Top 3 Data Science Programs in Georgia 2025
Georgia Institute of Technology
Premier analytics program with strong AI/ML focus and 95% job placement rate in Atlanta tech corridor
Emory University
Quantitative sciences program with healthcare analytics focus and strong industry partnerships
University of Georgia
Comprehensive analytics program combining statistics, computer science, and business applications
- 1.Georgia has 25+ data science and analytics bachelor's programs across public universities and private colleges
- 2.Georgia Tech ranks #1 in Georgia with 88% graduation rate and direct Atlanta tech recruiting pipeline
- 3.UGA offers top public data science education at $12,080 in-state tuition with strong business analytics focus
- 4.Georgia data scientists earn median $95,840 annually—4% above the national median according to BLS OEWS Georgia 2024
- 5.Atlanta metro area provides 8,500+ data science jobs with major employers including Delta, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola
Data Science Education in Georgia
Georgia has emerged as a significant hub for data science education and careers, led by world-class programs at Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. The state offers a diverse range of programs from comprehensive computer science tracks with data science concentrations to dedicated analytics degrees.
Atlanta's growing tech sector, anchored by major corporations like Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola, provides abundant internship and career opportunities for data science graduates. The city has also attracted major tech companies including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to establish significant operations.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national data science bachelor's rankings. If you're considering costs, our most affordable data science programs guide highlights budget-friendly options. Career-focused students should review our data scientist salary guide for Georgia-specific compensation data.
Georgia's data science programs emphasize practical applications across industries including logistics, healthcare, finance, and retail. Students benefit from the state's business-friendly environment and access to both Fortune 500 companies and emerging startups.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Georgia May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and accessibility metrics
Georgia-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
Georgia Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | Public | $12,760 | 88% | 18:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Emory University | Atlanta | Private | $57,948 | 91% | 9:1 | 92.1 |
| 3 | University of Georgia | Athens | Public | $12,080 | 85% | 17:1 | 89.8 |
| 4 | Georgia State University | Atlanta | Public | $11,088 | 54% | 22:1 | 82.5 |
| 5 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | Public | $7,434 | 46% | 21:1 | 78.9 |
| 6 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | Public | $7,340 | 53% | 20:1 | 76.4 |
| 7 | Mercer University | Macon | Private | $37,818 | 69% | 12:1 | 75.2 |
| 8 | Georgia College | Milledgeville | Public | $9,396 | 68% | 16:1 | 73.8 |
| 9 | Augusta University | Augusta | Public | $8,972 | 42% | 18:1 | 71.5 |
| 10 | Clayton State University | Morrow | Public | $6,632 | 34% | 17:1 | 69.2 |
| 11 | Valdosta State University | Valdosta | Public | $6,796 | 44% | 19:1 | 67.8 |
| 12 | Columbus State University | Columbus | Public | $7,052 | 38% | 17:1 | 66.1 |
| 13 | Albany State University | Albany | Public | $6,144 | 29% | 16:1 | 63.4 |
| 14 | Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley | Public | $6,196 | 35% | 15:1 | 61.9 |
| 15 | Savannah State University | Savannah | Public | $5,988 | 28% | 18:1 | 59.7 |
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • MS Analytics program ranked #2 nationally by QS World Rankings
- • Access to $2.8B annual research funding across engineering and computing
- • Located in Atlanta's Technology Square with direct industry connections
- • Optional co-op program with guaranteed paid industry experience
Program Strengths
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning statistics, computer science, and operations research
- World-class faculty including ACM Fellows and NSF CAREER award recipients
- Industry partnerships with Delta, Home Depot, NCR, and major consulting firms
- State-of-the-art analytics lab with access to enterprise software and computing clusters
- 95% job placement rate with median starting salary of $85,000
Why Ranked #1
Georgia Tech's Analytics program consistently ranks among the top 5 nationally, combining rigorous quantitative training with practical applications. The program benefits from Atlanta's thriving tech ecosystem and Georgia Tech's renowned research capabilities.
Student Reviews
"The analytics program at GT prepared me incredibly well for my role at Microsoft. The combination of theoretical rigor and practical projects made the transition seamless."
— Analytics Alumni, Class of 2023
Emory University
Atlanta, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • Unique healthcare analytics track with internships at CDC and Emory Healthcare
- • Study abroad opportunities with data science components in multiple countries
- • Access to $700M+ annual research funding across disciplines
- • Strong alumni network in consulting, healthcare, and finance
Program Strengths
- Interdisciplinary approach combining math, statistics, computer science, and domain expertise
- Small class sizes with 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Strong emphasis on healthcare analytics leveraging Emory's medical school connections
- Research opportunities with CDC, given Emory's location and public health partnerships
- Liberal arts foundation emphasizing communication and ethical reasoning
Why Ranked #2
Emory's Quantitative Sciences program offers a unique liberal arts approach to data science, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical applications. The program benefits from Emory's strong healthcare connections and small class sizes.
Student Reviews
"Emory's QS program taught me not just the technical skills, but how to think critically about data and its impact on society. The healthcare focus opened doors I didn't even know existed."
— Quantitative Sciences Graduate, Class of 2022
University of Georgia
Athens, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • Joint degree options with business administration and computer science
- • New $40M data science facility opening in 2025
- • Partnership with SAS Institute for software training and certification
- • Strong placement record in Atlanta and Southeast markets
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive curriculum covering statistical theory, machine learning, and business analytics
- Strong industry connections through Terry College of Business partnerships
- Affordable tuition at $12,080 for in-state students
- Research opportunities in agricultural analytics, sports analytics, and social sciences
- Active student organizations including UGA Analytics Club and Women in Data Science
Why Ranked #3
UGA's Statistics and Data Science program offers excellent value with comprehensive training at public university tuition rates. The program combines strong theoretical foundations with practical business applications.
Student Reviews
"UGA gave me a solid foundation in both statistics and programming. The professors really care about student success, and the value for the education is unbeatable."
— Statistics Major, Class of 2023
University System of Georgia Data Science Programs
Georgia's public universities operate under the University System of Georgia (USG), which coordinates 26 institutions serving over 340,000 students. For data science education, the system offers multiple pathways from research universities to regional comprehensive universities.
Research Universities like Georgia Tech and UGA provide comprehensive data science programs with strong research components and graduate school preparation. These flagship institutions offer the most resources but also have competitive admissions.
Regional Universities such as Georgia State, Kennesaw State, and Georgia Southern offer practical data science programs focused on workforce preparation. These institutions typically have more accessible admissions and strong connections to regional employers.
State Universities and Colleges provide foundational programs that can serve as stepping stones to advanced study or direct workforce entry. These programs often emphasize applied statistics and business analytics.
For students considering other technology programs, Georgia also offers excellent computer science programs, artificial intelligence degrees, and cybersecurity programs throughout the USG system.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data to extract business insights and build predictive models for companies like Delta, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola
Data Analytics Manager
Lead data science teams and strategy at major Atlanta corporations and consulting firms
Business Intelligence Analyst
Create dashboards and reports for executive decision-making across Georgia's diverse industries
Build and deploy ML systems for Atlanta's growing tech sector and established enterprises
Healthcare Data Analyst
Leverage Georgia's strong healthcare sector including CDC, Emory Healthcare, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Supply Chain Analyst
Optimize logistics and operations for major retailers and manufacturers based in Georgia
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia Data Science Program Cost Comparison
| Factor | Georgia Tech | University of Georgia | Georgia State | Emory University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $12,760 | $12,080 | $11,088 | $57,948 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $33,794 | $32,320 | $29,432 | $57,948 |
| Room & Board | $16,800 | $11,818 | $15,200 | $16,942 |
| Total Cost (In-State) | $29,560 | $23,898 | $26,288 | $74,890 |
| Average Financial Aid | $14,200 | $11,500 | $8,900 | $28,400 |
| Graduation Rate | 88% | 85% | 54% | 91% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 17:1 | 22:1 | 9:1 |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to world-class programs at affordable public university tuition rates
- Strong job market in Atlanta with major Fortune 500 companies
- Diverse industry applications from logistics to healthcare to finance
- Growing tech ecosystem with increasing venture capital investment
- Lower cost of living compared to traditional tech hubs like California or New York
- Strong research opportunities at flagship universities
- Access to both established enterprises and emerging startups
- Year-round mild climate conducive to outdoor activities and quality of life
- Maximum number of data science program options (California and Texas offer more)
- Highest possible starting salaries (West Coast and Northeast typically pay more)
- Extensive public transportation systems (Atlanta has limited options)
- Access to the most cutting-edge AI/ML companies (fewer pure tech giants in Georgia)
- International business focus (though Atlanta is a major international hub)
- Specialized programs in emerging fields like quantum computing or biotech
- Maximum diversity of tech company sizes and specializations
- Access to the most venture capital and startup accelerators
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Data Science Programs
Related Data Science Resources
Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, enrollment data, and tuition information for all accredited institutions
State-specific salary data for data scientists and related occupations
Official information on program offerings and transfer agreements
Employment rates and salary data for recent graduates
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.