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Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA | Public | 4-Year Institution

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is a public university in Atlanta, GA ranked #16 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 18,260 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 16.5%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Engineering.

Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 97.7% first-year retention, and 92.3% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

Families typically invest $13,289, about $3,709 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 68.2%, roughly 17.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $89,432. That's about $45,744 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community.

A+
Ranking
#16 of 6,272
How We Rank Schools Top-ranked schoolMost students finishLower tuitionHigher pay after collegeClose mentorshipPublic school option
At a Glance
Ranking
#16 of 6,272 (Top 0.3%)
Tuition
$11,764
Net Price
$13,289
4-Year Tuition
$47,056
Acceptance Rate
16.5%
Transfer Rate
4.5%
Student Population
18,260
Student-Faculty
18:1
Graduation Rate
92.3%
Retention Rate
97.7%
6-Yr Earnings
$89,432
ROI
68.2%

Who is Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Learners seeking elite outcomes
Students who thrive with close mentoring
Students aiming for strong salaries
Momentum seekers needing high retention
Graduation-focused planners
Students wanting a top-100 campus
Families tracking affordability closely
Students seeking strong career outcomes

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#16 of 6,272
Top 0.3% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
99.2 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
4.96 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
A+
#34 of 6,272
Affordability
B-
#1,013 of 6,272
Support
B+
#535 of 6,272
Career Outcomes
A+
#23 of 6,272

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus graduates 92.3% of students within six years and keeps 97.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$7,491-$17,250 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Highly likely
92.3% finish within six years. 57.1% complete in four years.
Will you get a job?
Highly likely
89.0% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $89,432. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$111,188
$27,797 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$59,800
$13,289 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 57.1% | 6-Year Rate: 92.3%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 57.1% and six-year completion is 92.3%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$27,797
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$13,289
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $11,764
Books and Supplies $800
On-Campus Room and Board $12,760
On-Campus Other Expenses $3,200
Total On-Campus Cost $27,797

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
13.7%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 13.7% of Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$7,491
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$9,083
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$13,349
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$16,601
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$17,250
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,491 to $17,250 depending on family income. Use Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$33,710
$30K-$48K families
~$40,874
$48K-$75K families
~$60,070
$75K-$110K families
~$74,704
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,601/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,250/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
68.2%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $89,432
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $89,432
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $20,000
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 84.7%
  • Employment Rate 89.0%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $89,432 six years after enrollment — roughly 105% above the national median.
Payback Period
0.67 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus graduates earn $89,432 median six years after enrollment, +105% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
16.5%
Highly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 650-740
  • SAT Math 680-790
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 28-34
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 18,260
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 97.7%
  • Graduation Rate 92.3%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1

How to Get Into Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 16.5%, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's 16.5% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1330 and 1530 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus undergraduates. Computer and Information Sciences, General, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering draw the most students.

  • Computer and Information Sciences, General 17.9%
  • Mechanical Engineering 14.5%
  • Industrial Engineering 10.0%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.6%
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering 6.3%
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineer 5.0%
See more majors
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee 5.0%
  • Chemical Engineering 4.9%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $155,126
  • 2. Computer Engineering $131,153
  • 3. Industrial Engineering $118,425
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $109,110
  • 5. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $102,958
  • 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $101,967
  • 7. Chemical Engineering $101,692
  • 8. Nuclear Engineering $98,613
  • 9. Mechanical Engineering $98,607
  • 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $96,355

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $191,919
  • 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $170,061
  • 3. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $149,706
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $147,708
  • 5. Architectural Sciences and Technology (Master's Degree) $125,345
  • 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degree) $122,569
  • 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $121,795
  • 8. Systems Engineering (Master's Degree) $118,944
  • 9. Manufacturing Engineering (Master's Degree) $118,763
  • 10. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $116,793

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $155,126—61% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($96,355). Graduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General programs lead with $191,919 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 706 graduates)
  • Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 572 graduates)
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree, 395 graduates)
  • Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 395 graduates)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 339 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Biology, General
  • Physics
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Science, Technology and Society
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Architecture
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Economics
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • History
  • Earth Systems Science
  • International/Global Studies
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Textile Sciences and Engineering
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Master's Degrees (47 programs)
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology
  • Civil Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Operations Research
  • Systems Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Statistics
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Real Estate Development
  • Economics
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
  • Mathematics
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Physics
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Public Health
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Systems Science
  • Biology, General
  • History
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Music
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Architecture
  • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (38 programs)
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Materials Engineering
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Physics
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Mathematics
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Earth Systems Science
  • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Operations Research
  • Computer Science
  • Biology, General
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Applied Mathematics
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology
  • Information Science/Studies
  • History
  • Economics
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Textile Sciences and Engineering
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Business/Managerial Economics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)
  • Public Policy Analysis

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 18,260
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 60.2%
  • Female Students 39.8%
  • Caucasian 36.0%
  • Asian 32.7%
  • Hispanic 8.5%
  • Black 8.3%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 13.7%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
84.9%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
93.6%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
8.7 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus has a diverse student body, with 36.0% identifying as White. Men make up 60.2% of undergraduates. About 13.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
84.9%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
93.6%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
8.7 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus delivers an 68.2% ROI that outpaces most private institutions while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #16 nationally, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.

Impressive 92.3% six-year graduation rate and $89,432 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $13,289 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 97.7% retention reflecting student satisfaction.

Public University Value: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's Competitive Position

EDsmart Grade: A+ | National Rank: #16 of 6272 | 99.2/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)

Value Proposition: At $13,289 annually, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 68.2% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($89,432 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.

Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.

Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.

Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 44 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.

Key Takeaways

  • 92.3% six-year graduation rate sits 29.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 97.7% first-year retention is 20.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 68.2% return on investment is 17.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $89,432 run about 105% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $13,289 is roughly $3,829 lower than the national median of $17,118.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 97.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 89.0% employment rate within three years sits 20.8 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Pell participation at 13.7% trails the national share by 25.2 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus—a public university in Atlanta, GA—at A+ overall. It holds a #16 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion A+, Support B+, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability B-.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

About 97.7% of first-year students return, and roughly 92.3% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures 68.2% for this program.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $13,289 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,797.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,508 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $20,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 13.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $89,432 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 105% higher.

Roughly 89.0% of graduates are employed three years out.

EDsmart lists the ROI at 68.2%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

16.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
4.96 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

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Compare with similar schools
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See ROI for your specific field of study
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Contact Information

  • AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
  • Endowment$2.93B
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate4.5%

Data Source & Methodology