Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024

Badge for BEST IN GEORGIA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Georgia offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024

  1. Emory University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Literature, and Medical Sciences
  2. University of Georgia
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Biology, and Law
  3. Georgia Tech
    • Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Computer Science, and Earth Sciences
  4. Georgia State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Physics, Business, and Economics
  5. Clark Atlanta University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Sociology, and Education
  6. Mercer University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Medical Sciences, and Philosophy
  7. Georgia Southern University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Engineering, and Education
  8. University of West Georgia
    • Most Popular Degrees: Psychology, Anthropology, and Nursing
  9. Valdosta State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Anthropology, and Sociology
  10. Columbus State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Earth Sciences, Engineering, and Political Science


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. #1

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Emory University

    Cost of Degree: $60,774
    Expenses: $22,848
    Starting Salary: $84,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $11,180
    Expenses: $16,926
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1460/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Tech

    Cost of Degree: $11,764
    Expenses: $16,760
    Starting Salary: $85,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 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.

    Compare school
  4. #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 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,478
    Expenses: $22,990
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    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.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Clark Atlanta University

    Atlanta , GA
    #1 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #2 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Clark Atlanta University

    Cost of Degree: $26,446
    Expenses: $17,230
    Starting Salary: $38,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Mercer University

    Macon , GA
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Mercer University

    Cost of Degree: $33,380
    Expenses: $18,592
    Starting Salary: $58,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  8. #7

    Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro , GA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $5,905
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  9. #8

    University of West Georgia

    Carrollton , GA
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025 #4 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of West Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $5,971
    Expenses: $17,669
    Starting Salary: $41,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  10. #9

    Valdosta State University

    Valdosta , GA
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Valdosta State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,007
    Expenses: $16,368
    Starting Salary: $41,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  11. #10

    Columbus State University

    Columbus , GA
    #17 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #8 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024 #10 Best Online Master's in Biology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbus State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,751
    Expenses: $19,046
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Piedmont University

    Demorest , GA
    #25 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Piedmont University

    Cost of Degree: $30,680
    Expenses: $17,228
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
  14. #12

    Georgia College & State University

    Milledgeville , GA
    #10 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs 2025 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2025 #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia College & State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,998
    Expenses: $21,357
    Starting Salary: $45,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
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Georgia’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Emory University
  2. Georgia Tech
  3. University of Georgia
  4. Georgia State University
  5. Mercer University
  6. Georgia Southern University
  7. University of West Georgia
  8. Piedmont University
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