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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Georgia

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Georgia Tech graduates earning $91,152 annually create a striking benchmark that other Computer and Information Sciences programs struggle to match, with the next highest earner reaching just $64,990 at University of West Georgia. This $26,162 gap reveals how dramatically outcomes can vary even within the same state and major. The most affordable option, Clayton State University at $10,145 net cost, produces graduates earning $45,696, while Georgia Tech costs only $3,144 more but delivers double the earning power. Georgia's booming tech sector, anchored by Atlanta's status as a southeastern business center, creates abundant opportunities for computer science graduates. The state's film industry and major logistics operations also drive demand for technology professionals. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with 12 of the top 15 schools offering in-state tuition under $9,000. The HOPE Scholarship further reduces costs for Georgia residents maintaining a 3.0 GPA, making programs like Georgia Gwinnett College particularly attractive at just $4,458 in-state tuition.
26
Programs
$10,145 – $36,828
Net Price Range
$54,923
Avg. Program Earnings
44.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,289 $91,152 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
2 $11,696 $60,320 $4,458 19.8% 93.6%
3 $10,785 $52,385 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
4 $11,889 $54,852 $5,751 41.7% 87.8%
5 $10,145 $45,696 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
6 $13,347 $58,943 $8,122 48.6% 85.5%
7 $11,298 $48,432 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
8 $15,450 $64,990 $5,971 42.7% 80.1%
9 $15,931 $58,260 $8,478 53.7% 66.8%
10 $16,531 $60,399 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
11 $16,972 $61,063 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
12 $13,922 $46,869 $4,432 25.6% 99.7%
13 $18,224 $61,144 $13,920 23.1%
14 $15,774 $45,207 $13,416 21.1%
15 $11,609 $29,685 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
16 $22,350 $39,369 $40,890 73.4% 74.7%
17 $35,949 $31,725 52.7% 60.0%
18 $30,243 $17,488 36.4% 50.0%
19 $36,828 $30,058 76.1% 28.4%
20 $16,286 $24,044 37.1% 97.5%
21 $14,251 $5,934 22.8%
22 $17,805 $34,540 41.8% 59.1%
23 $12,052 $4,980 31.9% 73.2%
24 $24,832 $40,464 71.9% 84.1%
25 $21,983 $21,696 23.5% 94.8%
26 $35,115 $26,446 47.8% 56.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Georgia Tech such an outlier in computer science earnings?

Georgia Tech graduates earn $91,152 annually, which is $26,162 more than the next highest earner in the state. The school's 17.13% acceptance rate and 92.30% graduation rate reflect its selectivity and academic rigor. Atlanta's tech ecosystem provides direct pipeline opportunities to major employers, while the school's research reputation attracts top-tier companies for recruitment.

How do public universities compare to private options for value?

Public universities dominate Georgia's computer science value rankings, with 12 of the top 15 schools being public institutions. In-state students pay between $4,432 and $8,478 annually at public schools, while private options like Strayer University cost $13,920. Public school graduates also tend to have lower debt loads, with most carrying under $30,000 compared to private school averages above $37,000.

Is the HOPE Scholarship worth considering for computer science students?

The HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition at Georgia public universities for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA, making programs extremely affordable. At Georgia Gwinnett College, this reduces costs to just $4,458 annually while graduates still earn $60,320. Even at higher-cost public options like Georgia State University at $8,478 in-state tuition, the scholarship creates substantial savings for qualifying students.

Does graduation rate correlate with earning potential in these programs?

The data shows mixed correlations between graduation rates and earnings. Georgia Tech leads both categories with 92.30% graduation rate and $91,152 earnings, but University of West Georgia achieves $64,990 earnings with only a 42.70% graduation rate. Middle Georgia State University has a 25.60% graduation rate but produces graduates earning $46,869, suggesting program quality and regional job markets matter more than completion rates alone.

Where do the best employment opportunities exist for Georgia computer science graduates?

Atlanta anchors Georgia's tech employment market, hosting major corporations and a growing startup ecosystem that particularly benefits Georgia Tech and Georgia State University graduates. The state's expanding film industry creates demand for technical professionals in post-production and digital effects. Logistics companies throughout Georgia also hire computer science graduates for supply chain optimization and automated systems development.

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