Best Network Administration Programs in Georgia 2025

Georgia offers 9 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of North Georgia, Augusta University, Dalton State College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,215 in the Georgia market.

A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.

For graduate study, Georgia offers 5 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, University of Georgia, 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 network administration programs in Georgia are at Dalton State College ($2,563/year), University of North Georgia ($4,230/year), Columbus State University ($4,371/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Georgia's competitive tech salaries.

At Dalton State College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $10,252 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,215, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.

Georgia's network administration job market shows robust growth, with 2,840 network administrators currently employed statewide earning a median salary of $78,540 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics). This represents an 8% premium over the national median of $72,520, driven primarily by demand in Atlanta's thriving technology sector.

The Atlanta metropolitan area dominates Georgia's network administration landscape, accounting for 68% of all job openings and offering the highest salaries in the state. Major employers include Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, and emerging fintech companies like NCR Corporation and Global Payments.

Employment growth projections for network administrators in Georgia exceed national averages, with the Georgia Department of Labor forecasting 12% growth through 2032. This growth is fueled by digital transformation initiatives across traditional industries, cloud migration projects, and the expansion of cybersecurity infrastructure. Students pursuing network administration degrees in Georgia benefit from this favorable market environment and strong industry partnerships.

• Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA: 1,930 jobs, median salary $82,140
• Augusta-Richmond County MSA: 180 jobs, median salary $71,680
• Columbus MSA: 145 jobs, median salary $69,420
• Savannah MSA: 120 jobs, median salary $67,850

Georgia residents benefit from several financial aid programs specifically supporting STEM education, including the Georgia HOPE Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship. The HOPE Scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition at public institutions, while the Zell Miller Scholarship provides full tuition coverage for top academic performers. These programs substantially reduce the cost barrier for pursuing network administration degrees in Georgia.

Public institutions dominate Georgia's most affordable options, with Middle Georgia State University offering the lowest tuition at $4,392 annually for in-state students. However, cost analysis should consider total return on investment, including graduation rates and employment outcomes. Higher-tuition programs like Georgia Institute of Technology often provide superior value through better job placement rates and higher starting salaries.

Additional funding opportunities include the SMART Scholarship for students interested in federal cybersecurity careers and corporate scholarship programs from major Georgia employers. Students should also explore federal financial aid options and employer tuition reimbursement programs available at many technology companies in the Atlanta area.

• Georgia HOPE Scholarship: Up to $3,900 annually for eligible students at public institutions
• Zell Miller Scholarship: Full tuition coverage for high academic achievers
• SMART Scholarship: Full tuition plus stipend for cybersecurity-focused students
• Corporate partnerships: Internship-to-scholarship programs with Delta, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola

Georgia's top network administration programs emphasize hands-on learning through comprehensive curricula covering network infrastructure, security protocols, and emerging technologies. Core coursework typically includes network design principles, TCP/IP protocol suites, routing and switching technologies, and network security fundamentals. Students also gain practical experience with industry-standard tools and platforms used by major employers.

Leading programs like those at Georgia Institute of Technology and Southern Polytechnic State University integrate cloud computing specializations, reflecting industry demand for hybrid and multi-cloud environments. These programs offer dedicated tracks in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, preparing graduates for cloud engineering bootcamps and advanced certifications.

Cybersecurity integration represents another key differentiator among Georgia programs. Universities like University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University embed cybersecurity fundamentals throughout their network administration curricula, addressing the growing overlap between network management and security operations. This approach prepares students for roles that combine traditional network administration with security responsibilities.

• Core Network Technologies: Cisco networking, Windows Server administration, Linux system management
• Cloud Specializations: AWS Solutions Architect preparation, Azure networking, hybrid cloud management
• Security Integration: Firewall configuration, intrusion detection systems, vulnerability assessment
• Emerging Technologies: Software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), IoT networking