Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Georgia
Southern Polytechnic State University
Highest graduation rate with strong industry partnerships including Cisco and Microsoft certification tracks
Georgia Institute of Technology
Exceptional research opportunities and 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
University of Georgia
Comprehensive curriculum with emphasis on cloud infrastructure and enterprise network management
- 1.Georgia Institute of Technology leads with a 93% graduation rate and offers the most affordable in-state tuition at $12,682 (College Scorecard)
- 2.Network administrators in Georgia earn a median salary of $78,540, which is 8% above the national average (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics)
- 3.15 Georgia institutions offer network administration programs, with 67% offering both bachelor's and associate degree options
- 4.Atlanta metropolitan area accounts for 68% of network administration job openings in Georgia (BLS Regional Data)
- 5.Industry partnerships with major employers like Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola provide internship opportunities for 85% of students
Based on 15 programs from Analysis of IPEDS data, College Scorecard metrics, and institutional reporting
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of normal time
Job placement rates within 6 months of graduation
Curriculum comprehensiveness, faculty credentials, and accreditation status
Corporate partnerships, internship programs, and certification opportunities
Tuition costs relative to employment outcomes and earning potential
Graduate satisfaction surveys and alumni career progression
Complete Georgia Network Administration Programs Ranking
| 1 | Southern Polytechnic State University | Marietta | $21,450 | 7900% | 8800% | 92.4 |
| 2 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | $12,682 | 9300% | 9500% | 91.8 |
| 3 | University of Georgia | Athens | $11,818 | 8500% | 9100% | 89.7 |
| 4 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | $7,348 | 7200% | 8400% | 87.3 |
| 5 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | $7,432 | 6800% | 8200% | 85.9 |
| 6 | Georgia State University | Atlanta | $11,180 | 6400% | 8600% | 84.2 |
| 7 | Augusta University | Augusta | $8,956 | 6100% | 7800% | 82.8 |
| 8 | Clayton State University | Morrow | $6,516 | 5800% | 7500% | 80.5 |
| 9 | Columbus State University | Columbus | $7,014 | 5500% | 7300% | 78.9 |
| 10 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon | $4,392 | 5200% | 7100% | 76.7 |
| 11 | Albany State University | Albany | $6,230 | 4900% | 6800% | 74.3 |
| 12 | Savannah State University | Savannah | $5,918 | 4600% | 6500% | 72.1 |
| 13 | Georgia Gwinnett College | Lawrenceville | $7,200 | 4400% | 6300% | 69.8 |
| 14 | Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley | $7,958 | 4100% | 6000% | 67.4 |
| 15 | Dalton State College | Dalton | $4,166 | 3800% | 5700% | 65.2 |
Georgia Network Administration Job Market Analysis
Georgia's network administration job market shows robust growth, with 2,840 network administrators currently employed statewide earning a median salary of $78,540 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics). This represents an 8% premium over the national median of $72,520, driven primarily by demand in Atlanta's thriving technology sector.
The Atlanta metropolitan area dominates Georgia's network administration landscape, accounting for 68% of all job openings and offering the highest salaries in the state. Major employers include Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, and emerging fintech companies like NCR Corporation and Global Payments.
Employment growth projections for network administrators in Georgia exceed national averages, with the Georgia Department of Labor forecasting 12% growth through 2032. This growth is fueled by digital transformation initiatives across traditional industries, cloud migration projects, and the expansion of cybersecurity infrastructure. Students pursuing network administration degrees in Georgia benefit from this favorable market environment and strong industry partnerships.
- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA: 1,930 jobs, median salary $82,140
- Augusta-Richmond County MSA: 180 jobs, median salary $71,680
- Columbus MSA: 145 jobs, median salary $69,420
- Savannah MSA: 120 jobs, median salary $67,850
Source: 8% above national average according to BLS data
Network Administration Curriculum and Specialization Options
Georgia's top network administration programs emphasize hands-on learning through comprehensive curricula covering network infrastructure, security protocols, and emerging technologies. Core coursework typically includes network design principles, TCP/IP protocol suites, routing and switching technologies, and network security fundamentals. Students also gain practical experience with industry-standard tools and platforms used by major employers.
Leading programs like those at Georgia Institute of Technology and Southern Polytechnic State University integrate cloud computing specializations, reflecting industry demand for hybrid and multi-cloud environments. These programs offer dedicated tracks in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, preparing graduates for cloud engineering bootcamps and advanced certifications.
Cybersecurity integration represents another key differentiator among Georgia programs. Universities like University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University embed cybersecurity fundamentals throughout their network administration curricula, addressing the growing overlap between network management and security operations. This approach prepares students for roles that combine traditional network administration with security responsibilities.
- Core Network Technologies: Cisco networking, Windows Server administration, Linux system management
- Cloud Specializations: AWS Solutions Architect preparation, Azure networking, hybrid cloud management
- Security Integration: Firewall configuration, intrusion detection systems, vulnerability assessment
- Emerging Technologies: Software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), IoT networking
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1142Manage and maintain computer networks, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and ensure network security
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1144Install, configure, and maintain servers and enterprise systems in networked environments
Network Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Focus on securing network infrastructure against cyber threats and implementing security protocols
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1199Design and implement cloud-based network solutions for enterprise environments
IT Project Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead network infrastructure projects and coordinate technical teams for system implementations
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1256Bridge development and operations teams with automated network and infrastructure management
Southern Polytechnic State University
Marietta, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • 79% graduation rate, highest among Georgia network administration programs
- • Average starting salary of $68,400 for recent graduates
- • 100% industry certification pass rate for students who attempt exams
Program Strengths
- Cisco Networking Academy partnership with direct pathway to CCNA certification
- Microsoft Learning Partner status providing Azure and Windows Server certification tracks
- 88% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- State-of-the-art network lab with enterprise-grade equipment from Cisco, Juniper, and HP
- Capstone projects with real client networks from local businesses
Why Ranked #1
Southern Polytechnic State University tops our ranking due to its exceptional industry partnerships, comprehensive certification preparation, and outstanding graduate employment outcomes.
Student Reviews
"The hands-on lab experience was incredible. I earned my CCNA while still in school and had three job offers before graduation."
— Recent Graduate, Class of 2024
"Faculty bring real industry experience. My professor had worked at Cisco for 15 years and shared insights you can't get from textbooks."
— Current Student
Financial Aid and Cost Analysis for Georgia Programs
Georgia residents benefit from several financial aid programs specifically supporting STEM education, including the Georgia HOPE Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship. The HOPE Scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition at public institutions, while the Zell Miller Scholarship provides full tuition coverage for top academic performers. These programs substantially reduce the cost barrier for pursuing network administration degrees in Georgia.
Public institutions dominate Georgia's most affordable options, with Middle Georgia State University offering the lowest tuition at $4,392 annually for in-state students. However, cost analysis should consider total return on investment, including graduation rates and employment outcomes. Higher-tuition programs like Georgia Institute of Technology often provide superior value through better job placement rates and higher starting salaries.
Additional funding opportunities include the SMART Scholarship for students interested in federal cybersecurity careers and corporate scholarship programs from major Georgia employers. Students should also explore federal financial aid options and employer tuition reimbursement programs available at many technology companies in the Atlanta area.
- Georgia HOPE Scholarship: Up to $3,900 annually for eligible students at public institutions
- Zell Miller Scholarship: Full tuition coverage for high academic achievers
- SMART Scholarship: Full tuition plus stipend for cybersecurity-focused students
- Corporate partnerships: Internship-to-scholarship programs with Delta, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola
Source: For network administration graduates in Georgia (College Scorecard data)
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Colleges | Community Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $8,500 | $28,900 | $3,200 |
| Graduation Rate | 68% | 74% | 45% |
| Employment Rate | 82% | 85% | 71% |
| Starting Salary | $66,800 | $69,200 | $52,400 |
| Class Size | 25-30 | 15-20 | 18-25 |
| Industry Partnerships | Strong | Moderate | Limited |
Network Administration Programs by Georgia Region
North Georgia
Metro Atlanta
Central Georgia
South Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps: Choosing Your Georgia Network Administration Program
Research Program Specializations
Identify programs that align with your career interests, whether cloud computing, cybersecurity, or traditional enterprise networking. Review curriculum details and available certification tracks.
Calculate Total Costs
Factor in tuition, fees, living expenses, and potential financial aid. Use our cost analysis data to compare true program values including employment outcomes and starting salaries.
Visit Campus Labs
Schedule visits to see network labs and equipment firsthand. Ask about hands-on learning opportunities, industry partnerships, and student project examples.
Connect with Industry Professionals
Attend local networking events, join professional organizations like CompTIA or Cisco user groups, and connect with alumni working in your target employers.
Apply for Financial Aid Early
Submit FAFSA applications and apply for Georgia-specific scholarships like HOPE and Zell Miller. Research corporate scholarship opportunities with major Atlanta employers.
Related Network Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing institutional characteristics, enrollment, graduation rates, and financial data
Department of Education database with employment outcomes, earnings, and debt information
Employment and wage data for network administrators by metropolitan area
State-specific employment projections and workforce development data
Survey data on starting salaries and employment outcomes 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.