Georgia Institute of Technology is setting a new standard for student outcomes across the United States. Nearly 98% of students who entered as part of the Fall 2025 first‑year cohort returned for their second year, giving Tech the highest retention rate among public universities.
Graduation Gains Reflect Strategic Focus
Graduation rates complement that high retention. Seventy‑six percent of the Fall 2022 first‑year cohort earned their degrees within four years—a ten‑percentage‑point increase since Fall 2019—while 93% of the Fall 2020 cohort graduated within six years.
Expanding Access Through New Pathways
Tech’s “Big Bet” to become a national leader in outcomes and value includes the Atlanta Bridge Program, launched in 2025 with Atlanta Metropolitan State College. The program provides coordinated advising, mentoring and early access to Georgia Tech resources for prospective transfer students. The inaugural cohort began with 19 students from 11 metro‑Atlanta high schools; by Spring 2026, all 11 AMSC applicants were admitted for Fall 2026, and the second cohort has grown to 36 students.
Financial barriers are also being addressed. Through the Transforming Tomorrow capital campaign, alumni and donors have contributed over $415 million, enabling the university to meet a higher percentage of student financial need and expand scholarship support.
Investments in Student Success Infrastructure
Georgia Tech is strengthening proactive advising, student‑success technologies and data‑driven identification of at‑risk students. These systems connect learners with the guidance and resources needed to stay on track. The university also promotes high‑impact experiences such as undergraduate research, co‑ops, internships, study‑abroad programs and other experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for long‑term career success.
National Rankings Validate Value
National recognitions reflect the impact of these efforts. Georgia Tech ranked No. 4 for co‑ops and internships in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2027 rankings. It also held the No. 1 spot among public institutions on the Princeton Review’s 2026 Top 50 Best Value Colleges list for the fourth consecutive year, earning a 95‑out‑of‑99 return‑on‑investment score and a No. 1 ranking for career placement among public schools for the second year in a row. Additionally, Niche.com awarded the school an overall A+ grade, including A+ scores for academics, professors and student life.
These achievements demonstrate Georgia Tech’s commitment to providing affordable, high‑quality education and to preparing students to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields and communities.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
