Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Georgia

Georgia Tech graduates earn $49,527 annually from design programs that cost just $13,289 net, making it the state's clear value leader despite its selective 17% acceptance rate. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans $27,746, with private art schools like Savannah College of Art and Design charging $45,450 while producing graduates earning $26,434. Georgia's booming film industry, centered in Atlanta, creates steady demand for visual effects artists, production designers, and digital media specialists. Public universities benefit from the HOPE Scholarship, which covers tuition for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The 15 programs range from highly technical engineering design at Georgia Tech to traditional fine arts, reflecting both the state's industrial base and its growing creative economy. Students paying in-state rates at public schools face costs as low as $4,432 at Middle Georgia State, while out-of-state students see prices climb significantly at private institutions.

Programs

$10,785 – $45,450

Net Price Range

$30,714

Avg. Program Earnings

46.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, Georgia	$13,289	$49,527	$11,764	92.3%	17.1%
2	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$29,461	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
3	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$36,668	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
4	American InterContinental University-Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia	$15,774	$23,538	$13,416	21.1%
5	South University-Savannah Savannah, Georgia	$24,116	$27,590	$18,238	22.7%
6	Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia	$35,115	$21,781	$26,446	47.8%	56.3%
7	Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, Georgia	$45,450	$26,434	$40,595	70.5%	81.7%
8	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786		$33,275	35.4%	86.6%
9	Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia	$11,609		$5,392	45.2%	43.1%
10	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350		$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
11	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893		$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
12	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298		$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
13	Young Harris College Young Harris, Georgia	$11,008		$32,305	45.7%	77.3%
14	Middle Georgia State University Macon, Georgia	$13,922		$4,432	25.6%	99.7%
15	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972		$5,786	48.1%	67.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Georgia Tech's high earnings compared to other design programs?

Georgia Tech's design graduates earn $49,527 annually, nearly double the state average, because the program focuses on industrial design and human-computer interaction within an engineering framework. The school's 92% graduation rate and connections to Atlanta's tech sector create pathways to high-paying roles in product design and user experience. Students benefit from internships with major corporations headquartered in Atlanta. The selective 17% acceptance rate ensures academically strong cohorts.

How does the HOPE Scholarship impact design program costs?

Georgia residents with a 3.0 GPA receive free tuition through HOPE, reducing net costs dramatically at public universities. University of North Georgia costs just $5,009 for in-state students versus $10,785 net price overall. Georgia Southern drops from $16,531 net to $5,905 in-state. This makes public design programs extremely affordable for qualified Georgia residents, though private schools like Savannah College of Art and Design don't participate in HOPE.

Does Savannah College of Art and Design justify its $45,450 cost?

SCAD graduates earn $26,434 annually with $26,200 in debt, creating a challenging financial return on the $45,450 net cost. The school's 70% graduation rate exceeds most Georgia design programs, and its industry connections in animation and game design are strong. However, students could achieve similar or better earnings at much lower cost through public alternatives. The premium pays for specialized facilities and faculty rather than superior employment outcomes.

Where do Georgia design graduates find the best job opportunities?

Atlanta dominates Georgia's creative job market, hosting film studios, advertising agencies, and tech companies requiring design talent. The city's status as a major filming location creates demand for production designers, costume designers, and digital artists. Logistics companies like UPS and Home Depot need packaging designers and user experience specialists. Savannah offers opportunities in tourism marketing and historic preservation design, while smaller cities provide freelance and remote work options.

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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.