Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate 2026: 68,000 Applicants, 9% Out-of-State, and Why Your Major Matters
By Rona Aydin
What Is Georgia Tech’s Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2030?
According to Georgia Tech’s Office of Undergraduate Admission, approximately 68,000 students applied to the Class of 2030, a record-breaking total. Approximately 8,700 were admitted. The overall acceptance rate for Georgia residents is 28%, while out-of-state applicants (the relevant number for NJ, NY, and CT families) face a 9% rate. Georgia Tech uses a two-round Early Action system: EA1 for Georgia residents only, EA2 for out-of-state and international students. For context, see our Top 25 admissions statistics.
| Round (Class of 2030) | Applicants | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA1 (Georgia only) | ~8,700 | 2,640 | 30% |
| EA2 (out-of-state/intl) | 37,300 | 3,149 | 8% |
| Regular Decision | ~22,000 | ~2,900 | ~13% |
| Overall | ~68,000 | ~8,700 | 28% GA / 9% OOS |
Source: Georgia Tech Enrollment Management News, January-March 2026.
How Hard Is Georgia Tech for Out-of-State Applicants?
The 9% out-of-state rate makes Georgia Tech one of the most selective public universities for non-residents, comparable to UVA (10% OOS) and UCLA (~7-8% OOS). The EA2 round, which is the primary early option for out-of-state students, had an 8% acceptance rate from 37,300 applicants. EA2 is the largest applicant group, accounting for 55% of all applications. For NJ, NY, and CT families, Georgia Tech is a reach school, not a match.
| Residency | Rate | Comparable To |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Residents | 28% | 3x advantage over OOS |
| Out-of-State | 9% | Similar to UVA OOS, UCLA OOS |
| International | ~7% | Most competitive pool |
Source: Georgia Tech Admissions, 2025-2026.
Does Georgia Tech Admit by Major?
Yes. According to Georgia Tech’s admissions office, the intended major is considered during the admissions process, especially for high-demand programs like Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. CS-specific acceptance rates are estimated to be significantly lower than the overall rate. For how Georgia Tech’s CS program compares, see our CMU acceptance rate analysis and MIT acceptance rate analysis.
What GPA and Test Scores Do You Need for Georgia Tech?
According to Georgia Tech’s CDS, the middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1430-1540 and ACT is 33-35. Georgia Tech is test-optional for the Class of 2030 but expects a strong record in math, science, and AP/IB courses. Most competitive applicants have an unweighted GPA of 3.8+ with the most rigorous coursework available. For testing strategy, see our test strategy guide. For essay strategy, see our Common App essay guide.
How Does Georgia Tech Compare to CMU, MIT, and Other STEM Schools?
| School | Overall Rate | OOS Rate | CS Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIT | 4.6% | Same as overall | Top 1 |
| CMU SCS | <5% | Same as overall | Top 1 |
| Caltech | 3.78% | Same as overall | Top 5 |
| Georgia Tech | 28% GA / 9% OOS | 9% | Top 5-8 |
| UC Berkeley | ~11% | ~8% | Top 3 |
Source: Institutional data, CDS, US News rankings, 2024-2026.
How to Write Georgia Tech’s Supplemental Essay
According to Georgia Tech Admissions, the supplemental essay asks why you want to study your chosen major at Georgia Tech. The strongest essays connect a specific technical interest or project to a specific Georgia Tech resource: a research lab, an interdisciplinary program, a co-op opportunity, or a campus organization. Georgia Tech’s culture emphasizes hands-on learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Reference specific programs like CREATE-X (the startup incubator), VIP (Vertically Integrated Projects), or undergraduate research in the College of Computing. Avoid generic statements about “wanting to be an engineer” or “loving technology.” Georgia Tech receives 68,000 applications and admissions officers have read thousands of generic essays. For essay strategy at other schools, see our Common App essay guide.
What Does a Competitive Out-of-State Georgia Tech Applicant Look Like?
With a 9% out-of-state rate, competitive OOS applicants typically have: a 3.9+ unweighted GPA in the most rigorous STEM curriculum available, SAT 1480+ or ACT 34+, demonstrated depth in STEM activities (robotics, coding projects, engineering competitions, research), and a supplemental essay that shows genuine knowledge of Georgia Tech’s specific programs. Leadership in STEM organizations is valued, but depth matters more than breadth. A student who led a robotics team to nationals is more compelling than one who was a member of five clubs. Georgia Tech also values diversity of geography and background, which can work in favor of Northeast applicants since the pool is dominated by Southeast students. For building your profile, see our summer programs guide.
What Are Your Chances on Georgia Tech’s Waitlist?
According to Georgia Tech’s CDS, the waitlist acceptance rate was 13.39% for the Class of 2029. However, this rate is volatile: the 21-year historical average is 23.1%, but it has been as low as 0.74% (Class of 2022) and as high as 93.9% (Class of 2013). Georgia Tech uses its waitlist aggressively when yield drops. For waitlist strategy, see our LOCI guide and waitlist rates comparison.
Final Thoughts: Georgia Tech Admissions in 2026
Georgia Tech’s 68,000 applications make it the second most applied-to public university after UCLA. For out-of-state families, the 9% rate puts it in the same selectivity tier as UVA and UCLA. The CS and engineering programs are among the most competitive in the country. At Oriel Admissions, our team of former admissions officers from Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia has helped students earn acceptances to Georgia Tech and other top universities. Schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help. For building your profile, see our summer programs guide and high school internships guide.
Very similar. Georgia Tech’s out-of-state rate is 9% vs UVA’s 10%. Both heavily prioritize in-state applicants. Georgia Tech’s EA2 (8% for OOS) is comparable to UVA’s EA (9.8% OOS). For NJ families, both should be classified as reach schools.
Yes. Georgia Tech considers your intended major during admissions, especially for high-demand programs like CS, Mechanical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. CS-specific acceptance rates are estimated to be significantly lower than the overall 9% out-of-state rate.
EA1 (November 1 deadline) is exclusively for Georgia residents, with a 30% acceptance rate. EA2 (November 1 deadline, decisions in January) is for out-of-state and international applicants, with an 8% acceptance rate. This two-round system creates very different odds based on residency.
Yes. Georgia Tech’s College of Computing is consistently ranked top 5-8 nationally for CS. The cost (even out-of-state at ~$53K) is lower than MIT ($82K) or CMU ($80K). Georgia Tech has a strong co-op/internship culture and direct industry pipelines. For students who don’t get into MIT or CMU SCS, Georgia Tech is the best public school alternative.
Georgia Tech is test-optional for the Class of 2030. However, competitive out-of-state applicants should strongly consider submitting scores at or above the middle 50% (SAT 1430-1540, ACT 33-35) to strengthen their applications.
Yes, usually. The 21-year historical average is 23.1%, making it one of the most active waitlists among top engineering schools. However, it can be as low as 0.74% in strong yield years. Georgia Tech’s waitlist is significantly more active than CMU’s (0.73%).
At ~$53,000 total cost for out-of-state students, Georgia Tech is significantly cheaper than private STEM peers (MIT $82K, CMU $80K, Caltech $80K). The career placement into tech and engineering companies is comparable. For families paying full price, Georgia Tech offers strong ROI.
A record 68,000 for the Class of 2030, making it the second most applied-to public university after UCLA (145,000+). Applications have more than doubled from ~30,000 a decade ago, driven by growing national interest in STEM programs and Georgia Tech’s rising reputation.
