Georgia Tech Continues to Rise in Research Expenditure National Rankings

The National Science Foundation has released the results of its annual Higher Education Research and Development Survey (HERD), and Georgia Tech has once again moved up again in the rankings.  

The survey of U.S. university research and development expenditures places Georgia Tech as No. 16, up from No. 17 last year, and No. 1 among universities without a medical school. The Institute ranks No. 3 for federally funded research, up from No. 5, and is No. 7 for all externally funded research, up from No. 9. 

“Georgia Tech's continued ascension in research rankings is a testament to the exceptional dedication and collaboration of our faculty, staff, and research sponsors,” said Tim Lieuwen, interim executive vice president for Research. “This trajectory, particularly our rise in federally and externally funded research, amplifies the confidence our partners have in Georgia Tech tackle society’s biggest challenges.”  

The annual survey compiles R&D expenditure data from U.S. colleges and universities with more than $150,000 in research expenditures during a fiscal year. For fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023), that included 914 institutions.  Overall, U.S. higher-education R&D spending rose by 11.2%, exceeding $108 billion in fiscal year 2023. This is the largest increase since 2003. 

Georgia Tech’s R&D spending of $1.45 billion in fiscal year 2023 reflects an impressive 17.9% increase — $219 million more — from the previous year for the entire research enterprise, which includes the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). GTRI remains the largest contributor to Georgia Tech’s growth and continues to play a major role in the Institute’s research enterprise and in national defense research. 

Additionally, Georgia Tech’s R&D expenditures contributed a monumental $1.45 billion to the state of Georgia’s economy, along with continued growth in commercialization efforts that bring technologies out of the lab and into to the world. 

Lieuwen said, “I am proud of these standings and even more excited about the possibilities ahead as we continue to drive innovation that benefits our state, the nation, and the world.” 

About Georgia Tech’s Office of the Executive Vice President for Research 

The Office of the Executive Vice President for Research (EVPR) directs Georgia Tech’s $1.37 billion (FY 2024) portfolio of research, development, and sponsored activities. This includes leadership of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), the Enterprise Innovation Institute, nine interdisciplinary research institutes (IRIs) plus research centers, and related research administrative support units: commercialization, corporate engagement, research development and operations, and research administration. Georgia Tech routinely ranks among the top U.S. universities in volume of research conducted.