Savings Simulator
Estimate your total degree savings
*Simulating savings based on Georgia Average's current in-state qualification rules.
Total Savings Goal
$53,536
Estimated Benefit Over 4 Years
Georgia Universities
| University | In-State | Out-of-State | 4yr Savings | SAT Avg | Accept Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta • Public | $12,682 | $33,794 | $84,448 | 1480 | 17% |
| Emory University Atlanta • Private | $59,442 | $59,442 | $0 | 1490 | 11% |
| University of Georgia Athens • Public | $12,080 | $31,120 | $76,160 | 1360 | 42% |
Top Education Hubs in Georgia
Higher Education in Georgia
Georgia offers exceptional higher education value through its renowned HOPE Scholarship program and strong public university system. The University System of Georgia (USG) comprises 26 institutions serving over 340,000 students, providing accessible pathways from community colleges to flagship research universities.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is consistently ranked among the nation's top public universities, particularly for engineering, computer science, and business. Located in Atlanta, Tech provides world-class STEM education at remarkably affordable in-state tuition. Georgia Tech ranks #4 nationally for engineering programs and #5 for computer science.
The University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens is the state's comprehensive flagship university, offering 170+ undergraduate majors. UGA excels in business (Terry College), journalism (Grady College), veterinary medicine, and agriculture. Its beautiful Southern campus and passionate athletics tradition create the quintessential college experience.
Private institutions include Emory University (top-20 nationally, excellent medical and business schools), Spelman and Morehouse Colleges (historically Black colleges with national prestige), and Agnes Scott College. Atlanta's concentration of universities creates a vibrant higher education hub.
For 2025-2026, Georgia Tech in-state tuition averages approximately $12,700, while UGA is around $12,100—both remarkably affordable for universities of their caliber. Georgia's HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships can cover tuition entirely for qualifying students, making Georgia one of the most affordable states for high-achieving students.
Georgia Tech vs UGA: Choosing Georgia's Flagships
Georgia's two flagship universities—Georgia Tech and UGA—offer distinct academic cultures and strengths. Understanding these differences helps students find the right fit.
Georgia Tech is intensely STEM-focused with 70%+ of students in engineering, computing, or sciences. Located in Midtown Atlanta, Tech emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. The academic culture is rigorous and collaborative. Greek life and athletics (ACC football) exist but academics dominate student life. Co-op programs are popular, with many students gaining work experience before graduation.
UGA offers broader academic programs spanning liberal arts, sciences, business, and professions. Located in the college town of Athens, UGA provides a traditional Southern university experience with strong football culture, Greek life, and campus traditions. The academic environment is rigorous but more balanced with campus social life.
Tuition is nearly identical (~$12,000-$13,000 in-state). The choice depends on academic interests and preferred environment: Tech for STEM-focused students who want urban Atlanta access; UGA for students wanting comprehensive program options and traditional college-town experience.
Other strong USG options include Georgia State (urban Atlanta, diverse), Kennesaw State (suburban Atlanta, growing rapidly), and Georgia Southern (coastal, regional focus).
| Aspect | TECH | UGA |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 44,000 students | 40,600 students |
| In-State Tuition | ~$12,700/year | ~$12,100/year |
| Top Programs | Engineering, CS, Business | Business, Journalism, Vet Med |
| Setting | Urban (Atlanta) | College Town (Athens) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~17% | ~42% |
| Academic Focus | STEM Intensive | Comprehensive |
Georgia Financial Aid & Scholarships
Georgia's HOPE Scholarship program is one of the nation's best state-funded merit aid programs, making college remarkably affordable for qualifying residents.
The HOPE Scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition (approximately $7,624 for 2025-2026) at Georgia public colleges for students who graduate from Georgia high schools with a 3.0+ GPA. Students must maintain a 3.0 college GPA to retain HOPE throughout their enrollment. HOPE can also be used at private Georgia colleges (fixed award of ~$4,000).
The Zell Miller Scholarship is HOPE's prestigious upgrade, covering full tuition at Georgia public colleges for students graduating with a 3.7+ GPA and scoring 1200+ combined SAT (or 26+ ACT). Zell Miller recipients must maintain a 3.3 college GPA. This scholarship makes Georgia Tech and UGA essentially tuition-free for high-achieving Georgia residents.
Georgia's HOPE Career Grant covers tuition for students pursuing technical certificates in high-demand fields at technical colleges. This program addresses workforce needs while providing credential pathways.
Georgia Tech and UGA also offer institutional scholarships. Tech's President's Scholarship Program provides full cost of attendance for select students. UGA's Foundation Fellowships cover full cost plus research and travel stipends. Both universities meet significant portions of demonstrated need.
Emory University meets 100% of demonstrated need. Families earning under $75,000 typically attend tuition-free. Spelman and Morehouse provide strong need-based and merit packages for qualifying students.
To maximize aid, maintain strong high school GPA, take rigorous courses, and prepare for standardized tests. HOPE and Zell Miller are automatic for qualifying Georgia residents—no separate application needed beyond college admission.
Georgia In-State Residency Requirements
Georgia residency for tuition purposes requires establishing legal domicile in Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months before the term begins. Georgia uses a comprehensive domicile test evaluating intent and actions.
For dependent students (under 24 and claimed on parents' taxes), residency follows parental domicile. At least one parent must have maintained legal domicile in Georgia for 12+ months with documentation including: Georgia driver's license, voter registration, permanent employment, property ownership or lease, vehicle registration in Georgia, and Georgia tax filing.
For independent students, you must establish Georgia domicile with physical presence and intent to make Georgia your permanent home for 12+ months. Documentation includes: Georgia driver's license, voter registration, bank accounts, employment records, utility bills, lease agreements, and vehicle registration. Merely owning property in Georgia is insufficient.
Critical requirement for HOPE/Zell Miller: Students must graduate from a Georgia high school (or complete a Georgia home study program) AND be a Georgia resident at graduation to qualify for HOPE/Zell Miller upon entering college. Moving to Georgia after high school graduation does not qualify you for these scholarships, even after establishing residency.
For tuition purposes only (not HOPE), students who establish 12-month Georgia residency may reclassify as in-state. However, moving to Georgia primarily for education typically doesn't establish residency—Georgia presumes educational presence is temporary.
Given the combined value of in-state tuition plus HOPE/Zell Miller (potentially $20,000+ annual savings), families should plan Georgia relocation before students enter high school to maximize benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia Tech's in-state tuition for 2025-2026?
Georgia Tech in-state tuition and fees total approximately $12,682 for 2025-2026. With room and board (~$11,716), books, and expenses, total cost of attendance is approximately $27,000-$30,000 annually. However, HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships can reduce tuition significantly.
How does the HOPE Scholarship work?
HOPE covers approximately $7,624 annually in tuition at Georgia public colleges for students graduating from Georgia high schools with a 3.0+ GPA. Students must maintain a 3.0 college GPA to continue receiving HOPE. It's automatically awarded—no separate application needed beyond attending a Georgia college.
What is the Zell Miller Scholarship?
Zell Miller is HOPE's premium tier, covering full tuition at Georgia public universities. Requirements: graduate from a Georgia high school with 3.7+ GPA AND score 1200+ SAT (math + reading) or 26+ ACT. Students must maintain a 3.3 college GPA to keep it. Combined with other aid, many Georgia students attend Tech or UGA essentially free.
How competitive is Georgia Tech admission?
Very competitive. Georgia Tech accepts approximately 17% of applicants. Middle 50% SAT scores range from 1390-1530. Engineering and computer science are particularly competitive. Strong math and science preparation, challenging coursework, and compelling essays are essential. Georgia residents have slight advantages but Tech draws heavily from out-of-state.
What SAT scores do I need for UGA?
UGA's middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1280-1440. Competitive applicants typically score 1300+. UGA places significant weight on rigor of coursework, GPA trend, and application essays. For honors programs, higher scores (1400+) are advantageous.
Can I get HOPE if I move to Georgia for college?
No. HOPE and Zell Miller require graduating from a Georgia high school (or approved home study program) while a Georgia resident. Moving to Georgia after high school graduation does not qualify you for HOPE. You may eventually qualify for in-state tuition after establishing 12-month residency, but not HOPE.
Is Emory University worth the cost?
Emory is a top-20 national university with exceptional pre-med, business (Goizueta), and liberal arts programs. The $63,000+ sticker price is high, but Emory meets 100% of demonstrated need. Families earning under $75,000 typically pay no tuition. For students receiving good aid, Emory offers world-class education with excellent career outcomes.
What are Georgia Tech's best programs?
Georgia Tech excels in engineering (#4 nationally), computer science (#5), business (Scheller, particularly operations and analytics), design (Industrial Design is top-ranked), and sciences. Tech is particularly known for aerospace, biomedical, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The co-op program is excellent for work experience.
What is the difference between Georgia State and UGA?
Georgia State is an urban research university in downtown Atlanta serving 54,000+ students, many commuters and working adults. It's less selective than UGA but offers strong business, health, and public policy programs. UGA in Athens is more traditional, more selective, residential-focused with stronger athletics and campus culture.
How do I maintain HOPE throughout college?
Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA at checkpoints (after 30, 60, and 90 credit hours). If you drop below 3.0, you lose HOPE but can regain it if you bring your cumulative GPA back to 3.0. Taking challenging courses strategically early can help maintain HOPE. Many students lose HOPE after freshman year—seek academic support if needed.
What makes Spelman and Morehouse special?
Spelman (women) and Morehouse (men) are historically Black colleges with exceptional reputations for developing African American leaders. Both have strong STEM programs augmented by partnerships with Georgia Tech. Alumni networks are powerful, and the supportive community fosters high achievement. Both offer strong need-based and merit aid.
What are housing costs at Georgia universities?
Room and board at UGA and Georgia Tech averages $11,000-$12,000 annually. Atlanta (Tech, Georgia State, Emory) has higher off-campus housing costs than Athens (UGA). Most flagships require freshmen to live on campus. Off-campus housing in Athens is relatively affordable.
Can I transfer from Georgia State to Georgia Tech?
Yes, but it's competitive. Georgia Tech accepts transfers primarily into engineering and computing programs. Maintain a 3.5+ GPA, complete required math and science prerequisites with strong grades, and apply by March deadline. Transfer from Georgia State, Georgia Southern, or Kennesaw State is possible with strong preparation.
What is Kennesaw State University known for?
Kennesaw State, located in suburban Atlanta, is Georgia's second-largest university serving 43,000+ students. Known for nursing, business, engineering technology, and education programs. It merged with Southern Polytechnic and now offers strong applied STEM programs. KSU is less selective and more affordable than Tech or UGA.
Are there good pre-med programs in Georgia?
Yes. Emory is exceptional for pre-med with its top-20 medical school and research hospital. UGA's Pre-Medical Scholars program is strong. Georgia Tech offers rigorous science preparation, and many Tech graduates attend top medical schools. Morehouse and Spelman have successful pre-med tracks. Augusta University has Georgia's public medical school.
Official Data Sources & Authority
All tuition and enrollment data for Georgia is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We provide this data to help students make informed decisions based on official government records.
- Georgia Student Finance Commission. "HOPE Scholarship."Official Source
- Georgia Institute of Technology. "Tuition and Fees."Official Source
- University of Georgia. "Cost of Attendance."Official Source
- Emory University. "Financial Aid."Official Source
- University System of Georgia. "Residency Requirements."Official Source
- U.S. Department of Education. "College Navigator."nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).studentaid.gov
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