Cheapest Physics Colleges in Georgia

Georgia Tech dominates physics earnings with graduates making $29,685 annually, yet its net price of $13,289 costs just $2,504 more than University of North Georgia at $10,785. This price gap reflects a broader divide between public university accessibility and research opportunities. Georgia's aerospace sector, anchored by companies like Lockheed Martin and Delta TechOps, creates steady demand for physics graduates who understand materials science and flight dynamics. The state's public universities benefit from HOPE Scholarship funding, keeping costs manageable for residents. While private options like Emory command $23,911 annually, public institutions deliver strong value. Georgia Tech's 92.3% graduation rate and 17.13% acceptance rate make it highly competitive, but alternatives like University of Georgia offer solid physics training at $13,816 with an 87.2% graduation rate. The 20 programs span from $10,785 to $36,828, giving students multiple pathways into fields ranging from renewable energy research to aerospace engineering across Georgia's expanding technology corridor.

Programs

$10,785 – $36,828

Net Price Range

$32,553

Avg. Program Earnings

60.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Physics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
2	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
3	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, Georgia	$13,289	$11,764	92.3%	17.1%
4	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
5	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
6	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450	$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
7	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
8	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
9	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
10	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809	$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
11	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893	$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
12	Berry College Mount Berry, Georgia	$21,568	$40,416	73.9%	66.3%
13	Oglethorpe University Atlanta, Georgia	$21,735	$45,806	53.9%	71.0%
14	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350	$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
15	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$23,911	$60,774	91.8%	11.4%
16	Agnes Scott College Decatur, Georgia	$24,224	$48,150	70.5%	66.5%
17	Covenant College Lookout Mountain, Georgia	$24,832	$40,464	71.9%	84.1%
18	Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia	$35,115	$26,446	47.8%	56.3%
19	Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia	$35,949	$31,725	52.7%	60.0%
20	Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia	$36,828	$30,058	76.1%	28.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of North Georgia the cheapest physics option at $10,785?

University of North Georgia achieves the lowest net price through strong state funding and relatively modest overhead costs in Dahlonega. The program costs $571 less than second-place Valdosta State at $11,298. However, the 36.8% graduation rate reflects challenges some students face completing the degree. The 69.63% acceptance rate makes admission accessible for students seeking affordable physics education.

How does Georgia Tech justify its higher costs compared to other public schools?

Georgia Tech's $13,289 net price delivers strong outcomes with a 92.3% graduation rate and $29,685 average earnings for physics graduates. The program accepts just 17.13% of applicants, creating intense competition for spots. Research opportunities in aerospace, materials science, and energy physics connect directly to Georgia's technology sector. The investment pays off through strong industry connections and graduate school placement rates.

Is the HOPE Scholarship enough to cover physics program costs?

HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition at public universities for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA, but additional costs remain. Georgia Southern's $5,905 in-state tuition becomes manageable with HOPE, though the $16,531 net price includes housing and fees. Private schools like Berry College at $40,416 sticker price receive no HOPE benefits. Students at public institutions can graduate with minimal debt if they qualify for the scholarship.

Does Georgia State University offer better value than other Atlanta physics programs?

Georgia State provides strong value at $15,931 net price with graduates earning $35,420 annually, the highest reported among Georgia physics programs. The 53.7% graduation rate and 66.78% acceptance rate offer reasonable admission chances. Compared to Emory's $23,911 cost and Oglethorpe's $21,735, Georgia State delivers comparable Atlanta location benefits at lower expense. The urban campus connects students to internships and research opportunities.

Where can physics students find the best graduation rates under $20,000?

University of Georgia leads affordable options with an 87.2% graduation rate at $13,816 net cost. Georgia Tech tops all programs at 92.3% but costs $13,289. Among schools under $17,000, Georgia College & State University achieves 61.6% graduation rates at $18,809. Most other affordable options fall between 40-55% graduation rates. Students should weigh completion likelihood against total program costs when choosing schools.

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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.