Accounting Schools in Georgia

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Updated August 13, 2024

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Georgia is filled with opportunities for accountants to start and grow their careers. Explore the state's education and economic landscape as you decide if it's the right fit for your goals.

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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 at a Glance
Population 10,799,566
Climate Average Annual Temperature: 63.5 ℉
Annual Precipitation: 50.7 inches
Major Sports Teams Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Dream (WNBA), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta United (MLS)
Number of Higher Learning Institutions 105
Per Capita Income $37,836
Fortune 500 Companies 18
Accountants in Georgia 44,580
Sources: U.S. Census, Current Results, NCES, Statista, BLS

Popular Online Bachelor's in Accounting Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Why Go to College for Accounting in Georgia?

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.

Education Statistics for Georgia

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.

Georgia vs. National Education Statistics
Higher Education Statistics Georgia Data National Data
Four-Year Colleges 68 2,488
Two-Year Colleges 37 1,234
Students Enrolled in Distance Education 54.9% 53.3%
Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student $13,911 $11,040
Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education $19,220 $18,301
Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree 8.3% 8.7%
Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree 20.5% 20.9%
Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree 13.2% 13.4%
Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census ACS

Accreditation for Georgia Schools

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.

Delivery Formats for an Accounting Degree in Georgia

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.

On-Campus Programs

Attending an on-campus accounting program in Georgia allows students living in the state to jumpstart their careers through internships and networking opportunities. In-person programs provide space for interactive discussions and access to campus resources, like libraries and career centers.

Online Programs

Learners outside of Georgia who want to begin their careers in the state might choose online programs. Online accounting programs often use asynchronous delivery, letting students work on their own schedules while adhering to weekly deadlines. Some have synchronous classes with set meeting times, which allow students to collaborate and receive real-time feedback from instructors.

Hybrid Programs

Hybrid programs include online and on-campus components, which can be helpful for students who want some face-to-face experiences without commuting to and from campus for every class. This format may work best for Georgia-based learners who want to balance traditional education with their personal and professional obligations.

Paying for Your Accounting Degree

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:

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

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.

Cost of Living in Georgia

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.

Careers for Accounting Graduates in Georgia

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.

Popular Accounting Careers in Georgia

Accountants

Accountants can take on many roles depending on where they work and the type of accounting they perform, including preparing tax returns, maintaining financial records, and creating budgets for organizations. A bachelor's degree is required for most accounting jobs, but Georgia requires additional education for certified public accountant (CPA) licensure.

Job Outlook in Georgia (2022-32): +12.6%

Bookkeepers

Bookkeepers record and organize financial transactions for organizations. A high school diploma is often the minimum requirement for these professionals, although an associate degree can help students develop business and accounting skills. Though national numbers indicate a decline for the profession, Georgia is among the top employers in the country for bookkeepers.

Job Outlook in Georgia (2022-32): +1.3%

Financial Managers

Financial managers help organizations increase their profits by monitoring revenue and business operations and predicting future financial performance. A master's degree or certification can advance financial manager careers. Georgia's financial managers receive an average salary of $178,980 annually, which is more than $4,000 above the national average for the profession.

Job Outlook in Georgia (2022-32): +24.7%

Georgia Employment Trends

Projected Job Growth for Accountants
Job Availability Georgia National
2022 Employment 45,530 1,538,400
2032 Projected Employment 51,270 1,605,800
Projected Job Growth, 2022-32 +12.6% +4.4%
Source: Projections Central
Accounting Salaries by Career — Associate Degree Recommended
Career Georgia Employment Georgia Average Annual Salary National Average Annual Salary
Bookkeeping and Auditing Clerks 36,620 $47,120 $49,580
Credit Counselors N/A $57,590 $53,440
Payroll Clerks 3,710 $54,070 $54,690
Source: BLS OEWS
Accounting Salaries by Career — Bachelor's Degree Recommended
Career Georgia Employment Georgia Average Annual Salary National Average Annual Salary
Compliance Officers 13,390 $71,130 $80,190
Cost Estimators 5,720 $72,720 $79,520
Property Appraisers and Assessors 2,490 $64,290 $76,110
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents 13,580 $93,230 $109,710
Tax Examiners and Collectors 1,430 $59,760 $65,370
Tax Preparers 1,820 $45,590 $58,160
Source: BLS OEWS
Accounting Salaries by Career — Master's Degree Recommended
Career Georgia Employment Georgia Average Annual Salary National Average Annual Salary
Accountants and Auditors 44,580 $93,500 $90,780
Budget Analysts 1,920 $89,310 $90,880
Financial Analysts 10,450 $100,010 $112,950
Financial Managers 21,770 $178,980 $174,820
Personal Financial Advisors 7,220 $138,820 $150,670
Source: BLS OEWS

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.

Georgia Requirements for Certified Public Accountants

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:

  • 18 years old
  • U.S. citizen with a Social Security number
  • Bachelor's degree, minimum
  • At least 150 semester hours, including 30 semester hours in accounting above the introductory level and 24 semester hours in business subjects
  • Successful passing of the Uniform CPA Examination
  • At least one year of full-time accounting experience totaling at least 2,000 hours or at least one year of qualified accounting teaching experience

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

Questions About Accounting in Georgia

How do I become an accountant in Georgia?

The minimum requirement for accountants in Georgia is typically a bachelor's degree, though some entry-level roles in the profession may only require an associate degree. However, Georgia requires certified public accountants to have 150 total credits. This education must include at least 30 semester hours in non-introductory accounting courses and 24 semester hours in business-focused subjects.

Entry-level accounting positions in Georgia often require a bachelor's degree, which takes four years to complete. To become a CPA in Georgia, accountants need an additional 30 semester hours beyond the typical bachelor's degree, which can take an additional year for full-time students to complete.

BLS data from May 2023 states that Georgia accountants earn an average salary of $93,500, which falls among the highest accountant salaries in the country. To compare, New York is the top-paying state, with an average salary of $113,310.

Georgia attracts diverse industries and businesses, leaving space for many accounting careers with high employment levels, including accountants and auditors, bookkeeping and auditing clerks, and financial managers.

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