Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Georgia 2025
Georgia Institute of Technology
Top 5 CS program nationally with exceptional industry connections. 95% employment rate within 6 months and median starting salary of $105K
Emory University
Elite liberal arts approach to CS with small classes and strong research opportunities. Excellent graduate school placement
University of Georgia
Well-rounded CS program with strong alumni network and affordable tuition. Growing partnerships with Atlanta tech companies
- 1.Georgia has 35+ accredited computer science bachelor's programs across public and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Georgia Institute of Technology ranks #1 in Georgia and top 5 nationally with 92% graduation rate and direct Atlanta tech recruiting
- 3.Georgia software developers earn median $108,340 annually—comparable to national median with lower cost of living (BLS Georgia 2024)
- 4.Atlanta emerged as major tech hub with 150,000+ technology jobs and companies like Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce expanding operations
- 5.University System of Georgia offers affordable in-state tuition options starting at $11,818 at flagship universities
Computer Science Education Landscape in Georgia
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.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Georgia May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility
Georgia-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
Georgia Computer Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | Public | $12,852 | 92% | 18:1 | 97.8 |
| 2 | Emory University | Atlanta | Private | $57,948 | 89% | 7:1 | 89.2 |
| 3 | University of Georgia | Athens | Public | $11,818 | 87% | 17:1 | 86.5 |
| 4 | Mercer University | Macon | Private | $39,204 | 69% | 14:1 | 82.1 |
| 5 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | Public | $7,432 | 53% | 22:1 | 79.8 |
| 6 | Georgia State University | Atlanta | Public | $11,000 | 56% | 28:1 | 77.5 |
| 7 | Augusta University | Augusta | Public | $10,278 | 48% | 18:1 | 75.2 |
| 8 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | Public | $9,568 | 55% | 22:1 | 73.9 |
| 9 | Valdosta State University | Valdosta | Public | $7,332 | 47% | 20:1 | 71.6 |
| 10 | Columbus State University | Columbus | Public | $6,924 | 38% | 17:1 | 69.3 |
| 11 | Clark Atlanta University | Atlanta | Private | $24,432 | 45% | 16:1 | 67.8 |
| 12 | Spelman College | Atlanta | Private | $29,064 | 74% | 11:1 | 67.1 |
| 13 | Albany State University | Albany | Public | $6,450 | 34% | 19:1 | 65.4 |
| 14 | Morehouse College | Atlanta | Private | $28,707 | 56% | 13:1 | 64.9 |
| 15 | Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville | Public | $9,288 | 71% | 17:1 | 64.2 |
| 16 | Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley | Public | $6,450 | 32% | 17:1 | 62.1 |
| 17 | Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus | Public | $6,330 | 39% | 18:1 | 60.8 |
| 18 | Clayton State University | Morrow | Public | $6,576 | 31% | 16:1 | 59.5 |
| 19 | Georgia Highlands College | Rome | Public | $3,232 | 29% | 19:1 | 57.2 |
| 20 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon | Public | $4,392 | 27% | 18:1 | 55.9 |
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personal attention
- • Located in heart of Atlanta tech hub
- • Over 400 student organizations including competitive programming teams
- • State-of-the-art computing facilities and research labs
Program Strengths
- Consistently ranked #4-6 nationally in computer science
- 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Median starting salary of $105,000 for CS graduates
- Strong industry partnerships with Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple
- Cooperative education program providing real-world experience
- World-renowned faculty in AI, cybersecurity, and systems
Why Ranked #1
Georgia Tech consistently ranks among the top 5 computer science programs nationally. With a 92% graduation rate, world-class faculty, and direct pipelines to major tech companies, it provides exceptional value at public school tuition rates. The program's location in Atlanta offers unparalleled internship and job opportunities.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • 89% graduation rate with strong academic support
- • Located in Atlanta with access to tech internships
- • Research opportunities available from freshman year
- • Strong emphasis on ethical computing and social responsibility
Program Strengths
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio providing intensive mentorship
- Strong research opportunities in AI, bioinformatics, and data science
- Excellent graduate school placement rate (85% of interested students)
- Interdisciplinary approach combining CS with other fields
- Small class sizes fostering collaborative learning
- Access to Emory's extensive alumni network
Why Ranked #2
Emory offers an elite liberal arts approach to computer science with exceptional faculty mentorship and research opportunities. The program combines rigorous academics with a collaborative environment, making it ideal for students seeking graduate school preparation or research-focused careers.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • 87% graduation rate with strong retention support
- • 17:1 student-faculty ratio
- • Beautiful Athens campus with strong college atmosphere
- • Growing job placement rates in Atlanta tech sector
Program Strengths
- Well-rounded curriculum covering all CS fundamentals
- Growing partnerships with Atlanta tech companies
- Strong alumni network throughout Georgia and Southeast
- Affordable tuition with excellent academic resources
- Active student organizations and programming competitions
- Increasing research opportunities in emerging technologies
Why Ranked #3
UGA provides a comprehensive computer science education with strong fundamentals and growing industry connections. As Georgia's flagship university, it offers excellent value with in-state tuition under $12,000 and increasingly strong career outcomes as Atlanta companies recruit from the program.
University System of Georgia Computer Science Programs
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.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications, systems, and software solutions for Georgia's growing tech sector
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data sets for Atlanta's finance and logistics companies
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect digital assets for government agencies and private companies in Atlanta
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines for tech companies
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-2051Develop machine learning models and AI systems for various industries
Atlanta's Growing Technology Sector
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.
Computer Science Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia CS Program Cost Comparison
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $9,200 | $26,800 | $35,400 |
| Room & Board | $11,500 | $11,500 | $14,200 |
| Total Annual Cost | $20,700 | $38,300 | $49,600 |
| 4-Year Total | $82,800 | $153,200 | $198,400 |
| Financial Aid Available | HOPE Scholarship | Limited | Institutional Aid |
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to a top-5 CS program (Georgia Tech) at public school prices
- You prefer lower cost of living compared to California or Northeast
- You want to build a career in the growing Atlanta tech hub
- You qualify for Georgia's HOPE Scholarship (free tuition for residents)
- You value Southern culture and climate preferences
- You want strong job prospects without West Coast competition
- You want maximum program variety (California has 85+ options)
- You prefer established tech ecosystems (Silicon Valley, Seattle)
- You need extensive public transportation networks
- You prioritize international diversity in student populations
- You want to avoid hot, humid summers
- You prefer more liberal political environments
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia CS Programs
Related Computer Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official data on enrollment, graduation rates, tuition, and institutional characteristics from the National Center for Education Statistics
Current salary data for computer and mathematical occupations in Georgia, updated May 2024
Official information on Georgia public universities, admission requirements, and transfer policies
Information on HOPE Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, and other state financial aid programs
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.