Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2026

There are 12 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Georgia. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Georgia is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024

1. Last Year’s Ranking:

   1. Emory University
   2. University of Georgia
   3. Georgia Tech
   4. Georgia State University
   5. Clark Atlanta University
   6. Mercer University
   7. Georgia Southern University
   8. University of West Georgia
   9. Valdosta State University
   10. Columbus State University
   11. Piedmont University
   12. Georgia College & State University
2. #1

   Emory University

   Atlanta , GA

   #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2026 #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $68K

   Acceptance

   11%

   Graduation

   91%

   Student body

   16K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1510/33

   Career Outlook for degree at Emory University

   Cost of Degree: $60,774

   Expenses: $22,848

   Starting Salary: $93,897

   Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Offering graduate and professional programs, Emory University has seven schools. Serving humanity is the school’s ultimate goal.

   What we love about Emory University:

   Emory University is known for offering outstanding and comprehensive healthcare programs. Students can expect academic excellence in their graduate studies that can impact the lives of future generations.

   Emory University is ideal for students who:

   Want to take advantage of financial aid for college.

   Emory University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Are looking for a low-cost grad school.

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3. #2

   University of Georgia

   Athens , GA

   #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #25 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $11K

   Acceptance

   38%

   Graduation

   89%

   Student body

   46K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1375/31

   Career Outlook for degree at University of Georgia

   Cost of Degree: $11,180

   Expenses: $16,926

   Starting Salary: $77,246

   Cost Recoup Time: 8 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   As a public research university, the University of Georgia inspires graduate students to contribute proactively to global communities. They offer many graduate programs that have the potential to match your academic goals.

   What we love about the University of Georgia:

   The University of Georgia has pioneered the development of commercial products that can transform lives.

   The University of Georgia is ideal for students who:

   Want to participate in crucial research.

   The University of Georgia might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer a more laid-back curriculum.

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4. #3

   Georgia Tech

   Atlanta , GA

   #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $12K

   Acceptance

   14%

   Graduation

   94%

   Student body

   58K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1455/32

   Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Tech

   Cost of Degree: $11,764

   Expenses: $16,760

   Starting Salary: $114,210

   Cost Recoup Time: 6 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   At Georgia Institute of Technology, students represent many countries worldwide. Most of their research projects are conducted with the hopes of promoting human flourishing and innovating technology.

   What we love about Georgia Tech:

   Georgia Institute of Technology is known for developing solutions for the future. As graduate students, you’ll be a part of groundbreaking research initiatives.

   Georgia Tech is ideal for students who:

   Want to contribute to research and innovation.

   Georgia Tech might not be the best fit for students who:

   Would want more personalized attention from professors.

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5. #4

   Georgia State University

   Atlanta , GA

   #4 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #14 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2026 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $9K

   Acceptance

   55%

   Graduation

   51%

   Student body

   41K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1060/22

   Career Outlook for degree at Georgia State University

   Cost of Degree: $8,478

   Expenses: $22,990

   Starting Salary: $51,903

   Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Georgia State University has been known as an innovative university in Georgia. With great research opportunities, you’ll get the chance to collaborate with classmates and future network connections in the field.

   What we love about Georgia State University:

   Georgia State University removes barriers when it comes to collaborating with classmates and professors on research.

   Georgia State University is ideal for students who:

   Want to be proactive in contributing to research.

   Georgia State University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer better parking, as this is a frequent complaint from current students.

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7. #5

   Clark Atlanta University

   Atlanta , GA

   #1 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #2 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $30K

   Acceptance

   64%

   Graduation

   39%

   Student body

   4K

   Career Outlook for degree at Clark Atlanta University

   Cost of Degree: $26,446

   Expenses: $17,230

   Starting Salary: $46,867

   Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Clark Atlanta University is an HBCU research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. They offer advanced degrees, which are for credit and non-credit, so students can use them for whatever purpose and goals they have.

   What we love about Clark Atlanta University:

   What sets Clark Atlanta University’s graduate programs apart is their focus on leadership development and professional ethics.

   Clark Atlanta University is ideal for students who:

   Want to brush up on their leadership skills.

   Clark Atlanta University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Are looking for more advanced school facilities.

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8. #6

   Mercer University

   Macon , GA

   #5 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Georgia 2026 #1 Best Online Master's in Theology 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $44K

   Acceptance

   69%

   Graduation

   72%

   Student body

   10K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1255/28

   Career Outlook for degree at Mercer University

   Cost of Degree: $33,380

   Expenses: $18,592

   Starting Salary: $63,469

   Cost Recoup Time: 14 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   As a private research university, Mercer University encourages graduate students to take advantage of several opportunities to serve others.

   What we love about Mercer University:

   Career preparation and academic excellence are two features that Mercer University is known for and is proud of.

   Mercer University is ideal for students who:

   Want to attend a good value school.

   Mercer University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer a budget-friendly university.

   Compare school
9. #7

   Georgia Southern University

   Statesboro , GA

   #4 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $6K

   Acceptance

   88%

   Graduation

   54%

   Student body

   30K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1059/20

   Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Southern University

   Cost of Degree: $5,905

   Expenses: $19,667

   Starting Salary: $59,167

   Cost Recoup Time: 9 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   With three campuses, Georgia Southern University is a public research university that offers numerous graduate programs. They have accelerated bachelor’s to master’s pathway programs perfect for those who want to be more competetive in their industries.

   What we love about Georgia Southern University:

   Georgia Southern University focuses on personal growth and ensuring that the graduates they produce can impact communities positively.

   Georgia Southern University is ideal for students who:

   Want to attend a school that promotes diversity, openness, and innovation.

   Georgia Southern University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer smaller-sized classes.

   Compare school
10. #8

    University of West Georgia

    Carrollton , GA

    #5 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2026 #5 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of West Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $5,971

    Expenses: $17,669

    Starting Salary: $54,320

    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Working adults can step up their game in their careers by enrolling at the University of West Georgia. Whether you want to brush up your skills or make a shift in your career, the university offers many amazing graduate programs.

    What we love about the University of West Georgia:

    With a commitment to academic excellence, the University of West Georgia emphasizes maintaining a rich campus culture.

    The University of West Georgia is ideal for students who:

    Seek programs and activities that allow them to contribute to the world.

    The University of West Georgia might not be the best fit for students who:

    May want access to more dining options.

    Compare school
11. #9

    Valdosta State University

    Valdosta , GA

    #7 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2026 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Valdosta State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,007

    Expenses: $16,368

    Starting Salary: $52,334

    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Offering traditional and online graduate programs, you’ll find the right advanced degree to elevate your career at Valdosta State University. The institution comes with 60 flexible programs perfect for working adults.

    What we love about Valdosta State University:

    Valdosta State University offers a lot of educational opportunities to its students, including one-on-one instruction and social activities. The school also makes it incredibly easy to transfer credits.

    Valdosta State University is ideal for students who:

    Want a flexible way to attending school.

    Valdosta State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want an exciting university life with more extracurricular opportunities.

    Compare school
13. #10

    Georgia College & State University

    Milledgeville , GA

    #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #10 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs 2026 #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2026 #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia College & State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,998

    Expenses: $21,357

    Starting Salary: $64,452

    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Georgia College and State University offers their online classes 24/7 making it convenient and accessible for working adults. The school has a vast number of areas of study with in- depth topics to brush up your knowledge.

    What we love about Georgia College and State University:

    Georgia College and State University promotes lifelong learning among students.

    Georgia College and State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a beautiful and historic campus.

    Georgia College and State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a college with more activities and a more vibrant student life.

    Compare school
14. #11

    Columbus State University

    Columbus , GA

    #16 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #10 Best Online Master's in Biology #14 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbus State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,751

    Expenses: $19,046

    Starting Salary: $49,706

    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Advance professionally and achieve your career goals when you enroll at Columbus State University. Their degree program offerings highlight new and emerging fields of study.

    What we love about Columbus State University:

    World-class professors are guiding and supporting graduate students at Columbus State University. You will also have the opportunity to take part in groundbreaking research initiatives.

    Columbus State University is ideal for students who:

    Have creative pursuits.

    Columbus State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a more aesthetically impressive school.

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15. #12

    Piedmont University

    Demorest , GA

    #23 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1141/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Piedmont University

    Cost of Degree: $30,680

    Expenses: $17,228

    Starting Salary: $56,724

    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Despite being a small university, Piedmont University is a dynamic graduate school that you can find in the north of Georgia. You can find career-oriented majors that have the potential to be perfectly matched to your goals.

    What we love about Piedmont University:

    Build professional relationships with professors and peers at Piedmont University. Your online or face-to-face classes will always be a personalized experience.

    Piedmont University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer small classes.

    Piedmont University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want a bigger school.

    Compare school

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