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Georgia Tech's engineering excellence drives median earnings to $102,772, nearly double the state average for Division I graduates. This reflects Georgia's tech boom, where Atlanta serves as headquarters for major corporations seeking STEM talent. The state's six Division I institutions span a remarkable acceptance rate spectrum from Georgia Tech's selective 17.1% to Georgia Southern's open 88.9%. Georgia's HOPE Scholarship program, covering full tuition for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA, makes these options particularly attractive. Net costs range from Georgia Tech's $13,289 to Mercer's private tuition at $22,350. The University of Georgia combines strong academics with major college sports, graduating 87.2% of students who earn $68,726 median salaries. Kennesaw State's 39,503 enrollment makes it the largest, serving Atlanta's northern suburbs where logistics and business sectors drive job growth.
6
Schools
$16,482
Avg. Net Price
$64,671
Avg. Earnings
67.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Georgia

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 18,260 $13,289 92.3% 17.1%
2 31,310 $13,816 87.2% 42.6%
3 39,503 $16,972 48.1% 67.9%
4 27,109 $15,931 53.7% 66.8%
5 21,029 $16,531 52.1% 88.9%
6 4,620 $22,350 73.4% 74.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Georgia Tech stand out among the state's Division I schools?

Georgia Tech graduates earn $102,772 median salaries, the highest in Georgia, while maintaining a 92.3% graduation rate. Its 17.1% acceptance rate reflects highly competitive admissions for engineering and technology programs that feed directly into Atlanta's booming tech sector.

How does the HOPE Scholarship affect college costs in Georgia?

Georgia's HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA, significantly reducing net costs. This explains why even top schools like Georgia Tech ($13,289) and UGA ($13,816) remain affordable compared to national averages.

Is there a significant gap in graduation rates among Georgia's Division I schools?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Georgia Tech's 92.3% to Kennesaw State's 48.1%. This 44-point spread reflects different student populations and academic focuses, with research universities generally outperforming larger regional institutions serving working students.

Does enrollment size correlate with acceptance rates in Georgia?

Kennesaw State enrolls 39,503 students with a 67.8% acceptance rate, while smaller Mercer University accepts 74.7% of its 4,620 students. Larger public universities tend to be more selective than smaller private institutions in Georgia.

Where do Georgia Division I graduates typically find employment?

Atlanta's Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola, Delta, and Home Depot, recruit heavily from these schools. The state's film industry, logistics networks, and expanding tech sector create strong job markets, with median earnings ranging from $47,384 to $102,772.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.