The Best Business Schools in Atlanta for 2026
The best business schools in Atlanta are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name on the building. Hakia analyzed 105 accredited business programs in Atlanta and the surrounding metro and ranked 18 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Tuition across the 18 ranked schools runs from $2,568 to $63,400 a year, a $60,832 spread for the same credential.
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus leads with a 98.9 Hakia Score on a 94% graduation rate, at $10,512 a year. Across all 18 ranked business schools in Atlanta the average graduation rate is 44%, ranging from 13% to 94%. 6 of the 18 are public and 12 are private, a split that drives most of the price gap below.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at what actually separates the business schools in Atlanta: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. This list covers metro Atlanta, so some schools sit outside the city line; the city of each is shown in the table. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Business Schools in Atlanta
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ranks first among business schools in Atlanta with a 98.9 Hakia Score and a 94% graduation rate.
- Tuition across the 18 ranked business schools in Atlanta spans $2,568 to $63,400 a year, a $60,832 gap for the same credential.
- The 18 ranked business schools in Atlanta graduate 44% of students on average, from 13% to 94%.
- 6 of the 18 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate is what Georgia residents actually pay.
- 5 of the 18 offer a confirmed online option, which matters in a city where commuting time is the real cost.
Hakia analyzed 105 accredited business programs in Atlanta and the surrounding metro reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes, then ranked one entry per school on its strongest program. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 18 Best Business Schools in Atlanta, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta, GA | Public | $10,512 | 94% | 14% | 98.9 |
| 2 | Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA | Nonprofit | $63,400 | 91% | 11% | 98.0 |
| 3 | Agnes Scott CollegeDecatur, GA | Nonprofit | $50,264 | 71% | 62% | 86.5 |
| 4 | Morehouse CollegeAtlanta, GA | Nonprofit | $28,964 | 59% | 44% | 85.6 |
| 5 | Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA | Public | $7,344 | 53% | 55% | 83.7 |
| 6 | Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GA | Public | $4,560 | 52% | 69% | 82.4 |
| 7 | Clark Atlanta UniversityAtlanta, GA | Nonprofit | $25,128 | 49% | 64% | 75.5 |
| 8 | Clayton State UniversityMorrow, GA | Public | $4,176 | 40% | 68% | 74.8 |
| 9 | Oglethorpe UniversityAtlanta, GA | Nonprofit | $47,180 | 54% | 88% | 69.2 |
| 10 | Strayer University-GeorgiaChamblee, GA · online option | For-profit | $13,725 | 21% | NR | 66.7 |
| 11 | Georgia Gwinnett CollegeLawrenceville, GA | Public | $3,288 | 21% | 95% | 64.7 |
| 12 | American InterContinental University-AtlantaAtlanta, GA · online option | For-profit | $12,867 | 21% | NR | 61.6 |
| 13 | DeVry University-GeorgiaDecatur, GA | For-profit | $16,448 | 13% | 100% | 61.4 |
| 14 | Life UniversityMarietta, GA · online option | Nonprofit | $13,545 | 38% | 93% | 61.3 |
| 15 | Herzing University-AtlantaAtlanta, GA | Nonprofit | $12,360 | 14% | 94% | 61.0 |
| 16 | Atlanta Metropolitan State CollegeAtlanta, GA | Public | $2,568 | 17% | NR | 60.5 |
| 17 | Beulah Heights UniversityAtlanta, GA · online option | Nonprofit | $7,632 | 33% | NR | 56.4 |
| 18 | Morehouse School of MedicineAtlanta, GA · online option | Nonprofit | NR | NR | NR | 56.1 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
Business Schools in Atlanta, Compared by Score
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
A Closer Look at the Top Business Schools in Atlanta
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 94%
- Admit rate
- 14%
- In-state
- $10,512
- Out-of-state
- $32,938
Georgia Tech graduates 94% of its students, above the 44% average across this ranking, on a 98.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 98.9, #1 of 18
- 94% graduation rate
- $10,512 in-state vs $32,938 out-of-state
- Top graduation rate on this list
Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Tech is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #1 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 98.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 72.5 group average. The program graduates 94% of its students, above the 44% average across the ranked schools. Georgia Tech admits 14% of applicants, more selective than the 66% average for the group. That is more open than the 11% rate at Emory, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 53,363 students.
On cost, Georgia Tech charges $10,512 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $32,938 out-of-state rate. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. The spread makes the program a clearer value for GA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 91%
- Admit rate
- 11%
- In-state
- $63,400
- Out-of-state
- $63,400
Emory graduates 91% of its students, above the 44% average across this ranking, on a 98.0 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 98.0, #2 of 18
- 91% graduation rate
- $63,400 tuition
- Most selective program here
Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #2 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 98.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 72.5 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs, 0.9 points behind top-ranked Georgia Tech. The program graduates 91% of its students, above the 44% average across the ranked schools. Emory admits 11% of applicants, more selective than the 66% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. The university enrolls 15,175 students overall.
On cost, Emory charges $63,400 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Agnes Scott College
Decatur, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 71%
- Admit rate
- 62%
- In-state
- $50,264
- Out-of-state
- $50,264
Agnes Scott College graduates 71% of its students, above the 44% average across this ranking, on an 86.5 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 86.5, #3 of 18
- 71% graduation rate
- $50,264 tuition
- Admits just 62% of applicants
Based in Decatur, GA, Agnes Scott College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #3 of the 18 ranked here, earning an 86.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 72.5 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 71% of its students, above the 44% average across the ranked schools. Agnes Scott College admits 62% of applicants, more selective than the 66% average for the group. That is more open than the 11% rate at Emory, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,079 students.
On cost, Agnes Scott College charges $50,264 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Morehouse College
Atlanta, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 59%
- Admit rate
- 44%
- In-state
- $28,964
- Out-of-state
- $28,964
Morehouse College graduates 59% of its students, above the 44% average across this ranking, on an 85.6 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 85.6, #4 of 18
- 59% graduation rate
- $28,964 tuition
- Admits just 44% of applicants
Based in Atlanta, GA, Morehouse College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #4 of the 18 ranked here, earning an 85.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 72.5 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 59% of its students, above the 44% average across the ranked schools. Morehouse College admits 44% of applicants, more selective than the 66% average for the group. That is more open than the 11% rate at Emory, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,847 students.
On cost, Morehouse College charges $28,964 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- 55%
- In-state
- $7,344
- Out-of-state
- $23,520
At $7,344 a year in-state, Georgia State is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 83.7 Hakia Score on a 53% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 83.7, #5 of 18
- 53% graduation rate
- $7,344 in-state vs $23,520 out-of-state
- Admits just 55% of applicants
Georgia State is a public institution in Atlanta, GA. Its Business program ranks #5 of the 18 analyzed here with an 83.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 72.5 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 53% of its students, above the 44% average across the ranked schools. Georgia State admits 55% of applicants, more selective than the 66% average for the group. That is more open than the 11% rate at Emory, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 34,944 students.
On cost, Georgia State charges $7,344 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $23,520 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. The spread makes the program a clearer value for GA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 52%
- Admit rate
- 69%
- In-state
- $4,560
- Out-of-state
- $16,488
At $4,560 a year in-state, Kennesaw State is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 82.4 Hakia Score on a 52% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 82.4, #6 of 18
- 52% graduation rate
- $4,560 in-state vs $16,488 out-of-state
- Admits just 69% of applicants
Kennesaw State is a public institution in Kennesaw, GA. Its Business program ranks #6 of the 18 analyzed here with an 82.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 72.5 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 52% of its students, above the 44% average across the ranked schools. Kennesaw State admits 69% of applicants, less selective than the 66% average for the group. That is more open than the 11% rate at Emory, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 47,764 students.
On cost, Kennesaw State charges $4,560 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,488 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. The spread makes the program a clearer value for GA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 64%
- In-state
- $25,128
- Out-of-state
- $25,128
Clark Atlanta graduates 49% of its students, above the 44% average across this ranking, on a 75.5 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 75.5, #7 of 18
- 49% graduation rate
- $25,128 tuition
- Admits just 64% of applicants
Based in Atlanta, GA, Clark Atlanta is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #7 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 75.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 72.5 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, above the 44% average across the ranked schools. Clark Atlanta admits 64% of applicants, more selective than the 66% average for the group. That is more open than the 11% rate at Emory, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. The university enrolls 4,252 students overall.
On cost, Clark Atlanta charges $25,128 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Clayton State University
Morrow, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 40%
- Admit rate
- 68%
- In-state
- $4,176
- Out-of-state
- $15,528
At $4,176 a year in-state, Clayton State is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 74.8 Hakia Score on a 40% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.8, #8 of 18
- 40% graduation rate
- $4,176 in-state vs $15,528 out-of-state
- Admits just 68% of applicants
Clayton State is a public institution in Morrow, GA. Its Business program ranks #8 of the 18 analyzed here with a 74.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 72.5 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 40% of its students, below the 44% average across the ranked schools. Clayton State admits 68% of applicants, less selective than the 66% average for the group. That is more open than the 11% rate at Emory, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. The university enrolls 6,163 students overall.
On cost, Clayton State charges $4,176 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $15,528 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. The spread makes the program a clearer value for GA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Oglethorpe University
Atlanta, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 88%
- In-state
- $47,180
- Out-of-state
- $47,180
Oglethorpe graduates 54% of its students, above the 44% average across this ranking, on a 69.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 69.2, #9 of 18
- 54% graduation rate
- $47,180 tuition
- Admits just 88% of applicants
Oglethorpe is a private, nonprofit institution in Atlanta, GA. Its Business program ranks #9 of the 18 analyzed here with a 69.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 72.5 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 54% of its students, above the 44% average across the ranked schools. Oglethorpe admits 88% of applicants, less selective than the 66% average for the group. That is more open than the 11% rate at Emory, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,425 students.
On cost, Oglethorpe charges $47,180 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Strayer University-Georgia
Chamblee, GA · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 21%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
Strayer-Georgia ranks #10 of the 18 business programs in this analysis, with a 66.7 Hakia Score and a 21% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 66.7, #10 of 18
- 21% graduation rate
- $13,725 tuition
- Online option available
Strayer-Georgia is a private, for-profit institution in Chamblee, GA. Its Business program ranks #10 of the 18 analyzed here with a 66.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 72.5 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 21% of its students, below the 44% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 13% to 94%. The university enrolls 4,916 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Strayer-Georgia charges $13,725 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,568 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College to $63,400 at Emory. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
What Business Schools in Atlanta Cost
Tuition across the 18 ranked schools runs from $2,568 to $63,400 a year. Atlanta Metropolitan State College anchors the low end at $2,568 a year, while Emory University sits at the top at $63,400. The cheapest public option among the business schools in Atlanta is Atlanta Metropolitan State College at $2,568; the cheapest private is Beulah Heights University at $7,632.
Over the four years the credential takes, that is roughly $10,272 in tuition at Atlanta Metropolitan State College against about $253,600 at Emory University. Public figures here are the in-state resident rate, so an applicant moving to Atlanta from another state should read the out-of-state column before treating the cheap end of this list as cheap.
Which Business Major to Choose in Atlanta
Business school covers a dozen different degrees, and the business schools in Atlanta do not all offer the same ones. Across the 105 accredited programs analyzed here, the fields with the deepest coverage in Atlanta are business administration (17 schools), accounting (10 schools), healthcare administration (7 schools), human resources (3 schools), marketing (3 schools). A school ranked highly overall is not automatically strong in the major you want, so check the field before the name.
Accounting is the one track bound to a license: CPA eligibility in most states requires 150 credit hours against the 120 a bachelor's confers, which changes the course plan from the first year rather than the last. 10 of the schools analyzed in Atlanta run one.
Public and Private Business Schools in Atlanta
6 of the 18 ranked business schools in Atlanta are public and 12 are private, and that split drives most of the $60,832 tuition spread above. The public rate is a residency benefit: Atlanta Metropolitan State College charges $2,568 in-state and $9,720 out of state, so where a student already lives changes this ranking more than any other single factor.
Private schools discount heavily off the published number, which is why sticker price alone is a poor comparison. Completion is the better lens: the 18 ranked schools average 44%, from 13% to 94%, and a cheap degree that does not finish is not a saving. Run each school's own net price calculator before ruling one out on tuition.
Why Study Business in Atlanta
Being on a campus among the business schools in Atlanta puts a student inside the employer network that school recruits into, close enough for an internship during term rather than only over the summer, and internships are what turn an undergraduate business degree into a first job.
The 18 ranked schools sit across 7 towns in the metro, among them Atlanta, Decatur, Kennesaw, and the table names the city of each, so check the commute before assuming a suburban campus is the convenient option. 5 of the 18 also run a confirmed online option for students who cannot be on campus daily.
Common Questions About Business Schools in Atlanta
What is the best business school in Atlanta?
By Hakia Score, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ranks first among the 18 ranked business schools in Atlanta, with a 98.9 score and a 94% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes together, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one of them.
Can you study business part-time in Atlanta?
Yes. Evening, weekend and part-time formats are common across the business schools in Atlanta, and in a metro this size most schools run at least one. The tradeoff is length rather than content: the same credential takes longer while you keep working. Ask each school for the completion rate of its part-time cohort specifically, since it often differs from the headline graduation rate this ranking uses.
How much does a business degree cost in Atlanta?
Tuition among the ranked Atlanta schools runs from $2,568 to $63,400 a year. Public schools publish the in-state resident rate, so students moving in from another state should check the out-of-state column before comparing. Neither figure includes Atlanta living costs, which are a real part of the total.
How many business schools in Atlanta does this ranking cover?
We analyzed 105 accredited business programs across Atlanta and the surrounding metro and ranked the top 18 schools, listing one entry per school on its strongest program. This list covers metro Atlanta, so some schools sit outside the city line; the city of each is shown in the table.
Is it worth studying business in Atlanta instead of online?
Only 5 of the 18 ranked schools are confirmed online, so in Atlanta the campus route is the one most of this list offers. An accredited online program carries identical standing on a transcript, since accreditation attaches to the school and the program rather than to the delivery format. What a campus adds is proximity to the employers that school recruits into, and at $2,568 in-state, Atlanta Metropolitan State College is what that proximity costs at the low end here. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Schools in Atlanta
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.