The Best Finance Programs in Georgia for 2026
The best finance programs in Georgia are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 12 business programs in Georgia on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in finance actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 12 ranked programs in Georgia runs from $2,616 to $41,160 a year, a $38,544 spread for the same credential.
University of Georgia tops the list with a 96.8 Hakia Score on a 90% graduation rate, at $10,034 a year in-state. Across all 12 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 54%, ranging from 25% to 90%. The national median pay in the field is $88,870 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Finance Bachelor's Programs in Georgia
- University of Georgia ranks first among Georgia's business programs with a 96.8 Hakia Score and a 90% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 12 ranked Georgia programs spans $2,616 to $41,160 a year, a $38,544 gap for the same bachelor's in finance.
- The 12 ranked Georgia programs graduate 54% of students on average, from 25% to 90%.
- 8 of the 12 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Georgia residents.
- 1 of the 12 offers a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $88,870 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Georgia program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 12 accredited programs in Georgia reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 12 Best Finance Bachelor's Programs in Georgia, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of GeorgiaAthens, GA | Public | $10,034 | 90% | 38% | 96.8 |
| 2 | Berry CollegeMount Berry, GA | Nonprofit | $41,160 | 69% | 64% | 83.5 |
| 3 | Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA | Public | $7,344 | 53% | 55% | 80.1 |
| 4 | Mercer UniversityMacon, GA | Nonprofit | $31,265 | 70% | 69% | 79.5 |
| 5 | Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA | Public | $7,696 | 64% | 78% | 75.1 |
| 6 | University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GA | Public | $4,488 | 43% | 52% | 74.1 |
| 7 | Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA | Public | $4,488 | 55% | 88% | 72.6 |
| 8 | Valdosta State UniversityValdosta, GA | Public | $4,488 | 42% | 72% | 68.6 |
| 9 | Young Harris CollegeYoung Harris, GA | Nonprofit | $30,800 | 42% | 63% | 68.6 |
| 10 | Piedmont UniversityDemorest, GA | Nonprofit | $31,200 | 47% | 93% | 60.8 |
| 11 | Columbus State UniversityColumbus, GA · online option | Public | $4,488 | 42% | 99% | 59.4 |
| 12 | Dalton State CollegeDalton, GA | Public | $2,616 | 25% | NR | 57.5 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
Finance Bachelor's Programs in Georgia, 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 Finance Bachelor's Programs in Georgia
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 90%
- Admit rate
- 38%
- In-state
- $10,034
- Out-of-state
- $30,272
University of Georgia graduates 90% of its students, above the 54% average across this ranking, on a 96.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 96.8, #1 of 12
- 90% graduation rate
- $10,034 in-state vs $30,272 out-of-state
- Most selective program here
University of Georgia is a public institution in Athens, GA. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #1 of the 12 analyzed here with a 96.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 73.1 group average. The program graduates 90% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of Georgia admits 38% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 43,146 students.
On cost, University of Georgia charges $10,034 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $30,272 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $40,136 in tuition for residents, against $121,088 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. The spread makes the program a clearer value for GA residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Berry College
Mount Berry, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 64%
- In-state
- $41,160
- Out-of-state
- $41,160
Berry College graduates 69% of its students, above the 54% average across this ranking, on an 83.5 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 83.5, #2 of 12
- 69% graduation rate
- $41,160 tuition
- Admits just 64% of applicants
Berry College is a private, nonprofit institution in Mount Berry, GA. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #2 of the 12 analyzed here with an 83.5 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 73.1 group average, in the top third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Berry College admits 64% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,484 students.
On cost, Berry College charges $41,160 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $164,640 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. 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
Georgia State University ranks #3 of the 12 bachelor's in finance programs in this analysis, with an 80.1 Hakia Score and a 53% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 80.1, #3 of 12
- 53% graduation rate
- $7,344 in-state vs $23,520 out-of-state
- Admits just 55% of applicants
Georgia State University is a public institution in Atlanta, GA. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #3 of the 12 analyzed here with an 80.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 73.1 group average, in the top third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 53% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Georgia State University admits 55% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%.
On cost, Georgia State University charges $7,344 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $23,520 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $29,376 in tuition for residents, against $94,080 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Mercer University
Macon, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 69%
- In-state
- $31,265
- Out-of-state
- $31,265
Mercer University graduates 70% of its students, above the 54% average across this ranking, on a 79.5 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 79.5, #4 of 12
- 70% graduation rate
- $31,265 tuition
- Admits just 69% of applicants
Based in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #4 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 79.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 73.1 group average, in the top third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 70% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Mercer University admits 69% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%. The university enrolls 9,196 students overall.
On cost, Mercer University charges $31,265 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $125,060 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $7,696
- Out-of-state
- $28,022
Georgia College & State University graduates 64% of its students, above the 54% average across this ranking, on a 75.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 75.1, #5 of 12
- 64% graduation rate
- $7,696 in-state vs $28,022 out-of-state
- Admits just 78% of applicants
Based in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College & State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #5 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 75.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 73.1 group average, in the middle third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Georgia College & State University admits 78% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%.
On cost, Georgia College & State University charges $7,696 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $28,022 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $30,784 in tuition for residents, against $112,088 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- 52%
- In-state
- $4,488
- Out-of-state
- $16,200
At $4,488 a year in-state, University of West Georgia is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 74.1 Hakia Score on a 43% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.1, #6 of 12
- 43% graduation rate
- $4,488 in-state vs $16,200 out-of-state
- Admits just 52% of applicants
Based in Carrollton, GA, University of West Georgia is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #6 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 74.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 73.1 group average, in the middle third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 43% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of West Georgia admits 52% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%.
On cost, University of West Georgia charges $4,488 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,200 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $17,952 in tuition for residents, against $64,800 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 88%
- In-state
- $4,488
- Out-of-state
- $16,200
At $4,488 a year in-state, Georgia Southern University is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 72.6 Hakia Score on a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 72.6, #7 of 12
- 55% graduation rate
- $4,488 in-state vs $16,200 out-of-state
- Admits just 88% of applicants
Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #7 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 72.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 73.1 group average, in the middle third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Georgia Southern University admits 88% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%.
On cost, Georgia Southern University charges $4,488 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,200 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $17,952 in tuition for residents, against $64,800 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $4,488
- Out-of-state
- $16,200
At $4,488 a year in-state, Valdosta State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 68.6 Hakia Score on a 42% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.6, #8 of 12
- 42% graduation rate
- $4,488 in-state vs $16,200 out-of-state
- Admits just 72% of applicants
Valdosta State University is a public institution in Valdosta, GA. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #8 of the 12 analyzed here with a 68.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 73.1 group average, in the middle third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Valdosta State University admits 72% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%.
On cost, Valdosta State University charges $4,488 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,200 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $17,952 in tuition for residents, against $64,800 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Young Harris College
Young Harris, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- 63%
- In-state
- $30,800
- Out-of-state
- $30,800
Young Harris College ranks #9 of the 12 bachelor's in finance programs in this analysis, with a 68.6 Hakia Score and a 42% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.6, #9 of 12
- 42% graduation rate
- $30,800 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Young Harris, GA, Young Harris College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #9 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 68.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 73.1 group average, in the lower third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Young Harris College admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%.
On cost, Young Harris College charges $30,800 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $123,200 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Piedmont University
Demorest, GA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $31,200
- Out-of-state
- $31,200
Piedmont University ranks #10 of the 12 bachelor's in finance programs in this analysis, with a 60.8 Hakia Score and a 47% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 60.8, #10 of 12
- 47% graduation rate
- $31,200 tuition
- Admits just 93% of applicants
Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #10 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 60.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 73.1 group average, in the lower third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Piedmont University admits 93% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%.
On cost, Piedmont University charges $31,200 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $124,800 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 12 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Columbus State University
Columbus, GA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- 99%
- In-state
- $4,488
- Out-of-state
- $16,200
At $4,488 a year in-state, Columbus State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 59.4 Hakia Score on a 42% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 59.4, #11 of 12
- 42% graduation rate
- $4,488 in-state vs $16,200 out-of-state
- Online option available
Columbus State University is a public institution in Columbus, GA. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #11 of the 12 analyzed here with a 59.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 73.1 group average, in the lower third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Columbus State University admits 99% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 38% rate at University of Georgia, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%.
On cost, Columbus State University charges $4,488 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,200 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $17,952 in tuition for residents, against $64,800 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Dalton State College
Dalton, GA · Public
- Grad rate
- 25%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $2,616
- Out-of-state
- $9,936
At $2,616 a year in-state, Dalton State College is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 57.5 Hakia Score on a 25% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 57.5, #12 of 12
- 25% graduation rate
- $2,616 in-state vs $9,936 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Dalton, GA, Dalton State College is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #12 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 57.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 73.1 group average, in the lower third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 25% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 90%. The university enrolls 5,135 students overall.
On cost, Dalton State College charges $2,616 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $9,936 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $10,464 in tuition for residents, against $39,744 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $2,616 at Dalton State College to $41,160 at Berry College. The spread makes the program a clearer value for GA residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 34x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
What a Bachelor's in Finance Costs in Georgia
In-state tuition among the 12 ranked finance programs in Georgia runs from $2,616 to $41,160 a year. Dalton State College anchors the low end at $2,616, while Berry College sits at the top at $41,160. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $10,464 in tuition at the low end against roughly $164,640 at the high end for the same bachelor's in finance. Against the national median of $88,870 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes a finance degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Finance Options in Georgia
1 of the 12 ranked Georgia programs offers a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online finance degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Finance Careers and Pay After a Georgia Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $88,870 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $2,616 or $41,160 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Georgia program compete in that same national pay structure.
Common Questions About Finance Bachelor's Programs in Georgia
What is the best finance bachelor's degree in Georgia?
By Hakia Score, University of Georgia ranks first among the 12 finance programs in Georgia we analyzed, with a 96.8 score and a 90% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does a finance bachelor's degree cost in Georgia?
In-state tuition among the ranked Georgia programs runs from $2,616 to $41,160 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online finance bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $88,870 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Georgia-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
Our Methodology for Ranking Finance Bachelor's Programs in Georgia
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.