Rankings / By State
Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia
- 44
- Schools
- $48,453
- Avg. Earnings
- 45%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,904
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,817
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $33,338 at the low end to $80,137 at the top. That 2.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Clayton State University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $49,179 against $8,365 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Gordon State College, at $8,105 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Emory University graduates 91% of its students, well above the 45% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Georgia Military College: graduates owe only 0.22× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Gordon State College ($8,105/yr) and Morehouse College ($39,013/yr) produce graduates earning $37,871 and $52,889 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $30,908 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Clayton State University outperforms Emory University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Emory University graduates 91% of its students versus 17% at Paine College. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Clayton State University and Emory University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $48K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Emory University #1 overall | $80,137 ▲ +65% vs avg | $22,585 | 91% | 73 |
| 2 University of Georgia #2 overall | $68,726 ▲ +42% vs avg | $13,936 | 89% | 70 |
| 3 Wesleyan College #3 overall | $44,317 ▼ -9% vs avg | $12,724 | 50% | 67 |
| $56,274 ▲ +16% vs avg | $24,754 | 71% | 66 | |
| $57,552 ▲ +19% vs avg | $15,048 | 50% | 66 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia
This analysis ranks 44 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $48,453 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 45% and an average net price of $18,904.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Clayton State University — Net Price: $8,365 | Graduation Rate: 38%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Emory University — 91% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Emory University — Median alumni earnings: $80,137
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$48,472
Median earnings (10yr)
43%
Median graduation rate
$17,711
Median net price
1.8%
Avg. mobility rate
Demand for mental-health and social-service professionals keeps rising, driven by greater awareness of mental-health needs, an aging population, and expanding access to services. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The social return is high and the financial return is capped, which makes program cost the most important variable in the value equation.
The median graduation rate across these 44 schools is 43%. Median graduate earnings reach $48,472 ten years after enrollment, roughly $472 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $17,711 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $23,935. Some 41% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.8%.
In human services, the cost of the degree matters as much as the career that follows it. Median earnings of roughly $48,472 and a net price of about $17,711 leave little room for heavy borrowing. Graduates who keep debt minimal do best in a field where the rewards are primarily social rather than financial.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Emory University lands at #1 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (70/100). Graduates earn a median $80,137 a decade after enrolling, 65% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,585 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Georgia lands at #2 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (73/100). Graduates earn a median $68,726 a decade after enrolling, 42% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,936 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Wesleyan College lands at #3 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $44,317 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,724 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Agnes Scott College lands at #4 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $56,274 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,754 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Kennesaw State University lands at #5 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $57,552 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,048 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Gordon State College lands at #6 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $37,871 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,105 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
LaGrange College lands at #7 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $51,745 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,875 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Mercer University lands at #8 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $58,354 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,847 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of West Georgia lands at #9 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $49,587 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,786 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Clayton State University lands at #10 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,179 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,365 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Oglethorpe University lands at #11 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $55,232 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,509 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of North Georgia lands at #12 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,135 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,823 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Valdosta State University lands at #13 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $49,361 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,945 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Georgia Southern University lands at #14 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $53,236 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,267 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Berry College lands at #15 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $53,800 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,320 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Georgia State University lands at #16 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $47,384 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,931 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Covenant College lands at #17 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $50,412 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,265 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Milledgeville, GA · 78% accepted · $20,686 net
Why it ranks #18
Georgia College & State University lands at #18 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,140 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,686 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Reinhardt University lands at #19 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $46,541 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,425 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Georgia Southwestern State University lands at #20 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $48,757 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,019 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Spelman College lands at #21 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $59,993 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,967 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Brenau University lands at #22 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $54,003 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,924 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Fort Valley State University lands at #23 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (49/100). Graduates earn a median $36,666 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,338 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Middle Georgia State University lands at #24 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,863 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,361 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Truett McConnell University lands at #25 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $46,700 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,227 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Columbus State University lands at #26 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $44,544 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,115 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Piedmont University lands at #27 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $49,130 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,599 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Paine College lands at #28 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $33,338 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,670 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
College of Coastal Georgia lands at #29 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $39,318 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,261 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Clark Atlanta University lands at #30 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (23/100). Graduates earn a median $42,712 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $37,702 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Shorter University lands at #31 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $44,604 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,646 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Thomas University lands at #32 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $49,716 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,499 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Young Harris College lands at #33 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,195 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,034 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Georgia Gwinnett College lands at #34 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $47,730 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,844 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Georgia Military College lands at #35 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $39,257 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,923 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Morehouse College lands at #36 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (28/100). Graduates earn a median $52,889 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $39,013 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Savannah State University lands at #37 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $37,981 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,172 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Albany State University lands at #38 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $40,674 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,898 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Augusta University lands at #39 with a 54/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $48,472 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,787 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Emmanuel University lands at #40 with a 53/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (55/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $38,208 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,925 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Life University lands at #41 with a 51/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $47,397 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,791 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Toccoa Falls College lands at #42 with a 50/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (55/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,630 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,642 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Point University lands at #43 with a 48/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $38,740 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,335 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Morris Brown College lands at #44 with a 35/100 composite, led by academic quality (34/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Net price runs $24,901 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 44 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a psychology program is a significant decision for many students. With 43 schools in Georgia offering psychology degrees, students and families are navigating options that promise different outcomes and experiences.
The strongest programs on this list stand out by key outcomes: earnings after graduation, graduation rates, student debt, and the potential for upward mobility. By focusing on these metrics, we can better understand which colleges are effectively preparing students for successful careers and financial stability.
For instance, Emory University leads the pack with impressive earnings of $80,137 and a graduation rate of 91%. In contrast, Wesleyan College shows a stark difference with earnings at $44,317 and a graduation rate of only 50%. These numbers highlight the trade-offs students might face depending on their choice of institution.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 35 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.8%. Savannah State University leads the group at 4%, with Clark Atlanta University (3.3%) and Spelman College (3.3%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 10.3% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Paine College leads at 30.1%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 20.4% across this list. Emory University posts the highest success rate at 49.9%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.32 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Emory University reaches 1.78, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The data reveals a clear pattern: Emory University significantly outperforms its peers with high earnings and graduation rates. With $80,137 in average earnings, Emory's graduates are well-prepared for the workforce compared to Wesleyan College, where graduates earn $44,317 and have only a 50% graduation rate. This difference underscores the importance of choosing a program with proven outcomes.
After reviewing these schools, consider your own priorities. Are you looking for strong job placement after graduation, or is a lower cost more important? Think about the campus culture, program strengths, and how each school aligns with your academic and career goals. This data can guide you, but personal fit is crucial in making the right choice.
Ultimately, education is an investment in the future. The figures show that attending a school like Emory can lead to better earning potential and a higher likelihood of graduating. For one family, choosing the right psychology program could mean the difference between financial stability and struggle after graduation. It's a decision that requires careful consideration of the data and how it aligns with individual circumstances.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia ranking? +
Emory University in Atlanta, GA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $80,137 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 91% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Emory University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $80,137 ten years after enrollment, well above the $48,453 average across the 43 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Clayton State University leads: graduates earn a median $49,179 against net price of about $8,365 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Emory University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 91%, compared with a 45% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,904 a year across the 44 ranked schools with cost data. Gordon State College is among the most affordable at roughly $8,105. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 44 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
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