Accounting Schools in Georgia

Founded in 1732, Georgia has played an important role in the development and growth of indigenous tribes, colonization during the Revolutionary War, and the Confederate loss during the Civil War. Georgia has also been a long-standing industrial contributor to the Southern economy, spearheading textile production through much of the 1800s.

Today, Georgia continues its economic development with investments and expansions totaling more than $24 billion — a state record — during the 2023 fiscal year. Additionally, top industries in Georgia, including manufacturing and aerospace, opened up 75% of the state’s new jobs during the same year.

Accountants can benefit from Georgia’s strong economic landscape. The Peach State is one of the country’s biggest employers for numerous accounting roles, including tax examiners, bookkeepers, and cost estimators.

Use this guide to learn more about Georgia’s education statistics, accounting program delivery formats and costs, and potential career opportunities for accountants.

Georgia emphasizes the importance of postsecondary education through several educational funding and reform initiatives.

For instance, Georgia Apply to College supports high school seniors with college applications and offers application fee waivers for participating schools throughout the state. Georgia also provides numerous grants to eligible students, such as REACH Georgia and the Georgia College Completion Grant (GCCG).

Furthermore, the state has enacted a strategic plan to increase enrollment and retention rates among its colleges and universities, including testing a direct admissions model to give high school students potential offers before applying.

There are more than 30 accounting schools in Georgia, including Brenau University, Columbus State University, and University of Georgia. Students planning to begin their accounting careers in Georgia may benefit from attending Georgia-based schools to take advantage of in-state networking opportunities, internships, and job searches.

Finally, Georgia’s unique and diverse economy creates an attractive backdrop for accountants. Top industries include aerospace, fabrication, manufacturing, and digital media, offering an eclectic mix for accounting professionals. The state is also home to 18 Fortune 500 companies, like The Home Depot, Delta, Aflac, and Assurant. The Big Four accounting firms have locations in Atlanta, as well.

The following table highlights key education statistics for Georgia, many of which align with or exceed national averages.

On average, Georgia sets aside more money per full-time postsecondary student than other states to support higher education operating expenses and programs. Additionally, most Georgia postsecondary students are enrolled in at least some distance education — similar to the national average — suggesting a slight preference for the convenience and flexibility of online learning.

Accreditation demonstrates that a school meets standards for academic quality, student outcomes, and faculty credentials. Institutional accreditation endorses an entire school, while programmatic accreditation covers specific programs or departments.

Accounting students should prioritize accredited accounting schools in Georgia to ensure degree credibility with future employers. Institutional accreditation may also be necessary to receive federal financial aid. Colleges and universities in Georgia are usually accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Some accounting programs may also earn accreditation from a business-focused accrediting body, like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, highlighting their adherence to industry standards.

Prospective accounting students should consider which type of program — on-campus, online, or hybrid — best suits their learning style and desired experience. While online accounting programs can provide scheduling flexibility, on-campus programs tend to offer more peer-to-peer and instructor interaction.

As shown in the table below, the majority of students in Georgia have enrolled in distance courses. Still, nearly half have chosen not to enroll in online learning.

Explore the differences among delivery formats for Georgia’s accounting programs below.

As noted in the table below, the average cost of Georgia’s college tuition and fees is lower than the national average for two-year and four-year schools. Still, higher education can be costly, and it can help to understand potential financing options.

Georgia accounting students can take advantage of scholarships and grants, which are types of financial aid that do not require repayment. For instance, GCCG helps college students in Georgia finish their degrees by awarding up to $2,500 to pay outstanding balances.

Loans are also available to cover leftover costs, but students typically need to begin repaying them within a few months after graduation. Explore financial aid options for accounting programs on the following pages:

Some schools charge different in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Students living in Georgia qualify for in-state rates at Georgia schools, while those living outside of Georgia must pay out-of-state rates to attend college in the state. Out-of-state tuition can be much higher than in-state tuition.

To assist out-of-state students, Georgia participates in the Academic Common Market, which allows eligible students from participating states to pay in-state tuition. Additionally, several Georgia schools, including Columbus State University and University of North Georgia, provide in-state tuition rates for students in bordering states, like Alabama and Florida.

In addition to tuition, fees, and books, Georgia accounting students should consider the impact cost of living can have on their budget. Cost of living includes expenses for necessities, like housing, healthcare, and food.

According to 2024 data from World Population Review, Georgia’s cost of living index is 91. The United States’ baseline is 100, making Georgia’s cost of living lower than the national average by nearly 10%. Housing and utility costs in Georgia are lower than in most states; however, several states have lower healthcare costs.

More than 1.5 million accountants are employed across the United States.

Area Development has listed the Peach State as the top state for business for 10 consecutive years, signifying the state’s position as a major player in the country’s business landscape.

Georgia’s metropolitan areas, like Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus, attract companies like the United Parcel Service, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Aflac, leaving room for accountants to pursue roles in insurance, manufacturing, logistics, tech, and more. Additionally, all Big Four accounting firms have locations in Atlanta.

Explore top accounting careers and employment trends in Georgia, along with employment and salary data, in the following section. Although states like California, New York, Texas, and Florida employ the highest number of accountants, Georgia still ranks among the highest-employing states for these professionals, with about 44,600 accountants as of May 2023.

Accounting career salaries for bachelor’s and associate degree-holders in Georgia mostly fall below national averages, although this aligns with Georgia’s lower-than-average cost of living. However, accountant and financial manager positions, which may require an advanced degree or certification, receive higher average salaries in Georgia compared with national averages.

Students planning to begin or advance their accounting careers in Georgia might consider pursuing master’s degrees to boost their earning potential. Several careers at this level, including accountants, financial managers, and financial analysts, also have high employment numbers in Georgia, suggesting promising landscapes for future accounting professionals.

Each state sets its own requirements for CPAs, so accountants should check with the board of accountancy for their intended practice state. The following requirements apply to CPAs within Georgia:

To learn more about CPA initial licensure and renewals in Georgia, visit the links below.