Students at Georgia Institute of Technology achieve some of the strongest long-term earnings outcomes available in public higher education, with graduates consistently outperforming peers nationwide.
The combination of exceptional earning potential and strong affordability makes Georgia Tech one of the clearest paths to financial success among public universities.
Georgia Institute of Technology ranks among the very top public universities nationwide for overall value, delivering exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it in the 99th percentile nationally. What sets Georgia Tech apart is its laser focus on high-demand technical fields that consistently lead to strong career outcomes. With median 10-year earnings of $102,772 and graduates routinely earning well into six figures, the institution represents one of the clearest paths to financial success in public higher education.
The university's strength lies in its concentrated program portfolio, heavily weighted toward engineering, computer science, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence. This technical focus creates a pipeline of graduates who enter some of the economy's highest-paying sectors, from software development and aerospace to advanced manufacturing and consulting. Nearly 7,000 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, reflecting both the scale and quality of Georgia Tech's career preparation.
As a highly selective public research university in Atlanta, Georgia Tech combines academic rigor with proximity to major employers and a thriving technology ecosystem. The institution serves a more selective student body than typical public universities, with only 14% of students receiving Pell Grants, but those who do gain access see remarkable upward mobility. For students who can meet its academic standards, Georgia Tech offers one of the strongest returns on investment available in public higher education.
Georgia Institute of Technology's program portfolio is heavily concentrated in high-demand technical fields that consistently deliver strong career outcomes. Artificial Intelligence leads with 706 graduates earning a median of $91,152, representing both the scale and earning power of Georgia Tech's emerging technology programs. Mechanical Engineering, the institution's largest program with 572 graduates, produces median earnings of $70,672 and demonstrates the breadth of Georgia Tech's engineering excellence.
Computer Engineering graduates earn $83,270 early in their careers, reflecting the premium that employers place on Georgia Tech's technical training and the strong demand for computing skills across industries. Even Biology, typically a lower-earning field at most institutions, benefits from Georgia Tech's technical environment and research connections, though at $27,476 it represents the more modest outcomes available in life sciences.
The concentration in engineering, computer science, and technology fields creates a consistent pipeline into sectors where starting salaries are high and career growth remains strong. Georgia Tech's location in Atlanta provides graduates with access to major technology companies, aerospace firms, consulting practices, and financial services, all of which recruit heavily from the institution's technically-trained student body. This combination of rigorous academic preparation and strong employer relationships helps explain why nearly 7,000 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually.
Georgia Institute of Technology delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that rank among the very best in public higher education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $102,772, placing the institution in the 99th percentile nationally for earnings. This performance reflects Georgia Tech's concentrated focus on high-demand technical fields where starting salaries are strong and career trajectories remain steep throughout the first decade after graduation.
The university's program portfolio drives these outstanding results. Artificial Intelligence leads with 706 graduates earning a median of $91,152, representing the highest aggregate return among all programs. Mechanical Engineering, the largest program with 572 graduates, produces median earnings of $70,672, while Computer Engineering graduates earn $83,270 early in their careers. Even Biology, typically a lower-earning field, shows the impact of Georgia Tech's technical environment and employer connections. This concentration in engineering, computer science, and emerging technology fields creates a consistent pipeline into sectors where demand remains high and compensation continues to grow.
Georgia Tech's location in Atlanta provides graduates access to a diverse economy that includes major technology companies, aerospace firms, consulting practices, and financial services. The combination of rigorous technical training and proximity to major employers helps explain why nearly 7,000 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating both the breadth and depth of career opportunities available to Georgia Tech alumni.
Georgia Institute of Technology offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families, despite its highly selective profile. Low-income students pay about $7,491 per year in net costs, well below the national average and placing the institution in the 90th percentile nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs around $13,349, while higher-income families pay approximately $17,250 — all reasonable figures given the exceptional long-term earning potential that Georgia Tech provides.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is about $21,672, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages $26,292 for families who choose to contribute directly to college costs. These debt levels are well-aligned with Georgia Tech's median graduate earnings of $102,772, creating a sustainable financial equation where loan payments represent a reasonable percentage of post-graduation income.
What makes Georgia Tech particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and exceptional earning potential. The institution's loan repayment rates are outstanding, with 90% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans and a 0% federal default rate. This track record reflects both the strong earnings outcomes and the financial literacy that comes with Georgia Tech's technically-oriented education, ensuring that students can confidently manage their educational investment.
Georgia Institute Of Technology-Main Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
