Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024
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.
10 Best Grad Schools in Georgia
- Georgia Tech
- Emory University
- University of Georgia
- Georgia State University
- Mercer University
- Georgia Southern University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Valdosta State University
- University of West Georgia
- Columbus State University
- Emory University
- University of Georgia
- Georgia Tech
- Georgia State University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Mercer University
- Georgia Southern University
- University of West Georgia
- Valdosta State University
- Georgia College & State University
- Georgia State University 100%
- Georgia Southern University 91%
- Georgia College & State University 88%
- Columbus State University 79%
- Valdosta State University 76%
- Mercer University 75%
- University of West Georgia 70%
- Piedmont University 67%
- Clark Atlanta University 58%
- University of Georgia 40%
- Georgia State University 27 to 1
- Georgia Southern University 22 to 1
- Valdosta State University 20 to 1
- Georgia Tech 19 to 1
- Clark Atlanta University 19 to 1
- University of West Georgia 19 to 1
- University of Georgia 17 to 1
- Columbus State University 17 to 1
- Georgia College & State University 16 to 1
- Mercer University 14 to 1
- Emory University $55,468
- Mercer University $38,746
- Piedmont University $28,340
- Clark Atlanta University $24,012
- Georgia Tech $10,258
- University of Georgia $9,790
- Georgia College & State University $7,508
- Georgia State University $7,158
- Valdosta State University $4,371
- Columbus State University $4,371
- Emory University $44,800
- Clark Atlanta University $16,614
- Mercer University $15,244
- Georgia Tech $14,570
- Piedmont University $10,800
- University of Georgia $8,878
- Georgia State University $7,164
- Columbus State University $6,300
- Georgia College & State University $5,292
- Georgia Southern University $4,986
- Piedmont University
- Georgia College & State University
- Columbus State University
- University of West Georgia
- Valdosta State University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Georgia Southern University
- Mercer University
- Georgia State University
- University of Georgia
- Piedmont University
- Columbus State University
- Georgia College & State University
- Valdosta State University
- University of West Georgia
- Georgia Southern University
- Mercer University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Georgia State University
- Georgia Tech
- Emory University 13%
- Georgia Tech 16%
- University of Georgia 40%
- Clark Atlanta University 58%
- Piedmont University 67%
- University of West Georgia 70%
- Mercer University 75%
- Valdosta State University 76%
- Columbus State University 79%
- Georgia College & State University 88%
- Emory University 9 to 1
- Piedmont University 10 to 1
- Mercer University 14 to 1
- Georgia College & State University 16 to 1
- University of Georgia 17 to 1
- Columbus State University 17 to 1
- Georgia Tech 19 to 1
- Clark Atlanta University 19 to 1
- University of West Georgia 19 to 1
- Valdosta State University 20 to 1
- Valdosta State University $4,371
- Columbus State University $4,371
- University of West Georgia $4,371
- Georgia Southern University $4,371
- Georgia State University $7,158
- Georgia College & State University $7,508
- University of Georgia $9,790
- Georgia Tech $10,258
- Clark Atlanta University $24,012
- Piedmont University $28,340
- University of West Georgia $4,338
- Valdosta State University $4,572
- Georgia Southern University $4,986
- Georgia College & State University $5,292
- Columbus State University $6,300
- Georgia State University $7,164
- University of Georgia $8,878
- Piedmont University $10,800
- Georgia Tech $14,570
- Mercer University $15,244
Colleges and Universities in Georgia
The state of Georgia is home to 70 colleges and universities. 38 of these schools are public institutions, each offering a wide variety of traditional and online courses as well as a full range of graduate programs for both on-campus and online students.
The University of Georgia, located in the city of Athens, is the largest college in Georgia, with over 35,000 students. Those attending Georgia State University and Georgia Southern University will enter into a friendly athletics rivalry. Tuition at Georgia State costs $9,000, and at Georgia Southern, $6,000.
Both the University of Georgia and Georgia State University are among the 36 colleges in Georgia offering online degree programs.
In addition, there are numerous fully online colleges in Georgia with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Of the 20 religiously affiliated colleges and schools in Georgia, Emory University has both the highest tuition at just over $50,000 per year, and the largest private school student population, with over 13,000 in attendance.
Georgia is also home to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture, advertising, art history, and more.
Prospective students looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree can choose from an extremely broad range of in-class and online programs.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Both traditional and online students in Georgia can earn degrees in religious studies, business, social work, law, and computer science. Those looking to attend technical colleges can also choose from a handful of brick-and-mortar and online colleges that offer two-year degrees in medicine, nursing, and education.
Part of the University System of Georgia, Atlanta Metropolitan State college is the state’s most affordable college at $3,000. Students at Atlanta Metropolitan can major in fields like mathematics, criminal justice, and philosophy. Most degree programs are available through in-person or online programs.
Georgia is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and the Okefenokee Swamp, which is the largest such water-mass in North America. This diverse landscape in The Peach State provides Georgia’s college and graduate students with a beautiful backdrop for an education. It’s also worth noting that Georgia residents who enroll in fully online programs at public universities or community colleges in Georgia will still receive in-state tuition discounts.
Georgia also offers a loan repayment-based financial aid program for qualifying graduates in the medical field through the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce. Check out the best traditional and online degree programs and top career paths this southern state has to offer.
What are Georgia’s Colleges & Universities?
- 9 Research Universities
- 37 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 31 Graduate Schools
- 22 Public Colleges & Universities
- 24 Private Colleges & Universities
- 17 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 32 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 26 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 18 Community Colleges
- 36 Online Colleges
Georgia’s Best Overall
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 2023
- #10 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #11 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #24 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #16 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
- #7 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
- #18 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
92%
Student body
48K
Median SAT/ACT
1450/33
Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Tech
Cost of Degree: $11,764Expenses: $16,342Starting Salary: $85,900Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgia Tech known for?
Georgia Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024
- #9 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
90%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1455/32
Career Outlook for degree at Emory University
Cost of Degree: $57,948Expenses: $20,866Starting Salary: $84,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Emory University known for?
Emory University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #3 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024
- #6 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #1 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #2 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #3 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #5 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #5 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #13 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #14 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #18 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #22 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
40%
Graduation
88%
Student body
43K
Median SAT/ACT
1355/31
Career Outlook for degree at University of Georgia
Cost of Degree: $11,180Expenses: $16,362Starting Salary: $59,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Georgia known for?
University of Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
56%
Student body
43K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/23
Career Outlook for degree at Georgia State University
Cost of Degree: $8,478Expenses: $20,479Starting Salary: $48,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgia State University known for?
Georgia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Business
- Economics
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- History
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024 #1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Theology
- #8 Best RN to BSN Online
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
74%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1260/28
Career Outlook for degree at Mercer University
Cost of Degree: $30,317Expenses: $18,044Starting Salary: $58,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mercer University known for?
Mercer University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #20 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Georgia
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #9 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #10 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #19 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #24 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
54%
Student body
31K
Median SAT/ACT
1081/21
Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Southern University
Cost of Degree: $5,905Expenses: $18,990Starting Salary: $46,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgia Southern University known for?
Georgia Southern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
42%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
960/18
Career Outlook for degree at Clark Atlanta University
Cost of Degree: $24,730Expenses: $16,194Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Clark Atlanta University known for?
Clark Atlanta University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Education
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #6 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #8 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #8 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #11 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
41%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/21
Career Outlook for degree at Valdosta State University
Cost of Degree: $6,007Expenses: $15,824Starting Salary: $41,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Valdosta State University known for?
Valdosta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #5 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #10 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
- #13 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #20 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
- #20 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
42%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
995/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of West Georgia
Cost of Degree: $5,941Expenses: $20,182Starting Salary: $41,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of West Georgia known for?
University of West Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #20 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #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
79%
Graduation
43%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
970/20
Career Outlook for degree at Columbus State University
Cost of Degree: $5,751Expenses: $16,940Starting Salary: $38,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Columbus State University known for?
Columbus State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Education
- Communications
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #10 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024 #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
62%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1172/25
Career Outlook for degree at Georgia College & State University
Cost of Degree: $8,974Expenses: $18,948Starting Salary: $45,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgia College & State University known for?
Georgia College & State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
48%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/22
Career Outlook for degree at Piedmont University
Cost of Degree: $29,190Expenses: $16,490Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Piedmont University known for?
Piedmont University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Biology
- Communications
- Business
- Medical
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Georgia’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
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 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.