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Dalton State College stands out among Georgia's accounting programs with a remarkably low net price of $4,694, making it the most affordable option in the state by a significant margin. The $4,000 gap between Dalton State and the second-cheapest option at Savannah State University ($8,683) highlights the wide cost variation across Georgia's 20 accounting programs. While earnings potential ranges dramatically from $24,035 to $52,941, students can access quality education without overwhelming debt loads. Georgia's thriving logistics and distribution industry, anchored by companies like UPS and Home Depot in Atlanta, creates steady demand for accounting professionals who understand supply chain finance and corporate tax structures. The state's HOPE Scholarship further reduces costs for Georgia residents maintaining a 3.0 GPA, making these already affordable programs even more accessible. Public universities dominate the lower cost tiers, with most offering net prices under $15,000.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
2 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
3 $10,145 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
4 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
5 $11,008 $32,305 45.7% 77.3%
6 $11,298 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
7 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
8 $11,889 $5,751 41.7% 87.8%
9 $12,052 $4,980 31.9% 73.2%
10 $13,347 $8,122 48.6% 85.5%
11 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
12 $14,251 $5,934 22.8%
13 $14,528 $27,650 60.6% 66.8%
14 $15,074 $14,596 21.7% 51.5%
15 $15,450 $5,971 42.7% 80.1%
16 $15,774 $13,416 21.1%
17 $15,931 $8,478 53.7% 66.8%
18 $16,286 $24,044 37.1% 97.5%
19 $16,531 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
20 $16,972 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
21 $17,805 $34,540 41.8% 59.1%
22 $18,224 $13,920 23.1%
23 $18,809 $8,998 61.6% 80.0%
24 $19,313 $11,640 27.8% 46.1%
25 $20,752 $22,300 40.4% 24.2%
26 $20,786 $33,275 35.4% 86.6%
27 $20,893 $30,680 41.5% 64.4%
28 $21,568 $40,416 73.9% 66.3%
29 $21,735 $45,806 53.9% 71.0%
30 $21,757 $13,420 29.2% 93.4%
31 $21,983 $21,696 23.5% 94.8%
32 $22,350 $40,890 73.4% 74.7%
33 $23,911 $60,774 91.8% 11.4%
34 $24,116 $18,238 22.7%
35 $26,308 $16,546 5.1%
36 $27,769 $28,420 35.6% 62.3%
37 $30,243 $17,488 36.4% 50.0%
38 $35,115 $26,446 47.8% 56.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dalton State College so much cheaper than other accounting programs?

Dalton State College offers the lowest net price at $4,694, nearly $4,000 less than the second-cheapest option. As a public institution with an in-state tuition of just $3,283, it provides strong value for Georgia residents. The college maintains lower operational costs while still delivering accredited accounting education. This makes it an attractive choice for students seeking to minimize educational debt while entering the accounting field.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The University of Georgia, despite having a higher net price of $13,816, produces graduates earning $52,941 annually. In contrast, Fort Valley State University graduates earn $24,035 despite a similar net cost of $11,609. This $28,906 earnings gap demonstrates that program cost doesn't always correlate with graduate income potential. Students should weigh both affordability and earning potential when selecting programs.

Does the HOPE Scholarship significantly impact these costs?

The HOPE Scholarship covers tuition for Georgia residents with a 3.0 GPA, dramatically reducing expenses at public institutions. For example, Clayton State University's in-state tuition is only $5,068, but the net price reaches $10,145 when factoring in other expenses. Students maintaining strong academic performance can essentially attend tuition-free at most public universities. This benefit makes Georgia particularly attractive for in-state accounting students.

What job opportunities exist for accounting graduates in Georgia?

Georgia's economy offers substantial opportunities in logistics, film production, and technology sectors requiring accounting expertise. Major employers like UPS, Coca-Cola, and Delta Airlines maintain significant operations requiring financial professionals. The state's growing film industry also creates demand for entertainment accounting specialists. Atlanta's position as a regional business center generates consistent demand for both entry-level and experienced accounting professionals across various industries.

Is there a significant difference in graduation rates between affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary considerably among affordable programs, ranging from 21.7% at Paine College to 87.2% at the University of Georgia. Dalton State College, the cheapest option, maintains a 29.6% graduation rate, while similarly priced programs show rates between 22.8% and 45.2%. Students should consider completion rates alongside costs, as finishing the program is essential for career entry. Some mid-priced options like Augusta University offer better graduation rates at 48.6% for a moderate increase in cost.

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