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Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GAPublic
$2,568
Tuition/yr
47%
Grad rate
87.2
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best computer programming degree programs: Georgia State, U of Georgia, Emory
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,400 to $59,920/year
Chattahoochee Technical C... offers the most affordable option at $2,400/yr
Computer Programming degree programs available: 13 associate's, 9 master's, 4 doctoral in Georgia
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
15 online computer programming degree programs in Georgia
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Georgia community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
13 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft, Calendly
Tech hubs in Atlanta and Savannah
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Programming degree programs near 64+ cities across Georgia
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Georgia Computer Programming programs
We rank 39 accredited computer programming programs in Georgia using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Computer Programming Degree Programs in Georgia Worth It?
Answer
$107,450
Yes. The best computer programming degree programs in Georgia deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $107,450 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $10,539/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in Georgia
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in Georgia by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in Georgia
14
Programs ranked
$3,766
Avg tuition/yr
39%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Georgia offers 13 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Chattahoochee Technical C..., Georgia Military College, Gwinnett Technical College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Georgia offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,659/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $59,098 in Georgia.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Georgia's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer programming schools in Georgia, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in Georgia.
Show all 14 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Clarkston, GA | Public | $2,586 | 44% | 80.0 |
| #7 | Georgia Military College | Milledgeville, GA | Public | $7,605 | 38% | 77.0 |
| #8 | Albany Technical College | Albany, GA | Public | $2,568 | 42% | 76.3 |
| #9 | Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville, GA | Public | $2,568 | 32% | 75.0 |
| #10 | West Georgia Technical College | Waco, GA | Public | $2,568 | 35% | 74.7 |
| #11 | Lanier Technical College | Gainesville, GA | Public | $3,210 | 34% | 72.4 |
| #12 | Augusta Technical College | Augusta, GA | Public | $3,210 | 31% | 66.1 |
| #13 | Columbus Technical College | Columbus, GA | Public | $3,210 | 27% | 59.9 |
| #14 | Herzing University-Atlanta | Atlanta, GA | Private nonprofit | $12,360 | 14% | 54.7 |
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in Georgia
2
Programs ranked
$21,813
Avg tuition/yr
42%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Georgia ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer programming education, with 13 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 7 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Georgia State, U of Georgia, Emory, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Georgia computer programming programs earn a median salary of $91,333, 7% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,064 to $59,920 annually, with an average of $18,530/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Georgia's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer programming degrees in Georgia, these top-ranked computer programming schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Computer Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in Georgia
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,539/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $26,348/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,635/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $63,236 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $15,808 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in Georgia
State Aid Programs
Georgia offers exceptional merit-based financial aid through the HOPE Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship programs. The HOPE Scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition at Georgia public colleges for students maintaining 3.0 GPA, while the Zell Miller Scholarship provides full tuition coverage for students with 3.7 GPA and minimum 1200 SAT score (Georgia Student Finance Commission). These programs make Georgia public universities exceptionally affordable for qualified state residents.
Key Programs & Amounts
Need-based financial aid supplements merit programs. Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 annually for eligible students, while the Georgia HOPE Grant supports technical college students. Work-study positions in campus IT departments and research laboratories provide income while developing programming experience relevant to future careers.
Institutional Scholarships
Technology-specific scholarships support programming students at Georgia institutions. Georgia Tech's College of Computing offers scholarships for outstanding undergraduates, while corporate sponsors including NCR, Coca-Cola, and Home Depot fund scholarships for students pursuing technology careers. Women in computing scholarships and diversity initiatives provide additional funding opportunities.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, Georgia
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree in Georgia. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+750%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,386,612
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$125,000
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,422,020
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Atlanta, GA)$125,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.3%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Programming Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Georgia metro areas
Atlanta$118K
Savannah$113K
Augusta$107K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $118K |
| Savannah | $113K |
| Augusta | $107K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Programming Graduates in Georgia
Find computer programming jobs in Georgia. These major employers across Georgia metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming Jobs in Atlanta
GAAtlanta is a major tech hub anchored by Georgia Tech, with strong fintech, retail tech, and enterprise software sectors.
Nearby cities: Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Buckhead, Midtown
Microsoft
Enterprise Software/Cloud
Google
Search/Cloud/AI
Salesforce
Enterprise CRM
NCR Corporation
Financial Tech/POS
The Home Depot
Retail Tech
Delta Air Lines
Aviation Tech
Mailchimp (Intuit)
Marketing Tech
Cox Enterprises
Media/Telecom
Equifax
Data/Financial Services
Cardlytics
Fintech
Georgia Tech Industry & Infrastructure
Georgia's tech market is anchored by Atlanta — one of the strongest US tech metros outside Silicon Valley and the East Coast core. Augusta hosts a globally significant cybersecurity cluster around Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) and the Army Cyber Center of Excellence. The state combines no-state-income-tax for tech expansion, the HOPE Scholarship pipeline filling Georgia Tech, and a deep enterprise-IT employer base.
Atlanta
Atlanta metro
Headquarters for Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS, Delta, NCR Voyix, Mailchimp (Intuit), Square/Block, and dozens of Fortune 500 IT operations. Strong fintech (Atlanta has been called 'Transaction Alley' for payments), e-commerce, and enterprise-software markets. Georgia Tech is the principal feeder for senior tech roles.
Augusta / Fort Eisenhower
Augusta metro
Home to the Army Cyber Center of Excellence and U.S. Cyber Command operations. Largest US concentration of military cybersecurity professionals outside DC. Cyber-cleared engineering roles dominate the local market, with substantial private-sector cybersecurity employment around the base.
Savannah
Savannah metro
Logistics-tech (Port of Savannah is the 3rd-largest US container port), defense (Gulfstream Aerospace), and an emerging consumer/startup tech scene. Smaller market but growing.
Georgia has a flat state income tax (5.39% in 2026, declining). The Georgia Investment Tax Credit and Quality Jobs Tax Credit are the principal state-level tech-employer incentives.
Georgia Regulation Affecting Computer Programming Graduates
Georgia has not enacted a comprehensive consumer privacy law in the CCPA/VCDPA mold, but the state's cybercrime statutes, identity-theft protections, and active legislation around AI in state government shape the engineering compliance environment.
Georgia Personal Identity Protection Act
Requires businesses to notify Georgia residents of data breaches involving personal information; sets minimum standards for data security practices.
Standard breach-notification compliance for any GA-resident-serving business.
Read moreGeorgia Computer Systems Protection Act (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-90 et seq.)
State-level cybercrime statute covering unauthorized computer access, computer trespass, computer theft, and identity theft. Establishes Georgia jurisdiction over cyber offenses.
Particularly relevant for cybersecurity, incident response, and ethical-hacking work performed within Georgia.
Read moreGeorgia consumer privacy legislation (proposed)
Multiple sessions have seen bills introduced to create CCPA-style privacy rights; none has passed as of 2026.
Engineers should watch this — Georgia passing comprehensive privacy would materially change tech compliance overhead in Atlanta-headquartered businesses.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in Georgia
Georgia does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. ABET-EAC accreditation is recognized for traditional engineering PE tracks; software engineering is not a recognized Georgia PE discipline. For cybersecurity professionals, federal clearance requirements (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) are far more relevant in the Augusta market than PE licensure.
Georgia licensing boardGeorgia Financial Aid Programs
HOPE Scholarship
State merit scholarshipCovers a portion of tuition at GA public schools; varies
Georgia high school graduates with 3.0+ GPA attending eligible GA colleges/universities
Zell Miller Scholarship
State merit scholarship (top tier)Full standard undergraduate tuition at GA public schools
Georgia HS grads with 3.7+ GPA + qualifying SAT/ACT scores at eligible GA institutions
HOPE Grant
State grantCovers tuition at GA technical colleges
GA residents pursuing certificates or diplomas at GA technical colleges (no GPA requirement)
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
State grantUp to ~$900/yr
GA residents attending eligible private GA institutions
REACH Georgia Scholarship
State mentorship + scholarship$2,500-$10,000 toward college, often paired with HOPE
Selected low-income Georgia students starting in 8th grade who maintain academic standing
Transfer Pathways for Computer Programming Degrees in Georgia
State Transfer System
Georgia's transfer system supports students beginning programming education at community and technical colleges. The University System of Georgia coordinates articulation agreements ensuring credits transfer between member institutions. Students completing associate degrees with designated computer science prerequisites receive guaranteed admission pathways to university programs (USG Transfer).
How Transfers Work
Georgia State University's partnership with Perimeter College provides integrated transfer pathways. Students completing programming coursework at Perimeter College, a two-year division of Georgia State, transfer seamlessly into the university's computer science program with full credit recognition. This pathway offers substantial cost savings while providing access to Georgia State's downtown Atlanta location near major employers.
Transfer Planning Tips
Technical College System of Georgia graduates may transfer credits to universities through articulation agreements specific to each institution. While not all technical college credits transfer to research universities, many programming courses articulate to regional comprehensive universities. TCSG's low tuition rates make this pathway particularly cost-effective for students seeking affordable programming education.
Computer Programming Job Growth in Georgia
15%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for computer programming occupations in Georgia through 2024-2034. The median salary stands at $107,450 with 28 accredited programs statewide.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in Georgia
Employment Outlook
Georgia's programming job market demonstrates exceptional strength and diversity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 72,370 software developer positions in Georgia with median annual wages of $108,080, while computer programmers earn median salaries of $92,340 (BLS). The Atlanta metropolitan area captures the majority of these positions, though Augusta's cyber sector and Savannah's logistics technology create additional regional opportunities.
Salaries by Metro
Financial technology dominates Georgia's programming employment. NCR Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, employs thousands of programmers developing point-of-sale systems, ATM software, and digital banking platforms (NCR Careers). Fiserv, Global Payments, Worldpay, and numerous fintech startups collectively require programmers capable of building secure, high-performance transaction processing systems handling billions of dollars daily.
High-Growth Sectors
Logistics and supply chain technology provides substantial programming employment. Delta Air Lines, UPS's significant Atlanta operations, The Home Depot's technology center, and Coca-Cola's digital initiatives all require programmers building systems managing global operations. These enterprise programming positions offer competitive compensation and exposure to complex, mission-critical systems at scale.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Georgia$69,843$155,803
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in Georgia
Online Programs
15 available in Georgia
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$9,485/yr$10,539/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $12,400
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Alabama
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $10,700
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $16,500
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in North Carolina
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in South Carolina
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $16,500
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
Computer Programming Degree Programs in Georgia: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in Georgia?
The best computer programming degree programs in Georgia based on our methodology are: 1) Georgia State University (94% graduation rate), 2) University of Georgia, and 3) Emory University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Georgia offers 28 total accredited programs across 22 public and 6 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 13 bachelor's programs.
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in Georgia?
Computer Programming degree program costs in Georgia vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $10,539/year, while private institutions average $23,186/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $2,635/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $42,156 at public schools to $92,743 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in Georgia?
Computer Programming professionals in Georgia earn a median salary of $107,450, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $69,843, while senior roles exceed $155,803. Salaries vary by metro area: Atlanta ($118,195), Savannah ($112,823) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online computer programming degree programs in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia offers 15 accredited online Computer Programming programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and Georgia Military College. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire computer programming degree graduates in Georgia?
Major Computer Programming employers in Georgia include NCR, Mailchimp, SalesLoft, Calendly, OneTrust. The Atlanta and Savannah metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Georgia universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Georgia's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a computer programming degree program worth it in Georgia?
A computer programming degree program in Georgia offers strong ROI with a $107,450 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $10,539/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($121,418), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do computer programming degree programs take in Georgia?
Standard completion times for computer programming degree programs in Georgia are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Georgia community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Georgia university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for computer programming degree students in Georgia?
Georgia computer programming degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Georgia state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Georgia's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Georgia salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.