Education Ranked Among Largest in NationShare this page
In classrooms across Georgia, you’ll find award-winning teachers, school administrators and aspiring educators whose journey began at the University of West Georgia.
As UWG’s College of Education (COE) celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s also marking another major milestone: being named one of the largest colleges of education in the United States. With strong undergraduate enrollment, record-setting graduate enrollment and a groundbreaking partnership helping Georgia educators earn graduate degrees without student loan debt, the college is shaping the future of Georgia education.
With a 44% overall enrollment growth since Fall 2022 and 98% graduate growth, U.S. News & World Report recently ranked COE as the seventh largest college of education overall and the third largest public college in the nation by graduate enrollment, following institutions such as Columbia University and Arizona State University. In Fall 2025, the COE’s enrollment is projected to meet – if not surpass – 6,000 students.
“COE is extremely proud to be the alma mater of many of Georgia’s most outstanding educators,” said Dr. Mike Dishman, professor and dean. “We have multiple alumni who are state and even national award-winners in their fields of practice. In the last 14 years, approximately half of Georgia’s Superintendents of the Year have been COE alumni.”
UWG COE is the institution of choice for Georgia educators. Georgia educators can pursue graduate degrees and certification at approximately 44 in-state and hundreds of national institutions. Despite numerous other choices, in 2024, approximately 20% of all Georgia educators pursuing a graduate degree or certification choose UWG.
In addition to a steadfast commitment to education from COE faculty and staff, Dishman said part of the enrollment increase leading to the ranking was Georgia’s BEST, a groundbreaking partnership initially formed with the Cobb County School District that has now expanded to include Coweta and Gwinnett Counties. Georgia’s BEST is an ambitious program that allows educators from selected county school districts to have the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree at no tuition cost.
“The fact that we are one of the largest colleges of education in the country is impressive,” Dishman explained. “The fact that over 1,000 Georgia educators are attending with no student loan debt is groundbreaking. It also allows us to become closer with our P-12 partners to greatly increase the relevance our curriculum and connection to Georgia’s schools and students.”
What this means, ultimately, is that a Georgia’s BEST teacher who earns a free advanced degree can start investing their increased income right away, without the burden of student loan debt. Over time, that financial head start grows, and by retirement, the difference in investment earnings could total more than $640,000 compared to their peers who had to repay loans.
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COE’s national ranking is a direct result of the collaborative efforts of its entire community. Together, this shared commitment to excellence and opportunity has created an environment attracting and empowering Georgia’s professional educator workforce.
“It’s certainly a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and students who continue to uphold the highest standards in teaching and learning,” Dishman avowed. “We’re also deeply grateful for the support COE has received from Dr. [Ashwani] Monga, interim president, and Dr. Jon Preston, provost.”
“We are honored to see our College of Education recognized among the Top 10 in the nation by enrollment,” Preston stated. “This distinction reflects our deep commitment to preparing exceptional educators and leaders who make a meaningful impact in classrooms and communities across the country. The COE programs meet immediate needs with our partners and provide world-class courses and academic programs to our students. UWG’s faculty and leaders are exceptional, and the growth the COE has realized is a result of students seeking the best when they Go West!”
To learn more about UWG’s College of Education and its programs, visit the website.
photography by Julia Mothersole