Best Colleges in Georgia

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Georgia

Georgia's career trends tend to track with much of the nation. When you look at the state's occupational outlooks, you'll find that healthcare-related careers dominate the field. There is massive growth for physicians’ assistants, therapy assistants, and respiratory therapists, among other fields. You'll also find surprises, such as phenomenal growth in film industry occupations. The state is now home to many film and television studios, perhaps turning Atlanta into a new Hollywood.

Cost of Georgia College Education & Salaries

As you approach a Georgia bachelor's degree, you are probably considering the cost of education. You might think about how the cost of your schooling weighs against your future salary, financial well-being, and job satisfaction. First, it's important to assess the actual cost of your education and how to mitigate those costs.

One way to cut costs on education is to take core courses at a community college. In Georgia's public university system, you can take some courses at campuses outside of Athens that will transfer directly to your final, degree-granting institution. The same applies to North Georgia Military Academy and Georgia State University in Atlanta. The courses are sure to be of the same quality as any you'll find, and they'll cost less.

You should also consider in-state schools rather than traveling to study. Out-of-state tuition can easily cost twice that of an in-state education. Given the overall quality of the Georgia university system, you can find a great value by staying close to home. Further, even if you desire a highly-ranked school such as University of North Carolina, your resulting career won't be quite enough to justify the 100% increase in loan debt.

Once you have passed your courses and are headed to graduation, you'll see that your job prospects are looking good. The labor market these days is favoring job seekers, and if you have a bachelor's degree, you'll be a few steps ahead of those with associate's degrees or less.

When you enter the job market, you might consider applying to non-profit or governmental jobs. These jobs typically pay a little less than their equivalent positions in the private sector, but federal student loan forgiveness programs could make up for the seeming shortfall. That is, your peers might boast bigger paychecks, but then a significant portion of their checks will go to loan payments, including interest. Plus, government jobs frequently have healthy benefits packages that also offset lower salaries.

Scholarships for Georgia Students

Georgia's colleges and universities offer top quality education at affordable rates. However, if you plan to work straight through and graduate in four years, you might consider a grant or scholarship to help defray some of the cost. Though many scholarships only cover a fraction of your supplies for a term, you can still put the award on your resume. Plus, it's always great to save even a little money.

HOPE

HOPE Scholarship

Amount: 82% of tuition for 15 hours
Deadline: July 17, November 17
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/hope-scholarship/
To qualify for the HOPE scholarship, you must graduate from high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA and then maintain that level of academic excellence each term in your post-secondary career. You may continue to receive the HOPE scholarship for up to seven years or up to 127 semester hours.

HOPE

HOPE Grant

Amount: Varies
Deadline: Last day of school term
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-grants/hope-grant/
The HOPE grant is available for up to 63 semester hours of post-secondary education. To qualify, you must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and attend either a degree-granting or certificate program. The grant is available to any Georgia resident attending any college or university in the state.

ZMG

Zell Miller Grant

Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/zell-miller-scholarship/
This scholarship carries many of the same restrictions as the HOPE Scholarship, but the academic requirements are far more stringent. To earn and maintain the Zell Miller Grant, you must graduate from high school with a 3.7 cumulative GPA. Your SAT must be at least 1200 and then your post-secondary GPA must not fall below 3.3.

GSCPA

GSCPA Educational Foundation Scholarship Program

Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Deadline: February 1
http://www.gscpa.org/content/Foundation.aspx
The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) Educational Foundation awards between $1,000-$5,000 to students studying accounting at an accredited Georgia college or university. To apply, you must submit your transcripts, demonstrate dedication to a career in accounting, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be above the sophomore level.

AAS

Achieve Atlanta Scholarship

Amount: $1,500-$5,000 per year
Deadline: May 31
http://cfgreateratlanta.org/community-impact/scholarships/
If you are about to graduate from an Atlanta public school and have demonstrable financial need, the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta can provide tuition assistance. You must graduate with a cumulative GPA of 80% (approximately 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) to receive monies for a four-year degree-granting institution. If you have a 75% GPA, you qualify to apply for scholarship assistance to a two-year or technical program.

HVCSF

Helen & Vernon Crawford Scholarship Fund

Amount: $500-$1,000 (10 Awards)
Deadline: April 13
http://cfgreateratlanta.org/community-impact/scholarships/
If you are an adult who has achieved a GED and/or completed a literacy program, you can receive funds to pursue post-secondary education through this scholarship fund. The award ranges from $500 to $1,000 and you should be recommended by either the Literacy Action or a Georgia Certified Literate Community Program. Only ten scholarships are awarded per year, so reapply if you don't receive any help the first time.

LWBSF

Lester W. Butts Scholarship Fund

Amount: $5,000
Deadline: April 20
http://cfgreateratlanta.org/community-impact/scholarships/
This scholarship is specifically for students who are graduating from Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta, GA. The award pays $5,000 and you must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, acceptance to an accredited college, university, or technical school. To make sure your application stands out, be sure to include all of your volunteer activities, as well as any other extra-curricular activities. The fund awards one to two scholarships per year.

JKSF

The Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund

Amount: $10,000 (10 Awards, renewable)
Deadline: February 15
http://cfgreateratlanta.org/community-impact/scholarships/
If your parents are employees of Cox Enterprise, Inc., you qualify to apply for this outstanding scholarship opportunity. Entrants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be a high school senior at the time of your initial application and demonstrate financial need. The fund awards up to ten scholarships per year and the amount is $10,000 and renews for up to four years, provided that you maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Note that Cox Enterprise, Inc. only awards one such scholarship per household.