Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Georgia Tech's academic identity is built on its world-class STEM programs, with computer science and mechanical engineering leading the pack. The institute awarded 1,206 computer science bachelor's degrees alone in 2024—more than many schools' total graduating classes. While best known for engineering and computing (which together account for about 60% of majors), Tech also offers strong programs in business, design, and liberal arts through its six colleges. The curriculum is notoriously rigorous, with students often comparing the workload to MIT's—though at a public university price point. The most popular majors reflect Tech's strengths:

• Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Business Administration
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering

Contrary to stereotypes about tech schools, Georgia Tech's urban campus buzzes with activity. The Midtown location provides easy access to Atlanta's internships and cultural attractions, while on-campus life features 400+ student organizations and spirited Division I athletics. Students describe a culture that's "very social if you want it to be," with Greek life accounting for about 30% of the social scene. The workload is intense—expect late nights in the library—but traditions like the Mini 500 tricycle race and the stealing of the T from Tech Tower provide much-needed levity. Housing is guaranteed for first-years, though many upperclassmen opt for nearby apartments in one of America's most affordable major cities.

Georgia Tech delivers exceptional ROI, with graduates commanding median salaries of $89,432 within six years of graduation—nearly double the national average. The four-year graduation rate has climbed steadily to 75% (far above the 33% public university average), while 94% of students return after their first year. These metrics reflect both the caliber of students Tech attracts and its commitment to supporting them through challenging curricula. About 31% of students take on loans, with average debt at graduation ($26,841) coming in well below national averages. The strongest pipelines feed into tech hubs like Atlanta's growing startup scene, Silicon Valley, and major engineering firms nationwide.

Georgia Tech offers one of higher education's best value propositions: Ivy-level outcomes at state-school prices. In-state students pay just $10,618 in tuition annually, while out-of-state costs ($34,604) remain competitive with peer institutions. About 71% of students receive financial aid, with average grants totaling $13,842. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many middle-income families pay significantly less than sticker price, especially for Georgia residents. Notable financial aid details:

• 34.9% of students receive enough aid to bring net price to $17,360
• Average institutional grant: $10,698
• 12% receive Pell Grants (lower than many publics)
• Only 31% take out loans, reflecting Tech's strong merit aid?Merit aidScholarship money awarded for achievements like grades, talents, or test scores — not based on your family's financial need. and relatively affluent student body

Georgia Tech occupies a sweet spot in American higher education—combining the academic firepower of elite tech institutes with the accessibility and scale of a public university. Its urban Atlanta location provides unparalleled industry connections, with companies like Coca-Cola, Delta, and Home Depot headquartered nearby. The culture strikes a rare balance between intense academic focus (expect problem sets that make you question your life choices) and genuine school spirit (30,000 fans packing Bobby Dodd Stadium for football Saturdays). For STEM-minded students—especially Georgia residents—it offers arguably the best return on investment in American higher education, producing graduates who are as likely to launch startups in Tech Square as they are to land six-figure Silicon Valley offers.