Cheapest Finance and Financial Management Services Colleges in Georgia

Dalton State College delivers Georgia's most affordable finance program at just $4,694 net cost, while University of Georgia graduates command the state's highest starting salaries at $57,907 despite charging $13,816 annually. This $9,000 cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive public options reflects varying return on investment across Georgia's 16 finance programs. Atlanta's emergence as a fintech center has created strong demand for financial analysts and corporate finance professionals throughout the state. The HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition at public institutions for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA, making programs like Dalton State and University of North Georgia even more accessible. Private colleges average $20,000 more annually than public alternatives, though Berry College achieves a 73.90% graduation rate compared to the 29.60% rate at the most affordable option.

Programs

$4,694 – $22,350

Net Price Range

$44,670

Avg. Program Earnings

49.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Dalton State College Dalton, Georgia	$4,694	$3,283	29.6%
2	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
3	Young Harris College Young Harris, Georgia	$11,008	$32,305	45.7%	77.3%
4	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
5	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
6	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
7	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
8	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450	$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
9	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
10	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
11	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
12	Point University West Point, Georgia	$20,752	$22,300	40.4%	24.2%
13	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786	$33,275	35.4%	86.6%
14	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893	$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
15	Berry College Mount Berry, Georgia	$21,568	$40,416	73.9%	66.3%
16	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350	$40,890	73.4%	74.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $52,000 salary difference between Georgia finance graduates?

University of Georgia finance graduates earn $57,907 annually while Augusta University graduates start at $36,848, creating a $21,059 gap despite similar public school pricing. This difference stems from UGA's strong alumni network in Atlanta's banking sector and higher selectivity with just 42.55% acceptance rates. Georgia State University graduates earn $50,137 working in Atlanta's corporate finance market, while regional schools typically place graduates in local banking and credit union roles.

How does the HOPE Scholarship affect finance program costs in Georgia?

Georgia residents with 3.0 GPAs receive free tuition through HOPE, reducing costs significantly at public institutions. Dalton State College charges just $3,283 in-state tuition before HOPE benefits, making it nearly free for qualifying students. Even University of Georgia becomes highly affordable at $11,180 in-state tuition, though students still pay room, board, and fees totaling the $13,816 net cost.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Georgia finance programs?

Higher-cost programs generally produce better graduation rates, with Berry College achieving 73.90% completion at $21,568 annually. University of Georgia combines high graduation rates of 87.20% with strong earning potential, justifying its $13,816 cost. However, Dalton State College graduates only 29.60% of finance students despite ultra-low costs, suggesting affordability alone doesn't guarantee degree completion.

Where do Georgia finance graduates find the best job opportunities?

Atlanta's banking sector employs the most finance graduates, with companies like SunTrust (now Truist) and Georgia-Pacific offering corporate finance roles. The Port of Savannah creates logistics finance opportunities, while the film industry's growth in Atlanta generates entertainment finance positions. University of Georgia and Georgia State graduates typically access these high-paying Atlanta markets, explaining their $50,000+ starting salaries compared to regional school graduates.

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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.