College Costs in Atlanta, GA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 23 colleges in Atlanta, Georgia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,828
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$57,948
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$871
per month
Colleges & Universities
23
institutions
Atlanta Overview
Population
498,715
Student Population
29,341 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
101 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
31/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Atlanta
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,776
Total After Financial Aid
$90,776
Annual Cost
$22,694
Annual After Aid
$22,694
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,776 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,031 |
| Total Interest | $32,913 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,689 |
Universities in Atlanta
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Public | $12,682 |
| Emory University | Private | $57,948 |
| Georgia State University | Public | $8,974 |
| Atlanta Technical College | Community | $3,152 |
Atlanta has 23 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Atlanta vs. National Average
| Category | Atlanta | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,828 | $10,940 | -$112 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $871 | $1,050 | -$179 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 100 | +1 |
Atlanta's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Atlanta
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
29,341 students
Atlanta has a total population of 498,715, with approximately 29,341 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Atlanta offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Atlanta
$51,993
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Atlanta earn a median starting salary of $51,993, which is $16,993 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,776 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,255 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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