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Emory University-Oxford College stands apart with a 94.7% graduation rate and $80,137 median earnings, marking it as Georgia's suburban academic powerhouse despite accepting just 15% of applicants. The state's suburban college market spans from technical programs costing $4,546 at Chattahoochee Technical College to specialized institutions like Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur. Georgia's HOPE Scholarship transforms affordability calculations, covering full tuition for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA at public institutions. This benefit particularly impacts the 39,503 students at Kennesaw State University, where in-state costs drop significantly below the $16,972 net price listed for out-of-state attendees. Technical colleges throughout Atlanta's suburbs connect directly to the region's booming film industry and logistics networks, with Chattahoochee Technical College's $37,138 median earnings reflecting strong job placement in these growing sectors. Berry College in Mount Berry combines a 73.9% graduation rate with $53,800 earnings, while smaller specialized schools like Aviation Institute of Maintenance serve Atlanta's major airport center. The earnings range from $27,065 to $80,137 mirrors Georgia's economic diversity, from entry-level technical positions to high-level business roles in Atlanta's corporate center.
26
Schools
$18,868
Avg. Net Price
$44,314
Avg. Earnings
46.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Georgia

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 973 $30,622 94.7%
2 Suburb-Large 39,503 $16,972 48.1%
3 Suburb-Large 779 $24,592 52.0%
4 Suburb-Large 451 $21,563 61.8%
5 Suburb-Large 4,390 $10,145 35.4%
6 Suburb-Large 488 $24,705 54.1%
7 Suburb-Large 7,555 $4,546 38.9%
8 Suburb-Small 2,213 $21,568 73.9%
9 Suburb-Large 7,395 $12,599 27.0%
10 Suburb-Large 2,069 $7,210 34.9%
11 Suburb-Large 472 $30,243 36.4%
12 Suburb-Large 898 $24,224 70.5%
13 Suburb-Small 4,441 $6,588 20.8%
14 Suburb-Large 132 $27,010 40.9%
15 Suburb-Large 113 $14,970 42.9%
16 Suburb-Large 858 $24,832 71.9%
17 Suburb-Large 529 $13,775 39.1%
18 Suburb-Large 4,878 $18,224 23.1%
19 Suburb-Large 1,429 $21,735 53.9%
20 Suburb-Large 287 50.0%
21 Suburb-Large 11,156 $11,696 19.8%
22 Suburb-Large 438 $29,503 53.2%
23 Suburb-Large 195 $3,935
24 Suburb-Large 264 $32,699 26.2%
25 Suburb-Midsize 70
26 Suburb-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Emory University-Oxford College different from other Georgia suburban schools?

Oxford College operates as Emory's two-year residential campus with a 94.7% graduation rate and highly selective 15% acceptance rate. Students complete their first two years here before transitioning to Emory's Atlanta campus. The $80,137 median earnings reflect this pathway to Emory's main university, making it unique among Georgia's suburban options.

How does Georgia's HOPE Scholarship affect college costs in suburban areas?

HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition at public colleges for students with 3.0+ GPAs, dramatically reducing costs at schools like Chattahoochee Technical College and Georgia Highlands College. This means the listed net prices primarily reflect out-of-state students and fees beyond tuition, making Georgia public colleges extremely affordable for qualifying residents.

Is Kennesaw State University's size typical for suburban Georgia colleges?

Kennesaw State's 39,503 enrollment makes it unusually large for a suburban campus. Most suburban Georgia colleges enroll under 8,000 students, with many specialized schools like Aviation Institute of Maintenance serving fewer than 800. Kennesaw's size reflects its full university status and proximity to Atlanta's job market.

What career outcomes do technical colleges provide in suburban Georgia?

Technical colleges show solid earning potential despite lower graduation rates. Chattahoochee Technical College graduates earn $37,138 with a 38.9% completion rate, while Gwinnett Technical College offers $45,025 median earnings. These schools connect directly to Atlanta's film industry, logistics networks, and airport operations, providing practical career pathways.

Does Berry College offer good value compared to other private options?

Berry College delivers strong outcomes with a 73.9% graduation rate and $53,800 median earnings at $21,568 net cost. This significantly outperforms other private suburban options like Agnes Scott College, which costs $24,224 for similar graduation rates. Berry's rural Mount Berry location keeps costs manageable while maintaining quality.

Where do specialized programs like funeral service education fit in Georgia's market?

Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur serves a specific professional need with 61.8% graduation rates and $42,636 earnings. With only 451 students, it represents Georgia's niche professional programs that train for stable, location-specific careers. These specialized schools often show higher completion rates than general programs.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.