Best Computer Science Programs in Georgia 2025

Georgia has emerged as a major technology destination, with Atlanta becoming a leading tech hub in the Southeast. The state offers excellent computer science education options, from world-renowned Georgia Tech to affordable University System of Georgia campuses. This combination of quality education and growing job opportunities makes Georgia an attractive destination for CS students.

For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national CS bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable CS programs guide which features several Georgia institutions. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for Georgia-specific compensation data.

The state's tech sector has grown rapidly, with major companies establishing significant operations in Atlanta and other cities. This growth creates abundant internship and job opportunities for Georgia CS graduates, making the state an excellent choice for building a technology career.

Georgia offers 25 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Georgia State University, University of Georgia. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,215 in the Georgia market.

A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.

For graduate study, Georgia offers 11 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Emory University, Georgia State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Georgia reaching $139,685 or more.

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Georgia are at Middle Georgia State University ($3,600/year), Albany State University ($4,064/year), Georgia Southwestern State University ($4,064/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Georgia's competitive tech salaries.

At Middle Georgia State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $14,400 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,215, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years.

Atlanta has emerged as a major technology hub in the Southeast, earning recognition as one of the top 10 tech cities in the United States. The city's combination of lower costs, business-friendly environment, and strong university partnerships has attracted major technology companies and startups alike.

Major Employers: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Salesforce, NCR, and UPS have significant operations in Atlanta. The city also hosts the headquarters of Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola, all of which have substantial technology divisions actively recruiting CS graduates.

Startup Ecosystem: Atlanta's startup scene continues to grow, with over 3,000 startups and several unicorn companies. Organizations like Atlanta Tech Village and Invest Atlanta provide resources and funding for new technology ventures.

For students considering career transitions, our guide on transitioning to tech provides valuable insights. Those interested in startup opportunities should read our analysis of startup vs big tech compensation.

The University System of Georgia (USG) operates 26 public institutions offering computer science degrees at various levels. This system provides affordable, quality education options throughout the state, with in-state tuition rates significantly lower than national averages.

Research Universities: Georgia Tech and University of Georgia lead the system as comprehensive research institutions. Both offer PhD programs and extensive research opportunities. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's elite CS programs, while UGA provides excellent value with strong academic support.

Regional Universities: Kennesaw State, Georgia State, and Georgia Southern serve as regional flagships offering bachelor's and master's degrees. These institutions have grown significantly and now provide strong career-focused CS education with increasing industry partnerships.

State Universities and Colleges: Smaller institutions like Augusta University, Valdosta State, and Columbus State offer more intimate educational experiences with smaller class sizes and close faculty mentorship.

The USG's coordinated approach ensures credit transfers between institutions and provides pathways for students to start at community colleges and transfer to four-year programs. For students exploring other programs, Georgia also offers strong options in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.