Georgia Tech has been recognized as offering “the best academic deal in America” by SmartMoney. The magazine ranked Georgia Tech as number one on the publication’s list of the best 50 colleges based on return of tuition investment.

The magazine collected median pay figures from two pools of alumni: recent graduates and those 15 years out from obtaining their degrees. This was compared with the actual cost of tuition. From this information, SmartMoney created a "Payback Score," reflecting an actual return on tuition investment.

According to the magazine’s analysis, Georgia Tech graduates from the class of 2009 have a median starting salary of $59,000, representing 67 percent of what they paid in tuition. Graduates in their 30s average $102,000 a year, more than three times their tuition cost.

For a complete list of schools, visit the SmartMoney website.