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Best Colleges in Georgia

Georgia State-Perimeter Leads in College ROI, But Consider More Than Just Finances

Category: State | Colleges Ranked: 114 | Ranked By: roiScore

At a Glance

#1 Overall: Georgia State University-Perimeter College (Atlanta, GA) — $282

State Concentration: Georgia (50).

Range: $44 to $282 (median: $134).

Ranking Analysis

This ranking focuses on the 'roiScore' for colleges in Georgia, aiming to provide prospective students with a metric that reflects the return on investment of a college education. The 'roiScore' likely considers factors such as graduate earnings, student loan debt, and graduation rates to quantify the financial value a student receives after completing their studies. Georgia State University-Perimeter College topping this list suggests it offers a strong financial outcome relative to its cost and student debt burden, making it a potentially attractive option for cost-conscious students. Surprising patterns might emerge if less prestigious or smaller institutions outperform larger, well-known universities, indicating that financial outcomes aren't always tied to traditional academic reputation. Prospective students should use this ranking as one tool among many, prioritizing it if financial return is a primary concern. However, it's crucial to acknowledge limitations: this score doesn't capture the full college experience, including academic quality in specific majors, campus culture, career services beyond initial job placement, or personal growth opportunities. Therefore, it should be supplemented with research into program-specific outcomes, campus visits, and discussions with current students and alumni.

Methodology

This ranking evaluates colleges in Georgia based on an 'roiScore,' which quantifies the financial return on investment for students. The score likely incorporates data on graduate earnings, student loan repayment, and overall debt burden to assess the long-term financial benefits of attending a particular institution.

Full Rankings

#CollegeLocationRoi Score
1Georgia State University-Perimeter CollegeAtlanta, GA$282
2Georgia Highlands CollegeRome, GA$246
3East Georgia State CollegeSwainsboro, GA$220
4Gwinnett Technical CollegeLawrenceville, GA$219
5Dalton State CollegeDalton, GA$202
6College of Coastal GeorgiaBrunswick, GA$172
7Georgia Northwestern Technical CollegeRome, GA$171
8South Georgia State CollegeDouglas, GA$169
9Abraham Baldwin Agricultural CollegeTifton, GA$168
10Athens Technical CollegeAthens, GA$165
11Georgia Gwinnett CollegeLawrenceville, GA$163
12Chattahoochee Technical CollegeMarietta, GA$162
13Gordon State CollegeBarnesville, GA$161
14Southern Regional Technical CollegeThomasville, GA$160
15West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco, GA$160
16Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin, GA$157
17Atlanta Metropolitan State CollegeAtlanta, GA$156
18Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeClarkston, GA$156
19Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GA$148
20Savannah Technical CollegeSavannah, GA$148
21North Georgia Technical CollegeClarkesville, GA$147
22University of North GeorgiaDahlonega, GA$137
23Clayton State UniversityMorrow, GA$137
24Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville, GA$136
25Georgia Southwestern State UniversityAmericus, GA$134
26Ogeechee Technical CollegeStatesboro, GA$131
27Coastal Pines Technical CollegeWaycross, GA$131
28Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeSandersville, GA$129
29Albany Technical CollegeAlbany, GA$127
30East Georgia State College - AugustaAugusta, GA$127
31Central Georgia Technical CollegeWarner Robins, GA$124
32Atlanta Technical CollegeAtlanta, GA$124
33Southeastern Technical CollegeVidalia, GA$123
34Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta, GA$122
35Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA$121
36East Georgia State College - StatesboroStatesboro, GA$117
37Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta, GA$113
38Columbus Technical CollegeColumbus, GA$111
39University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GA$104
40Middle Georgia State UniversityMacon, GA$103
41Valdosta State UniversityValdosta, GA$102
42Augusta Technical CollegeAugusta, GA$96
43South Georgia Technical CollegeAmericus, GA$90
44Columbus State UniversityColumbus, GA$89
45Albany State UniversityAlbany, GA$80
46Fort Valley State UniversityFort Valley, GA$66
47Savannah State UniversitySavannah, GA$65
48Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA$58
49University of GeorgiaAthens, GA$50
50Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA$44

Key Insights

  • Georgia State University-Perimeter College ranks highest for its 'roiScore', indicating a strong financial return for its graduates.
  • The 'roiScore' prioritizes financial outcomes, suggesting that institutions with lower costs and higher graduate earnings may rank favorably.
  • With 114 colleges ranked, this provides a broad overview of financial return across various types of institutions in Georgia.
  • Prospective students prioritizing financial outcomes should pay close attention to this ranking, especially if considering affordability and future earning potential.

FAQ

What does Best Colleges in Georgia measure?

The 'Best Colleges in Georgia' ranking, specifically focusing on the 'roiScore' metric, aims to measure the financial return on investment for students pursuing higher education within the state. It evaluates institutions based on how well their graduates fare financially after graduation, considering factors such as average graduate salaries, the amount of student loan debt incurred, and the success rate of loan repayment. Essentially, it attempts to quantify the long-term financial benefits a student can expect relative to the cost of their education and the debt they might accumulate. This metric is particularly useful for students who are highly focused on the economic outcomes of their college degree and want to ensure their educational investment yields a positive financial future.

Which college ranks #1 for roiScore?

Georgia State University-Perimeter College holds the top position in this ranking for its 'roiScore'. This designation signifies that, according to the data used to calculate this specific metric, Georgia State University-Perimeter College offers the most favorable financial return on investment for its students among the 114 ranked institutions in Georgia. This could be due to a combination of factors, such as relatively lower tuition costs, strong graduate employment rates in well-paying fields, or effective student support systems that contribute to successful loan repayment and career progression. For prospective students prioritizing financial outcomes, this makes Georgia State University-Perimeter College a standout option to investigate further.

How should I use Best Colleges in Georgia in my college search?

You should use the 'Best Colleges in Georgia' ranking, particularly its 'roiScore' metric, as a valuable data point if financial return and future earning potential are significant priorities in your college decision. If you are concerned about student loan debt and want to ensure your degree translates into a strong financial future, this ranking can help you identify institutions that have historically provided good financial outcomes for their graduates. However, it's crucial not to rely solely on this ranking. Supplement this information by researching specific academic programs, campus culture, career services, and alumni success stories. Consider visiting campuses and speaking with current students and faculty to get a holistic view of what each institution offers beyond its financial performance metrics.

Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.