With over 100 public and private colleges and universities in the state, Georgia has much to offer anyone aiming to advance his or her degree status and career potential. The Peach State is home to some large, world-renowned educational institutions, as well as many small and friendly schools that often focus on specific concentrations. Whether your career goals point you toward Georgia public institutions, private colleges, two-year colleges, community colleges, or technical schools, there is sure to be a program that perfectly fits your educational needs.
In Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, you can find the following among the many options for higher learning:
Athens, Georgia is considered the birthplace of America's public higher education system, as it was here that the very first university chartered and funded by state resources was established in 1801. Recently, it was rated as one of the top 20 best values in public colleges by Kiplinger, with in-state tuition around $18,000 per year in 2011.
Move over to the coastal region of Georgia, and you find the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. Students from all over enter this charming southern city to study everything from historic preservation to performing arts to furniture design to animation. The college has recently begun offering programs in other locations and online training alternatives, as well. In fact, many Georgia colleges offer flexible and diverse online learning options.
Some of the most successful industries in Georgia include agriculture, food production, manufacturing, health care, communication technology, and tourism. Several large corporations have their headquarters in the state, including Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, UPS, CNN, and Newell-Rubbermaid.
Whether you obtain a certificate in restaurant management, a bachelor's degree in marketing, or a doctoral degree in public health, career choices are vast throughout the booming big cities and quaint smaller towns throughout Georgia.
As of May 2010, some occupations and their mean annual salaries within leading Georgia industries included:
As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, your overall salary and likelihood of remaining employed increase exponentially with each level of degree you attain. In fact, in 2010, the median weekly earnings for a high school graduate were $626 while the weekly earnings for those who have earned a professional degree averaged $1,610. Unemployment levels that year were 10.3 percent for high school graduates and only 2.4 percent for those with professional degrees. Consider the quality college programs in Georgia to gain more employment security and increased earning potential--in a career that is right for you.