Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Georgia

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College offers the state's most affordable Liberal Arts and Sciences degree at just $6,061 net cost annually, while graduates from similar programs at University of North Georgia earn $34,704 per year on average. This $28,643 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-earning programs reflects the varied career paths available to liberal arts graduates across Georgia. The HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition at public colleges for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA, making schools like Georgia Southwestern State University accessible at under $5,000 in-state tuition. Georgia's expanding film industry and Atlanta's status as a regional business center create opportunities for liberal arts graduates in media production, corporate communications, and public relations. Private options like Wesleyan College cost significantly more at $14,528 net price but offer smaller class sizes with a 60.6% graduation rate. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 13 of the 15 cheapest programs offered through the University System of Georgia.

Programs

$6,061 – $36,828

Net Price Range

$29,346

Avg. Program Earnings

46.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, Georgia	$6,061	$3,195	29.1%	67.0%
2	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145	$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
3	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
4	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
5	Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia	$11,609	$5,392	45.2%	43.1%
6	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
7	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052	$4,980	31.9%	73.2%
8	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, Georgia	$13,289	$11,764	92.3%	17.1%
9	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
10	Middle Georgia State University Macon, Georgia	$13,922	$4,432	25.6%	99.7%
11	Albany State University Albany, Georgia	$14,251	$5,934	22.8%
12	Wesleyan College Macon, Georgia	$14,528	$27,650	60.6%	66.8%
13	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286	$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
14	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
15	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
16	LaGrange College Lagrange, Georgia	$17,805	$34,540	41.8%	59.1%
17	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809	$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
18	Emmanuel University Franklin Springs, Georgia	$19,297	$23,664	34.6%	62.7%
19	Thomas University Thomasville, Georgia	$19,313	$11,640	27.8%	46.1%
20	Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, Georgia	$20,133	$23,250	46.0%	68.0%
21	Point University West Point, Georgia	$20,752	$22,300	40.4%	24.2%
22	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786	$33,275	35.4%	86.6%
23	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893	$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
24	Oglethorpe University Atlanta, Georgia	$21,735	$45,806	53.9%	71.0%
25	Andrew College Cuthbert, Georgia	$21,934	$19,126	27.0%	49.6%
26	Brewton-Parker College Mount Vernon, Georgia	$21,983	$21,696	23.5%	94.8%
27	Truett McConnell University Cleveland, Georgia	$22,328	$25,568	41.1%	80.8%
28	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350	$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
29	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$23,911	$60,774	91.8%	11.4%
30	Agnes Scott College Decatur, Georgia	$24,224	$48,150	70.5%	66.5%
31	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769	$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
32	Life University Marietta, Georgia	$30,257	$15,036	32.1%	97.8%
33	Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia	$36,828	$30,058	76.1%	28.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College the cheapest option at $6,061 net cost?

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College combines low tuition with significant financial aid, resulting in the state's lowest net cost for Liberal Arts programs. The college charges just $3,195 for in-state tuition, and graduates earn an average of $28,960 annually. Despite its agricultural focus, the college maintains a 29.1% graduation rate and accepts 67% of applicants.

How does the HOPE Scholarship affect costs at Georgia public colleges?

The HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition for Georgia residents with a 3.0 GPA, making public universities extremely affordable. Schools like Georgia Southwestern State University charge $4,980 in-state tuition, while Middle Georgia State University costs $4,432. This scholarship system explains why 13 of the 15 most affordable programs are at public institutions.

Is there a significant earnings difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

University of North Georgia graduates earn $34,704 annually despite the school's $10,785 net cost, while Fort Valley State University graduates average $21,052 with an $11,609 net price. Georgia Southern University graduates earn $32,962 at a higher $16,531 net cost. The data shows that program cost doesn't always correlate with post-graduation earnings in liberal arts fields.

Does Georgia Institute of Technology offer Liberal Arts programs worth the higher cost?

Georgia Tech charges $13,289 net cost for Liberal Arts programs and maintains a 92.3% graduation rate, the highest among all schools listed. The university accepts only 17.1% of applicants, making it highly selective. While more expensive than agricultural or regional colleges, Georgia Tech's reputation in Atlanta's tech sector may benefit liberal arts graduates seeking corporate roles.

Where do Liberal Arts graduates find employment in Georgia's economy?

Georgia's film industry, centered in Atlanta, employs liberal arts graduates in production coordination, script analysis, and marketing roles. The state's logistics sector, anchored by companies like UPS and Delta, values communication and analytical skills that liberal arts programs develop. Atlanta's position as a regional business center creates opportunities in corporate communications, public relations, and content marketing across Fortune 500 companies.

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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.