# Best Data Science Colleges in Georgia

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 24 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-georgia

## Methodology

Data Science programs in Georgia ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Data science is a rapidly growing field, and Georgia is home to some of the best programs in the country. As we consider our options for higher education, it's crucial to look closely at how these schools prepare students for the workforce. With a strong emphasis on outcomes, students are weighing their choices based on factors like graduation rates, earnings potential, and financial burden.

The schools on this list are distinguished by their ability to produce graduates who not only complete their degrees but also secure high-paying jobs in the data science sector. The top institutions boast impressive earnings, with Georgia Institute of Technology graduates earning an average of $102,772. Meanwhile, the average graduation rate across these programs sits at just 46%, highlighting the importance of understanding each school's supportive environment as well.

For instance, Georgia Institute of Technology stands out with a graduation rate of 93% and low student debt, while Augusta University shows a concerning 49% graduation rate despite a net price that is similar. These differences may play a critical role in your decision-making process, hinting at a tradeoff between cost and long-term success as you explore the options below.

## Key Findings

- Georgia Institute of Technology graduates earn $102,772 on average, the highest in the state.
- Emory University has a graduation rate of 91% with a net price of $22,585.
- University of North Georgia has a low graduation rate of 37%, despite a net price of $9,823.
- The average earnings for data science graduates across these programs is $50,394.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgia-institute-of-technology-main-campus) | Atlanta, GA | 93% | $102,772 | $12,116 | $21,672 | 0.21x |
| 2 | [Emory University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emory-university) | Atlanta, GA | 91% | $80,137 | $22,585 | $18,250 | 0.23x |
| 3 | [University of Georgia](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-georgia) | Athens, GA | 89% | $68,726 | $13,936 | $18,500 | 0.27x |
| 4 | [Kennesaw State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kennesaw-state-university) | Kennesaw, GA | 50% | $57,552 | $15,048 | $23,833 | 0.41x |
| 5 | [University of North Georgia](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-georgia) | Dahlonega, GA | 37% | $50,135 | $9,823 | $17,750 | 0.35x |
| 6 | [Georgia State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgia-state-university) | Atlanta, GA | 53% | $47,384 | $15,931 | $20,903 | 0.44x |
| 7 | [Georgia Southern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgia-southern-university) | Statesboro, GA | 53% | $53,236 | $15,267 | $23,250 | 0.44x |
| 8 | [Clayton  State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clayton-state-university) | Morrow, GA | 38% | $49,179 | $8,365 | $25,706 | 0.52x |
| 9 | [Georgia College & State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgia-college-state-university) | Milledgeville, GA | 63% | $58,140 | $20,686 | $22,250 | 0.38x |
| 10 | [Columbus State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbus-state-university) | Columbus, GA | 42% | $44,544 | $13,115 | $26,000 | 0.58x |
| 11 | [Covenant College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/covenant-college) | Lookout Mountain, GA | 72% | $50,412 | $26,265 | $22,500 | 0.45x |
| 12 | [Valdosta State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/valdosta-state-university) | Valdosta, GA | 42% | $49,361 | $10,945 | $24,779 | 0.5x |
| 13 | [Middle Georgia State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/middle-georgia-state-university) | Macon, GA | 25% | $40,863 | $12,361 | $19,000 | 0.46x |
| 14 | [Georgia Southwestern State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgia-southwestern-state-university) | Americus, GA | 36% | $48,757 | $12,019 | $18,851 | 0.39x |
| 15 | [Atlanta Metropolitan State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/atlanta-metropolitan-state-college) | Atlanta, GA | 16% | $33,252 | $5,258 | $14,123 | 0.42x |
| 16 | [Gordon State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gordon-state-college) | Barnesville, GA | 19% | $37,871 | $8,105 | $17,500 | 0.46x |
| 17 | [Augusta University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/augusta-university) | Augusta, GA | 49% | $48,472 | $13,787 | $20,500 | 0.42x |
| 18 | [Georgia Gwinnett College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgia-gwinnett-college) | Lawrenceville, GA | 21% | $47,730 | $15,844 | $20,076 | 0.42x |
| 19 | [Fort Valley State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fort-valley-state-university) | Fort Valley, GA | 43% | $36,666 | $10,338 | $31,000 | 0.85x |
| 20 | [Georgia Military College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgia-military-college) | Milledgeville, GA | 35% | $39,257 | $16,923 | $8,563 | 0.22x |
| 21 | [Savannah State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/savannah-state-university) | Savannah, GA | 27% | $37,981 | $8,172 | $28,000 | 0.74x |
| 22 | [Clark Atlanta University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clark-atlanta-university) | Atlanta, GA | 48% | $42,712 | $37,702 | $27,000 | 0.63x |
| 23 | [Life University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/life-university) | Marietta, GA | 36% | $47,397 | $29,791 | $16,666 | 0.35x |
| 24 | [Herzing University-Atlanta](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/herzing-university-atlanta) | Atlanta, GA | 19% | $36,909 | $21,679 | $21,500 | 0.58x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Data Science Colleges in Georgia." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-georgia

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.