MBA Programs in Georgia Overview

With a rich history and beautiful natural landscapes, Georgia has much to offer its residents. But more than that, the state boasts a flourishing and diverse economy.

According to the Governor’s Office of Georgia, the state saw extensive growth during the first half of the 2023 fiscal year and expects it to continue. The top four industries — which produced almost 75% of the new job openings during that time — include aerospace, food processing, advanced manufacturing, and automotive.

Each of those industries needs rising businesspeople who bring expertise in management, finance, human resources, and international business. And an MBA in Georgia can prepare them for those positions and many others.

Keep reading to explore the best MBA programs in Georgia and potential career opportunities.

Georgia offers many opportunities for aspiring business professionals. Not only do several schools offer affordable MBA programs, but students can choose between online, on-campus, and hybrid learning formats. They can also personalize their studies with diverse concentration options and electives.

MBA programs in Georgia often prioritize real-world business experience with local or international learning opportunities. The local networking and internship opportunities, in particular, might draw many MBA applicants to the state.

Georgia ranks as one of the top 10 states with the most Fortune 500 companies, with organizations like Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, and Coca-Cola all headquartered there. Plus, Atlanta ranks as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country, with nearly 600 startups in 2023.

MBA graduates can take advantage of this growing economy and land lucrative positions. Many Georgia MBA programs report a near-100% job placement rate within three months of graduation, with base salaries well over $100,000.

When choosing a Georgia school, students should consider accreditation — both institutional and programmatic. This distinction proves that the curriculum has met third-party accrediting standards and provides quality education. Students can also only receive federal financial aid if they attend an accredited institution.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits schools in many Southern states — including Georgia. Before applying to a Georgia school, applicants should ensure the institution holds SACSCOC accreditation.

They can also check for programmatic accreditation. For MBA programs and business schools, the common accrediting bodies include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the national average graduate tuition rate ranges from about $12,400-$28,450, depending on the school type. However, graduate business degrees — particularly MBAs — can cost much more.

While affordable Georgia MBA programs exist, others can cost over $100,000 for the entire one- or two-year program. The total cost depends on several factors, such as school prestige, learning format, and student residency.

No matter the tuition, learners have several ways to finance their degree. Many opt for federal student loans, which include a repayment plan and added interest rates.

Graduate students can also apply for merit- and need-based aid, like grants, fellowships, and scholarships through their school. For example, Emory University offers several MBA scholarships, and the Georgia Insitute of Technology funds graduate fellowships.

Learners can also apply for outside grants and scholarships through organizations, companies, and governmental groups. Other options include work-study fellowships and employer support.

Some schools base tuition rates on state residency. Georgia residents often pay much lower tuition rates to attend Gerogia-based schools than out-of-state learners.

For example, the Georgia Insitute of Technology charges $1,230 per credit for MBA students from Georgia. The rate increases to nearly $1,700 per credit for out-of-state MBA students. That translates to about a $6,000 difference in tuition each semester.

However, the Southern Regional Education Board has established an Academic Common Market to help some out-of-state students with tuition. Learners from 14 Southern states can enroll in certain programs at participating Georgian institutions and pay the lower in-state tuition rate.

Students often focus on tuition, but that is only one component of the overall cost of an MBA. Learners must also consider the state’s cost of living, which includes grocery, utility, transportation, and housing expenses.

The World Population Review uses an index to rank each state’s cost of living, with a national baseline of 100. Mississippi has the lowest cost of living (85), while Hawaii has the highest (179).

As of June 2023, Georgia ranked as the 12th most affordable state in the U.S. with a score of 91. The state’s housing and utility costs, in particular, are lower than average. Healthcare ranks as the most expensive cost in Georgia, but it is still lower than the national baseline.

Learners — or, in the case of dependent students, their parents/legal guardians — need to prove Georgia residency for at least 12 consecutive months to receive in-state tuition. Schools may look at tax returns, Georgia driver’s licenses, employment records, voter registration, or other approved documents.

According to NCES, Georgia is home to 108 institutions of higher education. Most are four-year institutions, with 50 public, 32 nonprofit, and nine for-profit schools. Fifteen of these schools focus more on master’s degrees, offering over 50 master’s degree programs.

Georgia ranks as the third state (tied with Texas) with the most HBCUs. The 10 schools include Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College, Paine College, Savannah State University, and Spelman College.