The nearby University of West Georgia has the lowest crime rate of any college in the state, according to the October 2026 Annual Security Report.
The Carrolton, GA university recorded just three incidents in 2025 while serving more than 16,000 students, resulting in a reported rate of 1.87 offenses per 10,000 students. That places UWG among the lowest in the University System of Georgia and below the major comprehensive and research universities examined, including the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Augusta University, Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State and Valdosta State.
UWG’s reported violent-crime rate compares favorably not only with other major Georgia universities but also with broader state and national benchmarks. At 1.87 reported offenses per 10,000 students, UWG’s rate was substantially lower than reported violent-crime rates for both Georgia (30.13) and the United States (32.93).
Among the major public universities examined, UWG recorded the lowest reported violent-crime rate, ahead of Valdosta State University, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University and Augusta University.
UWG’s 2026 Annual Security Report also recorded no robberies, motor vehicle thefts, arsons, hate crimes or hazing incidents during 2025.
“Safety is not measured by statistics alone,” said Dr. Ned Watson, chief of the UWG Police Department (UPD). “It is measured by preparedness, partnerships and the trust our community places in us every day. We are proud of these results, but our focus remains on continuously strengthening the services, training and resources that help keep our campus safe.”
“When students choose UWG, they are choosing a university where they can focus on learning, growing and building community,” added Dr. Michael Johnson, UWG’s president. “While any crime is one too many, these results reflect the collective efforts of our campus community and our shared commitment to creating an environment where students feel safe and supported. That commitment is foundational to everything we do.”
How Do Georgia Colleges Handle Campus Crime and Student Arrests?
Let’s start this blog with some words for those involved in the college-picking process. Safety is a paramount concern for caregivers, no matter how old their children are and no matter where they go. Therefore, campus safety is a factor to consider when choosing a college, like Georgia Tech, Emory, or Georgia State, or a smaller school like Kennesaw State, Morehouse, or Clark Atlantic University.
Safety statistics are important, but the law enforcement philosophy at that campus may be even more important.
Some campuses have reactive police forces. Officers respond to emergencies, but for the most part, they remain secluded in campus police stations. Typically, these campuses have high crime rates. Official campus tours almost always exclude safety measures. When visiting, inspect these facilities for yourself, and determine if the campus security officers are on patrol or eating doughnuts.
Other campuses, mostly ones with very low crime rates, essentially put students on lockdown. Generally, these active patrols partially focus on security, but mostly focus on petty crimes, like smoking marijuana, or revenue crimes, like parking violations. Most caregivers would like their children to steer clear of these campuses as well.
There’s a happy medium between these extremes. Students should feel safe at college, but they should have some freedom as well.
What Are the Most Common Crimes on Georgia College Campuses?
Large, sprawling campuses with thousands of students invite criminal activity. For a Marietta criminal defense lawyer, this activity often involves both criminal and non-criminal proceedings.
College Theft and Burglary Charges in Georgia
Theft may be the most frequently reported property crime on college campuses. Students often carry valuable belongings, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, headphones, bicycles, and wallets. These items may be stolen from classrooms, libraries, residence halls, gyms, and student lounges.
Many college students cannot afford to replace stolen items. So, a $50 pair of earbuds is a devastating and permanent loss.
As mentioned, most thefts occur when students leave their belongings unattended. Generally, these incidents are misdemeanors in criminal court. Other thefts involve unauthorized access to dorm rooms or shared spaces. That’s usually burglary, which is usually a felony.
A combination of shared housing and high foot traffic often creates security challenges, especially when doors are left unlocked or access credentials are shared. Moreover, students may also unknowingly allow unauthorized individuals to enter residence halls.
These incidents are hard on the victims and even harder on the defendants. When these cases go to court, prosecutors often rely heavily on surveillance video. Many large campuses have electronic eyes everywhere, and campus officials are very willing to share that video with prosecutors.
That willingness often short-circuits a common defense in these cases, which is obtaining security footage without a warrant. Owner consent is a search warrant exception.
Fortunately, a Marietta criminal defense lawyer can use other arguments. For example, authenticating footage can be an issue. Prosecutors must prove that the camera itself was in good working order, the operator was qualified, and the school always pulled non-functioning cameras out of service.
Campus Sexual Assault Allegations and Criminal Charges
Sexual assault is a serious safety concern that happens in campus housing, at parties, in social settings, or in other locations connected to college life. Quite simply, sexual assault is any sexual contact or activity that occurs without legally valid consent.
Alcohol or drug use, power imbalances, and coercion complicate campus safety situations. However, responsibility for sexual misconduct always rests with the person who commits it, not the victim. Legally, people under the influence, or on the short end of the stick in terms of power or coercion, cannot legally consent to sexual activity of any kind.
Like property crimes, criminal sexual assault can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Unlike property crimes, sexual assault matters often end up in civil court.
The burden of proof might be the biggest difference between civil and criminal court. The burden of proof is only a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) in civil court. So, a he-said/she-said case could hold up in civil court.
A Marietta criminal defense lawyer also advocates for defendants in civil court. Many alleged victims are willing to accept financial settlements in these cases and keep these matters out of court.
College Fights, Assault, and Battery Charges in Georgia
Substances, mostly alcohol, also affect physical assault and fighting incidents. Disagreements between students, disputes at parties, relationship conflicts, and confrontations involving alcohol often become violent.
Depending on the circumstances and local law, conduct may be classified as assault, battery, or another criminal offense. Such incidents can result in physical injuries, disciplinary proceedings, criminal charges, and long-term consequences for those involved.
Most local law enforcement agencies have mandatory assault arrest policies. If responding officers believe the alleged victim’s allegations, they must take the defendant to jail.
Being behind bars is a scary experience for anyone, and especially for a college student far from home. A Marietta criminal defense lawyer makes this experience less scary, by quickly providing jail release options and helping these defendants avoid bond forfeiture and re-arrest.
Drug Possession and Alcohol-Related Offenses on Georgia Campuses
Drug-related offenses may include unlawful possession, distribution, manufacture, or sale of controlled substances. Once again, the specific legal consequences depend on the substance, the conduct involved, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
College environments can present challenges related to substance use, particularly in residence halls, parties, and off-campus student housing. Alcohol-related violations may also occur, including underage possession or consumption where prohibited, driving under the influence, and disorderly conduct.
School discipline proceedings are especially common in these cases. Even if the student isn’t convicted of a crime, these disciplinary consequences range from the loss of privileges to suspension and expulsion. A Marietta criminal defense lawyer minimizes or eliminates these consequences.
Criminal offenses committed on college campuses often have devastating effects. For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Marietta, contact the Phillips Law Firm, LLC. We routinely handle matters in Cobb County and nearby jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Campus Crimes in Georgia
What Are the Most Common Crimes on Georgia College Campuses?
Common criminal offenses reported on Georgia college campuses include theft, burglary, assault, battery, sexual offenses, drug possession, and alcohol-related violations.
The types and frequency of reported crimes vary by university. Students may face criminal charges for incidents occurring in residence halls, classrooms, parking areas, campus events, or nearby off-campus locations.
Depending on the allegations, a student may also face disciplinary action from the university, even when criminal charges have not resulted in a conviction.
What Happens if a College Student Gets Arrested in Georgia?
When a college student is arrested in Georgia, the process generally begins with booking at a local jail or detention facility. Depending on the offense and circumstances, the student may be eligible for release on bond or may need to appear before a judge.
After release, the student may be required to attend court hearings, comply with bond conditions, and avoid additional legal violations.
A criminal case can also trigger a separate university disciplinary investigation. Students facing criminal charges in Cobb County, Bartow County, Paulding County, or Cherokee County should consider speaking with an experienced Georgia criminal defense attorney as early as possible.
Can a College Student Be Expelled for a Criminal Charge in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia colleges and universities may impose disciplinary consequences for certain conduct, even when the student has not been convicted of a crime.
Depending on the school’s policies and the circumstances, disciplinary action may include probation, suspension, removal from campus housing, or expulsion.
University disciplinary proceedings are generally separate from criminal court proceedings. This means a student could face consequences from the school even if criminal charges are dismissed or do not result in a conviction.
Students should review their university’s disciplinary procedures and seek legal guidance before making statements that could affect either proceeding.
Can Campus Police Arrest Students in Georgia?
Yes. Campus police officers at Georgia universities may have law enforcement authority that includes investigating crimes, making arrests, and enforcing applicable criminal laws within their jurisdiction.
Campus police may investigate allegations involving theft, assault, drug possession, DUI, and other criminal offenses.
Students retain constitutional protections when interacting with law enforcement, including protections against unreasonable searches and seizures and the right against compelled self-incrimination.
If campus police are investigating you for a criminal offense, consulting a criminal defense attorney before answering potentially incriminating questions may help protect your rights.
Can College Students Face Both Criminal Charges and University Discipline?
Yes. A single incident can result in two separate proceedings: a criminal case handled through the court system and a disciplinary case handled by the college or university.
For example, a student accused of assault at a campus party may face criminal charges while also being investigated for violating the university’s student code of conduct.
Criminal prosecutors generally must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. University disciplinary proceedings may apply different evidentiary standards and procedures, depending on the institution and the type of allegation.
Because statements made during a university investigation may have implications for a related criminal case, students should understand their rights before participating in either process.
Can a Criminal Conviction Affect a College Student's Future?
Yes. A criminal conviction can create consequences beyond fines, probation, or jail time.
Depending on the offense, a conviction may affect college enrollment, campus housing, internships, employment opportunities, professional licensing, and certain graduate school applications.
Some offenses may also carry restrictions involving firearm possession or other legal rights.
Not every criminal charge or conviction produces the same consequences. The outcome depends on the offense, the student’s circumstances, applicable laws, and university policies.
Criminal Defense for College Students in Cobb County and Northwest Georgia
A college student’s arrest can create problems that extend far beyond the courtroom. Depending on the charges, a student may face jail time, probation, university disciplinary action, suspension, or consequences affecting future employment and professional opportunities.
If you or your college-aged child is facing criminal charges in Cobb County, Bartow County, Paulding County, or Cherokee County, understanding the legal process and available defenses is essential.
College students may face charges involving theft, burglary, assault, battery, drug possession, DUI, or other alleged offenses. In some cases, a student may also face a separate disciplinary investigation conducted by the university.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the evidence, examine whether constitutional rights were violated, evaluate possible defenses, and help the accused understand the potential consequences of the charges.
Phillips Law Firm, LLC represents individuals facing criminal charges in Marietta, Cobb County, and surrounding Northwest Georgia communities.
If you or your college-aged child has been arrested or accused of a crime, contact Phillips Law Firm, LLC to schedule a free consultation. Convenient payment plans are available.
