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Dalton State College stands out among Georgia's accounting programs with a remarkably low $4,694 net cost that produces graduates earning $40,275 annually. This represents one of the strongest cost-to-earnings ratios in the state, where accounting programs range from under $5,000 to over $21,000 annually. The University of Georgia commands the highest earnings at $52,941 but requires a $13,816 investment, while private Oglethorpe University tops earning potential at $57,750 for $21,735. Georgia's accounting graduates enter a job market strengthened by Atlanta's status as the Southeast's financial center, hosting major corporations like Home Depot, Delta, and Coca-Cola that drive demand for financial professionals. The state's HOPE Scholarship further reduces costs for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA at public institutions, making programs like those at University of North Georgia and Clayton State University even more accessible. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 13 of the 15 schools offering in-state tuition under $9,000.
38
Programs
$4,694 – $35,115
Net Price Range
$43,024
Avg. Program Earnings
41.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,694 $40,275 $3,283 29.6%
2 $8,683 $38,289 $5,498 25.2%
3 $10,785 $45,696 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
4 $10,145 $40,492 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
5 $13,816 $52,941 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
6 $13,347 $46,087 $8,122 48.6% 85.5%
7 $11,298 $39,009 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
8 $11,889 $38,289 $5,751 41.7% 87.8%
9 $12,052 $36,914 $4,980 31.9% 73.2%
10 $16,972 $49,663 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
11 $15,931 $46,043 $8,478 53.7% 66.8%
12 $15,450 $42,682 $5,971 42.7% 80.1%
13 $16,531 $44,170 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
14 $21,735 $57,750 $45,806 53.9% 71.0%
15 $18,224 $44,407 $13,920 23.1%
16 $15,774 $38,289 $13,416 21.1%
17 $18,809 $44,170 $8,998 61.6% 80.0%
18 $21,568 $50,439 $40,416 73.9% 66.3%
19 $22,350 $47,260 $40,890 73.4% 74.7%
20 $11,609 $24,035 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
21 $21,757 $41,937 $13,420 29.2% 93.4%
22 $30,243 $42,433 $17,488 36.4% 50.0%
23 $35,115 $38,289 $26,446 47.8% 56.3%
24 $20,752 $22,300 40.4% 24.2%
25 $14,251 $5,934 22.8%
26 $20,786 $33,275 35.4% 86.6%
27 $26,308 $16,546 5.1%
28 $21,983 $21,696 23.5% 94.8%
29 $24,116 $18,238 22.7%
30 $11,008 $32,305 45.7% 77.3%
31 $23,911 $60,774 91.8% 11.4%
32 $14,528 $27,650 60.6% 66.8%
33 $19,313 $11,640 27.8% 46.1%
34 $16,286 $24,044 37.1% 97.5%
35 $17,805 $34,540 41.8% 59.1%
36 $27,769 $28,420 35.6% 62.3%
37 $20,893 $30,680 41.5% 64.4%
38 $15,074 $14,596 21.7% 51.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dalton State College such strong value for accounting students?

Dalton State College combines the lowest net cost in Georgia at $4,694 with solid earning potential of $40,275 for graduates. The program maintains reasonable debt levels at $18,100, though the 29.6% graduation rate requires careful consideration. Students benefit from small class sizes and focused career preparation in North Georgia's growing business sector.

How do public and private accounting programs compare in Georgia?

Public programs offer significantly better value, with net costs ranging from $4,694 to $16,972 compared to Oglethorpe University's $21,735. While Oglethorpe produces the highest earners at $57,750, public University of Georgia graduates earn $52,941 for $8,000 less investment. The 13 public options provide multiple pathways to accounting careers without excessive debt.

Does the University of Georgia justify its higher cost for accounting majors?

Georgia's flagship university delivers strong returns with graduates earning $52,941 annually, the second-highest in the state. The 87.2% graduation rate far exceeds other public options, and the $20,000 average debt remains manageable. With a 42.55% acceptance rate, admission requires strong academic credentials but leads to excellent career outcomes.

What role does the HOPE Scholarship play in accounting program costs?

HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition for Georgia residents with 3.0+ GPAs at public colleges, dramatically reducing costs. Programs like University of North Georgia show in-state tuition of just $5,009 before HOPE benefits. This makes quality accounting education accessible to middle-class families throughout Georgia's public university system.

Where do Georgia accounting graduates find the best job opportunities?

Atlanta's corporate headquarters concentration creates strong demand for accounting professionals, particularly near schools like Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University. Major employers include Fortune 500 companies like Home Depot, Delta Airlines, and Coca-Cola. The state's growing film industry and logistics sector also generate accounting opportunities beyond traditional corporate finance roles.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.