University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in Georgia.
Georgia colleges and universities are some of the oldest in the nation. The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is the oldest state-supported university in the United States. Its original Athens campus graduated its first class in 1804. Today the University is home to nearly 20 schools and colleges ranging from fine arts to veterinary medicine.
The University system has sprouted campuses statewide and its private colleges and universities are among some of the best in the nation. Atlanta is home to many post-secondary institutions, including prominent, historically black colleges such as Morehouse and Spellman. In the contemporary era, Georgia students can receive top-notch educations in the arts, sciences, vocations, and humanities without ever leaving the state.
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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Georgia?
Georgia's colleges and universities offer the most popular bachelor's degrees. Hard-working students who pursue an education in these top fields will find that their hard work pays off when it comes time to land their first big job. Students will find top-notch educations throughout the Georgia state university system and then find the exact graduate degrees to propel their successful careers into the next phase.
Not only does Georgia offer some of the best bachelor's degrees, but you can always get a head start at one of the many community colleges, some of which offer credits that apply directly to the larger University of Georgia system, but at a reduced cost.
The top degrees in Georgia include:
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Georgia
Georgia's career trends tend to track with much of the nation. When you look at the state's occupational outlooks, you'll find that healthcare-related careers dominate the field. There is massive growth for physicians’ assistants, therapy assistants, and respiratory therapists, among other fields. You'll also find surprises, such as phenomenal growth in film industry occupations. The state is now home to many film and television studios, perhaps turning Atlanta into a new Hollywood.
Top Accounting Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Forensic Accountant | 36,860 | $69,300 |
Financial Adviser | 4,950 | $59,700 |
Risk Management | 18,280 | $87,500 |
Tax Accountant | 36,860 | $57,400 |
Bookkeeper | 36,960 | $43,500 |
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Forensic Accountant: You might not often think of accountants in the same light as detectives or investigators, but they are an important part of rooting out crime. When organized crime attempts to launder funds, or bad-faith business-people look to evade taxes, forensic accountants are there to audit the accounts and discover the malfeasance.
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Financial Advisor: Organizations and wealthy individuals all want to discover how to maintain and build their wealth. As a financial adviser, you will help them invest their money in the most effective ways.
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Risk Management: As a risk manager, you will look at your firm's exposure to risk from every angle, including operational, legal, and technological.
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Accountant: If you have your CPA license, you will be able to sign off on quarterly and annual tax filings for your clients. You will also help them discover deductions and clever ways to manage assets and debts so as to minimize their tax exposure.
Bookkeeper: Not every business can afford, nor do they need, a full-time CPA. However, every business does need someone to tally the day's receipts, log expenses, and generally keep the business' books in order. That's the job of the bookkeeping staff, who will then turn over their spreadsheets to the CPAs come tax or audit time.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
Career Name | Number of Jobs | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Marketing | 9,220 | $65,900 |
Financial Analysts | 14,150 | $61,400 |
Accounting | 36,860 | $51,600 |
Management | 10,100 | $87,700 |
Logistician | 7,780 | $58,500 |
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Marketing Professional: As a marketing professional, your job is to discover who needs what you’re selling, how much they can pay, and how to best reach them with your message.
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Financial Analyst: As a financial analyst, you might work for an independent firm and assess their expenses, revenues, and outstanding liabilities in order to streamline operations and maximize profits. You might also work in investment banking, performing tasks such as reviewing comparable companies as potential acquisition targets for your client.
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Accounting Professional: You might focus on tax accounting, spending your time looking for deductions and signing off on documents. Keep in mind that you can also work in Information Technology or even law enforcement, while many pursue a Georgia CPA license.
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Business Management Professional: Many Georgia managers spend most of their time working with employees. Your management of payroll, inventories, sales generation, and overall business growth will be markers of excellence as you rise into upper management.
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Logistician: Georgia is a huge shipping hub, as Hartsfield International Airport is one of the busiest in the world and there are many top shipping firms located in Atlanta. As a logistician, your job will be to determine the best routes and means of transportation for packages throughout the nation, and world. Sometimes this field is called Supply Chain Management, so be aware of this when selecting courses.
- Operations Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
Top Engineering Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Civil Engineer | 7,380 | $67,100 |
Systems Engineer | 1,710 | $80,500 |
CAD Technician | 2,090 | $47,500 |
Industrial Engineer | 7,380 | $68,300 |
Electrical Engineer | 4,180 | $76,400 |
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Civil Engineer: Bridges, roadways, waterways, and more are the purview of the civil engineer. Your job is to make sure that the fundamental infrastructure of society is strong and long-lasting.
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Systems Engineer: All engineers work with systems to a certain degree, but Systems Engineers work with computer hardware and software. Where others specialize, you will have full knowledge of how software interacts with software.
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CAD Technician: Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software is vital to all engineers and architects, and CAD Technicians do the heavy lifting to create plans and schematics. Your job will be to realize an engineer's vision in a graphic format that can be read and used on a construction site.
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Industrial Engineer: As an Industrial Engineer, your career will be built on creating small processes and whole systems that are highly efficient and that maximize the use of energy as well as a firm's bottom line.
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Electrical Engineer: When you complete your bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, you will be prepared to work with all sorts of electrical systems. That could mean designing circuits for huge skyscrapers, developing cutting-edge solar or wind energy systems, or rolling out improvements to the cellphone grid.
Top Healthcare Administration Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Hospital Administrator | 394,910 | $87,600 |
Medical Equipment Sales Representative | 8,710 | $59,500 |
Healthcare Informatics | 9,350 | $68,400 |
Healthcare Finance | 18,280 | $53,600 |
Insurance Underwriter | 6,730 | $57,300 |
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Healthcare Administrator: This career is reminiscent of other managerial positions, but you’ll need extensive knowledge of medicine, including technology, pharmaceuticals, and medical practices.
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Medical Equipment Sales Representative: If you take a sales representative and give them a Georgia bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, they can sell things like prosthetics, MRI equipment, and other tools of the medical trade.
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Healthcare Informatics: With a degree in Healthcare Informatics, you can help administrators and clinicians parse the data they need to arrive at sound decisions and thus deliver the best care to patients.
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Healthcare Finance: Every large organization needs financial professionals and healthcare systems are no different. You’ll assess the assets and liabilities that comprise your employer's financial situation, be involved with structuring loans, or help the organization move through a merger.
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Insurance Underwriter: If you have special training in Healthcare, you can work with the professional liabilities of doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists or write policies for whole hospitals.
Top Health Sciences Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Occupational Therapist | 3,070 | $66,600 |
Physical Therapist | 5,430 | $71,500 |
Medical Assistant | 27,180 | $34,300 |
Radiology Technician | 5,870 | $48,100 |
Pharmacy Technician | 11,360 | $35,600 |
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Occupational Therapist: You will need a master's degree to attain full licensure, but you can work as an assistant with a bachelor's from a Georgia college. This is a highly diverse field with myriad opportunities, workplace environments, and salaries.
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Physical Therapist: These rehabilitation specialists frequently work in hospitals with patients recovering from injuries or disease. You might work with injuries as simple as tennis elbow or profound paralysis. Your job, once you attain a doctoral-level degree, will be to help them regain mobility.
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Medical Assistant: If you are entering the healthcare industry but don't yet know whether you want to work with administration or in a clinical role, this profession is for you. You will likely split time between office duties and assisting the doctors and nurses in your workplace.
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Radiology Technician: This career involves operating medical imaging equipment such as an MRI machine or even taking X-rays to help doctors examine and diagnose patients. Your education will train you to not only operate this machinery, but to ensure that it's properly calibrated and even to read the results.
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Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy Technicians give information on dosage, frequency of intake, and other pointers regarding prescriptions. You can do this job with a certificate, but you will be better served by a bachelor's degree.
The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Georgia:
Occupation | Growth Rate |
---|---|
Film and Video Editors | 43.2% |
Physician Assistants | 42.8% |
Statisticians | 38.9% |
Set and Exhibit Designers | 38.7% |
Nurse Practitioners | 38.4% |
Occupational Therapy Assistants | 38.8% |
Physical Therapy Assistants | 35.3% |
Camera Operators for Film/TV | 33% |
Actors | 31.2% |
Producer/Director | 30.7% |
Respiratory Therapists | 30.5% |
Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Georgia
Emory University-Oxford College
Score: 84.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,774
- Out-of-State: $60,774
- Net Price: $32,842
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 1,048
- Undergrad Students: 1,048
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $57,400
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Score: 61.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,201
- Out-of-State: $5,601
- Net Price: $6,097
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 1,819
- Undergrad Students: 1,819
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,200
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Score: 61.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,195
- Out-of-State: $10,101
- Net Price: $7,260
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 3,647
- Undergrad Students: 3,647
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $41,700
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Southern Crescent Technical College
Score: 60.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,126
- Out-of-State: $5,526
- Net Price: $4,354
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 5,018
- Undergrad Students: 5,018
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,600
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
South Georgia Technical College
Score: 59.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,782
- Out-of-State: $6,782
- Net Price: $3,549
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 1,799
- Undergrad Students: 1,799
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,400
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Central Georgia Technical College
Score: 57.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,180
- Out-of-State: $5,580
- Net Price: $3,023
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 9,683
- Undergrad Students: 9,683
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,400
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Southeastern Technical College
Score: 57.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,172
- Out-of-State: $5,572
- Net Price: $5,541
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 1,757
- Undergrad Students: 1,757
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Score: 57.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,132
- Out-of-State: $5,532
- Net Price: $3,421
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 6,141
- Undergrad Students: 6,141
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,100
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Score: 56.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,212
- Out-of-State: $5,612
- Net Price: $4,914
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 4,003
- Undergrad Students: 4,003
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,600
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Savannah Technical College
Score: 55.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,072
- Out-of-State: $5,472
- Net Price: $7,399
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 3,642
- Undergrad Students: 3,642
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,700
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Coastal Pines Technical College
Score: 55.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,040
- Out-of-State: $5,440
- Net Price: $4,335
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 43%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 3,747
- Undergrad Students: 3,747
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,100
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Athens Technical College
Score: 55.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,172
- Out-of-State: $5,572
- Net Price: $8,405
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 3,865
- Undergrad Students: 3,865
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,400
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Albany Technical College
Score: 54.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,196
- Out-of-State: $5,596
- Net Price: $5,159
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,577
- Undergrad Students: 2,577
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,800
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Chattahoochee Technical College
Score: 54.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,252
- Out-of-State: $5,652
- Net Price: $5,586
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 9,017
- Undergrad Students: 9,017
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,800
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Southern Regional Technical College
Score: 53.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,122
- Out-of-State: $5,522
- Net Price: $315
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 4,657
- Undergrad Students: 4,657
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,700
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Score: 53.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,188
- Out-of-State: $5,588
- Net Price: $10,584
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 2,874
- Undergrad Students: 2,874
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,500
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
North Georgia Technical College
Score: 52.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,162
- Out-of-State: $5,562
- Net Price: $5,272
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 2,449
- Undergrad Students: 2,449
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
West Georgia Technical College
Score: 52.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,122
- Out-of-State: $5,522
- Net Price: $2,497
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 6,140
- Undergrad Students: 6,140
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,900
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Lanier Technical College
Score: 52.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,716
- Out-of-State: $6,716
- Net Price: $7,408
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 5,599
- Undergrad Students: 5,599
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Ogeechee Technical College
Score: 51.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,170
- Out-of-State: $5,570
- Net Price: $7,430
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,045
- Undergrad Students: 2,045
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,400
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Gwinnett Technical College
Score: 51.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,356
- Out-of-State: $5,756
- Net Price: $13,773
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 8,450
- Undergrad Students: 8,450
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,800
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Augusta Technical College
Score: 50.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,022
- Out-of-State: $7,022
- Net Price: $10,258
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 3,970
- Undergrad Students: 3,970
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,700
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Georgia State University-Perimeter College
Score: 49.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,960
- Out-of-State: $9,312
- Net Price: $9,022
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Total Enrollment: 15,456
- Undergrad Students: 15,456
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,800
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Georgia Highlands College
Score: 49.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,944
- Out-of-State: $9,296
- Net Price: $6,055
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
- Total Enrollment: 4,768
- Undergrad Students: 4,768
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,500
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Gwinnett College-Lilburn
Score: 48.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,850
- Out-of-State: $10,850
- Net Price: $25,547
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 130
- Undergrad Students: 130
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Score: 87.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,764
- Out-of-State: $32,876
- Net Price: $17,402
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 45,296
- Undergrad Students: 18,415
- Graduate Students: 26,881
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Emory University
Score: 80.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,774
- Out-of-State: $60,774
- Net Price: $26,680
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 14,841
- Undergrad Students: 7,101
- Graduate Students: 7,740
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Georgia
Score: 76.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,180
- Out-of-State: $30,220
- Net Price: $17,180
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 40,607
- Undergrad Students: 30,714
- Graduate Students: 9,893
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Mercer University
Score: 70.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,890
- Out-of-State: $40,890
- Net Price: $22,087
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 8,889
- Undergrad Students: 4,859
- Graduate Students: 4,030
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Spelman College
Score: 69.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,058
- Out-of-State: $30,058
- Net Price: $37,085
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 3,102
- Undergrad Students: 3,102
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Morehouse College
Score: 65.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,725
- Out-of-State: $31,725
- Net Price: $35,251
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 2,567
- Undergrad Students: 2,567
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Agnes Scott College
Score: 65.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,150
- Out-of-State: $48,150
- Net Price: $24,305
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
- Total Enrollment: 1,114
- Undergrad Students: 1,006
- Graduate Students: 108
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Covenant College
Score: 63.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,464
- Out-of-State: $40,464
- Net Price: $25,028
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 886
- Undergrad Students: 847
- Graduate Students: 39
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Georgia State University
Score: 63.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,478
- Out-of-State: $23,709
- Net Price: $17,589
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 36,516
- Undergrad Students: 28,924
- Graduate Students: 7,592
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Berry College
Score: 63.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,416
- Out-of-State: $40,416
- Net Price: $25,359
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 2,360
- Undergrad Students: 2,243
- Graduate Students: 117
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Thomas University
Score: 62.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,640
- Out-of-State: $11,640
- Net Price: $16,308
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 1,531
- Undergrad Students: 793
- Graduate Students: 738
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
LaGrange College
Score: 62.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,540
- Out-of-State: $34,540
- Net Price: $21,557
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 679
- Undergrad Students: 607
- Graduate Students: 72
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Wesleyan College
Score: 62.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,650
- Out-of-State: $27,650
- Net Price: $13,900
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 660
- Undergrad Students: 614
- Graduate Students: 46
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
DeVry University-Georgia
Score: 61.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,488
- Out-of-State: $17,488
- Net Price: $30,175
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 10%
- Total Enrollment: 532
- Undergrad Students: 509
- Graduate Students: 23
- Grads Salary: $112,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Georgia College & State University
Score: 61.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,998
- Out-of-State: $28,178
- Net Price: $20,301
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 6,315
- Undergrad Students: 5,265
- Graduate Students: 1,050
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Kennesaw State University
Score: 59.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,786
- Out-of-State: $17,040
- Net Price: $18,079
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 43,190
- Undergrad Students: 38,927
- Graduate Students: 4,263
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Georgia Southern University
Score: 59.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,905
- Out-of-State: $16,959
- Net Price: $15,352
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 25,481
- Undergrad Students: 21,979
- Graduate Students: 3,502
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Clayton State University
Score: 59.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,068
- Out-of-State: $15,790
- Net Price: $9,792
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 5,847
- Undergrad Students: 5,283
- Graduate Students: 564
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Columbus State University
Score: 59.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,751
- Out-of-State: $16,805
- Net Price: $12,902
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 7,479
- Undergrad Students: 6,003
- Graduate Students: 1,476
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Piedmont University
Score: 59.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,680
- Out-of-State: $30,680
- Net Price: $18,792
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 1,843
- Undergrad Students: 1,245
- Graduate Students: 598
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of West Georgia
Score: 58.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,971
- Out-of-State: $17,024
- Net Price: $15,625
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 11,893
- Undergrad Students: 8,666
- Graduate Students: 3,227
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Truett McConnell University
Score: 58.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,568
- Out-of-State: $25,568
- Net Price: $18,835
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 2,796
- Undergrad Students: 2,683
- Graduate Students: 113
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Clark Atlanta University
Score: 57.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,446
- Out-of-State: $26,446
- Net Price: $30,015
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 4,000
- Undergrad Students: 3,427
- Graduate Students: 573
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Georgia Southwestern State University
Score: 57.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,980
- Out-of-State: $15,702
- Net Price: $12,186
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 3,070
- Undergrad Students: 2,473
- Graduate Students: 597
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Valdosta State University
Score: 56.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,007
- Out-of-State: $17,062
- Net Price: $12,836
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 10,209
- Undergrad Students: 7,573
- Graduate Students: 2,636
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Score: 88.47
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,064
- Out-of-State: $29,140
- Net Price: $17,402
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 45,296
- Undergrad Students: 18,415
- Graduate Students: 26,881
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Emory University
Score: 81.38
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $46,800
- Out-of-State: $46,800
- Net Price: $26,680
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 14,841
- Undergrad Students: 7,101
- Graduate Students: 7,740
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Georgia
Score: 77.78
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,878
- Out-of-State: $25,186
- Net Price: $17,180
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 40,607
- Undergrad Students: 30,714
- Graduate Students: 9,893
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Mercer University
Score: 71.38
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,565
- Out-of-State: $17,565
- Net Price: $22,087
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 8,889
- Undergrad Students: 4,859
- Graduate Students: 4,030
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Agnes Scott College
Score: 66.3
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,000
- Out-of-State: $18,000
- Net Price: $24,305
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
- Total Enrollment: 1,114
- Undergrad Students: 1,006
- Graduate Students: 108
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Georgia State University
Score: 64.47
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,164
- Out-of-State: $22,662
- Net Price: $17,589
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 36,516
- Undergrad Students: 28,924
- Graduate Students: 7,592
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Covenant College
Score: 64.25
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,000
- Out-of-State: $15,000
- Net Price: $25,028
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 886
- Undergrad Students: 847
- Graduate Students: 39
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Berry College
Score: 64.03
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,960
- Out-of-State: $12,960
- Net Price: $25,359
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 2,360
- Undergrad Students: 2,243
- Graduate Students: 117
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Thomas University
Score: 63.9
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,050
- Out-of-State: $13,050
- Net Price: $16,308
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 1,531
- Undergrad Students: 793
- Graduate Students: 738
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Wesleyan College
Score: 63.68
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,573
- Out-of-State: $11,573
- Net Price: $13,900
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 660
- Undergrad Students: 614
- Graduate Students: 46
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
LaGrange College
Score: 63.44
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,699
- Out-of-State: $21,699
- Net Price: $21,557
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 679
- Undergrad Students: 607
- Graduate Students: 72
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
DeVry University-Georgia
Score: 62.5
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,072
- Out-of-State: $17,072
- Net Price: $30,175
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 10%
- Total Enrollment: 532
- Undergrad Students: 509
- Graduate Students: 23
- Grads Salary: $112,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Georgia College & State University
Score: 62.36
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,292
- Out-of-State: $18,846
- Net Price: $20,301
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 6,315
- Undergrad Students: 5,265
- Graduate Students: 1,050
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Clayton State University
Score: 61.17
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,130
- Out-of-State: $11,621
- Net Price: $9,792
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 5,847
- Undergrad Students: 5,283
- Graduate Students: 564
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Georgia Southern University
Score: 61.07
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,986
- Out-of-State: $19,890
- Net Price: $15,352
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 25,481
- Undergrad Students: 21,979
- Graduate Students: 3,502
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Kennesaw State University
Score: 60.99
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,328
- Out-of-State: $19,188
- Net Price: $18,079
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 43,190
- Undergrad Students: 38,927
- Graduate Students: 4,263
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Columbus State University
Score: 60.52
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,300
- Out-of-State: $11,394
- Net Price: $12,902
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 7,479
- Undergrad Students: 6,003
- Graduate Students: 1,476
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Piedmont University
Score: 60.17
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,700
- Out-of-State: $11,700
- Net Price: $18,792
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 1,843
- Undergrad Students: 1,245
- Graduate Students: 598
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of West Georgia
Score: 59.38
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,338
- Out-of-State: $16,830
- Net Price: $15,625
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 11,893
- Undergrad Students: 8,666
- Graduate Students: 3,227
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Truett McConnell University
Score: 59.12
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,856
- Out-of-State: $8,856
- Net Price: $18,835
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 2,796
- Undergrad Students: 2,683
- Graduate Students: 113
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Georgia Southwestern State University
Score: 58.55
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,492
- Out-of-State: $13,806
- Net Price: $12,186
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 3,070
- Undergrad Students: 2,473
- Graduate Students: 597
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Valdosta State University
Score: 58
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,572
- Out-of-State: $16,470
- Net Price: $12,836
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 10,209
- Undergrad Students: 7,573
- Graduate Students: 2,636
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Clark Atlanta University
Score: 57.92
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,020
- Out-of-State: $19,020
- Net Price: $30,015
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 4,000
- Undergrad Students: 3,427
- Graduate Students: 573
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Shorter University
Score: 57.82
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,800
- Out-of-State: $16,800
- Net Price: $13,490
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 1,515
- Undergrad Students: 1,373
- Graduate Students: 142
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Fort Valley State University
Score: 57.51
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,344
- Out-of-State: $16,128
- Net Price: $13,016
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 2,605
- Undergrad Students: 2,360
- Graduate Students: 245
- Grads Salary: $52,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Cost of Georgia College Education & Salaries
As you approach a Georgia bachelor's degree, you are probably considering the cost of education. You might think about how the cost of your schooling weighs against your future salary, financial well-being, and job satisfaction. First, it's important to assess the actual cost of your education and how to mitigate those costs.
One way to cut costs on education is to take core courses at a community college. In Georgia's public university system, you can take some courses at campuses outside of Athens that will transfer directly to your final, degree-granting institution. The same applies to North Georgia Military Academy and Georgia State University in Atlanta. The courses are sure to be of the same quality as any you'll find, and they'll cost less.
You should also consider in-state schools rather than traveling to study. Out-of-state tuition can easily cost twice that of an in-state education. Given the overall quality of the Georgia university system, you can find a great value by staying close to home. Further, even if you desire a highly-ranked school such as University of North Carolina, your resulting career won't be quite enough to justify the 100% increase in loan debt.
Once you have passed your courses and are headed to graduation, you'll see that your job prospects are looking good. The labor market these days is favoring job seekers, and if you have a bachelor's degree, you'll be a few steps ahead of those with associate's degrees or less.
When you enter the job market, you might consider applying to non-profit or governmental jobs. These jobs typically pay a little less than their equivalent positions in the private sector, but federal student loan forgiveness programs could make up for the seeming shortfall. That is, your peers might boast bigger paychecks, but then a significant portion of their checks will go to loan payments, including interest. Plus, government jobs frequently have healthy benefits packages that also offset lower salaries.
College Cost Analysis - Georgia vs National
Average Georgia Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
In-State Tuition - $7,319
National Average – $9,580
Out-of-State Tuition – $22,751
National Average – $27,437
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
Georgia is slightly above the national average for students who've received financial aid. However, the state is just under the dollar amount of aid received per student. If you need financial aid, you certainly should submit a FAFSA form to see if you qualify for a student loan or grant. You should also look for outside sources for scholarships or private grants that don't need to be repaid.
No matter how much money you need to help subsidize your Georgia bachelor's degree, the degree will make it all worthwhile. Many graduates find that if they work extra hard and make little sacrifices in time or lifestyle, that they are able to pay off their loans in a timely fashion and avoid accruing interest payments.
Financial Aid | Received Federal Grants | Average $ per Recipient |
---|---|---|
Georgia | 41% | $10,364 |
Nationally | 37.7% | $10,927 |
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
Scholarships for Georgia Students
Georgia's colleges and universities offer top quality education at affordable rates. However, if you plan to work straight through and graduate in four years, you might consider a grant or scholarship to help defray some of the cost. Though many scholarships only cover a fraction of your supplies for a term, you can still put the award on your resume. Plus, it's always great to save even a little money.
HOPE
HOPE Scholarship
Amount: 82% of tuition for 15 hours
Deadline: July 17, November 17
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/hope-scholarship/
To qualify for the HOPE scholarship, you must graduate from high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA and then maintain that level of academic excellence each term in your post-secondary career. You may continue to receive the HOPE scholarship for up to seven years or up to 127 semester hours.
HOPE
HOPE Grant
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Last day of school term
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-grants/hope-grant/
The HOPE grant is available for up to 63 semester hours of post-secondary education. To qualify, you must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and attend either a degree-granting or certificate program. The grant is available to any Georgia resident attending any college or university in the state.
ZMG
Zell Miller Grant
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/zell-miller-scholarship/
This scholarship carries many of the same restrictions as the HOPE Scholarship, but the academic requirements are far more stringent. To earn and maintain the Zell Miller Grant, you must graduate from high school with a 3.7 cumulative GPA. Your SAT must be at least 1200 and then your post-secondary GPA must not fall below 3.3.
GSCPA
GSCPA Educational Foundation Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Deadline: February 1
http://www.gscpa.org/content/Foundation.aspx
The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) Educational Foundation awards between $1,000-$5,000 to students studying accounting at an accredited Georgia college or university. To apply, you must submit your transcripts, demonstrate dedication to a career in accounting, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be above the sophomore level.
AAS
Achieve Atlanta Scholarship
Amount: $1,500-$5,000 per year
Deadline: May 31
http://cfgreateratlanta.org/community-impact/scholarships/
If you are about to graduate from an Atlanta public school and have demonstrable financial need, the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta can provide tuition assistance. You must graduate with a cumulative GPA of 80% (approximately 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) to receive monies for a four-year degree-granting institution. If you have a 75% GPA, you qualify to apply for scholarship assistance to a two-year or technical program.
HVCSF
Helen & Vernon Crawford Scholarship Fund
Amount: $500-$1,000 (10 Awards)
Deadline: April 13
http://cfgreateratlanta.org/community-impact/scholarships/
If you are an adult who has achieved a GED and/or completed a literacy program, you can receive funds to pursue post-secondary education through this scholarship fund. The award ranges from $500 to $1,000 and you should be recommended by either the Literacy Action or a Georgia Certified Literate Community Program. Only ten scholarships are awarded per year, so reapply if you don't receive any help the first time.
LWBSF
Lester W. Butts Scholarship Fund
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: April 20
http://cfgreateratlanta.org/community-impact/scholarships/
This scholarship is specifically for students who are graduating from Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta, GA. The award pays $5,000 and you must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, acceptance to an accredited college, university, or technical school. To make sure your application stands out, be sure to include all of your volunteer activities, as well as any other extra-curricular activities. The fund awards one to two scholarships per year.
JKSF
The Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund
Amount: $10,000 (10 Awards, renewable)
Deadline: February 15
http://cfgreateratlanta.org/community-impact/scholarships/
If your parents are employees of Cox Enterprise, Inc., you qualify to apply for this outstanding scholarship opportunity. Entrants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be a high school senior at the time of your initial application and demonstrate financial need. The fund awards up to ten scholarships per year and the amount is $10,000 and renews for up to four years, provided that you maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Note that Cox Enterprise, Inc. only awards one such scholarship per household.