Best Colleges in Georgia
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Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
From metro Atlanta to coastal Savannah, Georgia has some of the best colleges in the country. You can also find scenic rural colleges and online colleges in the Peach State. But which of Georgia's 40-plus schools make the top 10 list?
With options for every budget, major, and school size, you can find the right college to reach your goals on our list. Let's dive in to learn more about the best colleges in Georgia.
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10 Best Colleges in Georgia
Ready to learn more about the best colleges in Georgia? Here's our list of the ten top-ranking colleges and universities in the state.
Methodology
How did we choose the best colleges in Georgia? The Peach State boasts multiple prominent and historical colleges. For our list, we looked at factors like academic excellence, campus life, graduate outcomes, and the student experience. We also considered affordability, financial aid opportunities, and a diversity of sizes and institution types.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UGA ranks as the best college in Georgia. Established in 1785, the university is the oldest public college in the country. More than 230 years later, UGA educates entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders.
What makes UGA stand out? The public college offers multiple dual bachelor's and master's programs that can help you save time and money. You can choose from over 800 student organizations and 130 study abroad programs. And UGA is a leader in experiential learning.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public college in Atlanta, Georgia State has a diverse student body of over 52,000 students from 150 countries around the world. You can choose from over 250 bachelor's programs. And when you're not in class, you can take advantage of Atlanta's food, culture, and business opportunities.
Georgia State also operates perimeter campuses around the Atlanta metro area, allowing students to choose between different learning environments. And you'll pay around $10,000 per year for tuition, fees, books, and supplies, which makes Georgia State more affordable than many other universities in Georgia.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Peach State's top-ranked tech institute is also a public university, making it more affordable than many private colleges in Georgia. Georgia Tech enrolls more than 45,000 students on its campuses in Atlanta, France, and China. Or you can earn a Georgia Tech degree online.
The 400-acre wooded campus in Atlanta welcomes students. Popular majors include engineering, computing, business, liberal arts, and the sciences. You'll also develop research and leadership skills through experiential learning opportunities.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for an affordable college in Georgia? Then consider KSU. Georgia residents pay around $5,500 per year in tuition at this public college.
When you're on campus, you'll live in a residential community and participate in over 300 student-led organizations. In the classroom, KSU offers more than 180 programs from its campus just 15 miles outside of Atlanta. It's also Georgia's third-largest university, with nearly 43,000 students. More Georgia teachers and nurses graduate from KSU than from any other college.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
If you're interested in art or design, SCAD is one of the best colleges in Georgia. As a professional college, you'll take career-focused classes with an emphasis on industry-specific skills. And if you're not in Savannah, you can take classes online.
You'll take small classes and receive individual attention. And you'll have over 100 programs to choose from, making SCAD one of the largest art and design universities in the country.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Over 4,000 students attend Clark Atlanta University, which is one of the best HBCUs in Atlanta. It's also a historic institution, formed by the union between the country's first college that offered graduate degrees to Black students and the first four-year liberal arts college for Black students.
You can choose from 40 areas of study at this private college. And when you're not in class, you can participate in the vibrant campus life that encourages innovation and culture.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Campus
Many rank Emory at the top of their list of private colleges in Georgia. And it's easy to see why. Emory has a reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research facilities. The university's 8,000 undergrads choose from over 80 majors, with most enrolling in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Emory students are active on and off campus. The campus boasts over 325 clubs and organizations, and 80% of students volunteer. Emory also commits to meeting 100% of the financial need of first-degree undergrads.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Campus
Dating back to 1881, Atlanta's Spelman College is one of the top-ranked HBCUs in the country. Today, it's a well-known women's liberal arts college. The private college encourages academic excellence, leadership development, and service.
As a Spelman student, you'll benefit from counseling services, a wellness center, and strong academic programs. And last year, over 85% of students received financial aid to cover the cost of their degree.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Mercer University
Macon, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Join nearly 9,000 students at Mercer, a private college in Macon, Georgia. Founded in 1833 by Georgia Baptists, Mercer encourages volunteering and service. You can also participate in more than 140 student clubs and organizations to build leadership skills.
In addition to its on-campus undergraduate programs, Mercer also offers degrees designed for working adults and online programs. You can qualify for institutional financial aid by submitting the GA state aid application.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Agnes Scott College
Decatur, GA - 4 years
- Campus
Founded as a women's college in 1889, Agnes Scott offers a small, liberal arts environment. The core curriculum emphasizes global learning, leadership development, and professional success. And you can pursue a dual degree or major in pre-law or pre-medicine to prepare for grad school.
Agnes Scott boasts small class sizes and a student body of 1,115. Winding walking paths through lofty trees give the Decatur campus a residential feel. Still, you're only six miles from downtown Atlanta and its opportunities.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
List of All Colleges in Georgia
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Georgia. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Note that schools that do not admit full-time, first-time degree-seeking students and that enroll fewer than 500 undergrads were not considered for this list.
School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
---|---|---|---|---|
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | 3,814 | $7,260 | 67% | 2,349 |
Agnes Scott College | 1,109 | $24,305 | 67% | 1,879 |
Albany State University | 6,297 | $14,672 | 100% | N/A |
Augusta University | 8,961 | $13,572 | 86% | 5,191 |
Berry College | 2,303 | $25,359 | 66% | 5,643 |
Brenau University | 2,551 | $23,635 | 87% | 2,334 |
Brewton-Parker College | 893 | $21,874 | 95% | 744 |
Clark Atlanta University | 4,055 | $30,015 | 56% | 16,153 |
Clayton State University | 6,817 | $9,792 | 56% | 2,255 |
College of Coastal Georgia | 3,232 | $12,117 | 98% | 2,519 |
Columbus State University | 7,898 | $12,902 | 88% | 3,870 |
Covenant College | 914 | $25,028 | 84% | 813 |
Dalton State College | 4,525 | $5,532 | 100% | N/A |
Emmanuel College | 918 | $19,921 | 63% | 766 |
Emory University | 14,779 | $26,680 | 11% | 33,179 |
Fort Valley State University | 2,923 | $13,016 | 43% | 6,247 |
Georgia College & State University | 6,763 | $20,301 | 80% | 4,414 |
Georgia Gwinnett College | 10,949 | $10,981 | 94% | 5,626 |
Georgia Institute of Technology | 43,859 | $17,402 | 17% | 50,610 |
Georgia Southern University | 27,076 | $15,352 | 89% | 14,680 |
Georgia Southwestern State University | 3,157 | $12,186 | 73% | 1,939 |
Georgia State University | 36,973 | $17,589 | 67% | 26,050 |
Kennesaw State University | 42,899 | $18,079 | 68% | 21,106 |
LaGrange College | 643 | $21,557 | 59% | 1,414 |
Life University | 2,787 | $28,226 | 98% | 448 |
Mercer University | 9,009 | $22,087 | 75% | 7,556 |
Middle Georgia State University | 7,843 | $13,174 | 100% | 3,440 |
Morehouse College | 2,554 | $35,251 | 60% | 5,221 |
Oglethorpe University | 1,446 | $20,094 | 71% | 2,816 |
Piedmont University | 2,060 | $18,792 | 64% | 2,331 |
Point University | 1,666 | $19,890 | 24% | 2,355 |
Reinhardt University | 1,215 | $26,845 | 62% | 1,083 |
Savannah College of Art and Design | 15,636 | $45,976 | 82% | 14,387 |
Savannah State University | 3,385 | $9,452 | 100% | N/A |
Shorter University | 1,460 | $13,490 | 97% | 871 |
Spelman College | 2,417 | $37,085 | 28% | 13,649 |
Thomas University | 1,388 | $16,308 | 46% | 358 |
Toccoa Falls College | 1,764 | $20,609 | 68% | 1,066 |
Truett McConnell University | 2,710 | $18,835 | 81% | 652 |
University of Georgia | 40,118 | $17,180 | 43% | 39,320 |
University of North Georgia | 18,972 | $11,721 | 70% | 11,920 |
University of West Georgia | 12,687 | $15,625 | 80% | 4,783 |
Valdosta State University | 11,557 | $12,836 | 89% | 4,975 |
Wesleyan College | 734 | $13,900 | 67% | 1,298 |
Young Harris College | 1,407 | $18,910 | 77% | 1,990 |
What Is the Cost of College in Georgia?
Georgia colleges are more affordable than the national average. At a public four-year university, you can expect to pay around $7,500 in tuition and fees as a Georgia resident. Private colleges cost around $30,400 regardless of your state residency.
You can save money as a Georgia college student by attending community college for your first two years and then transferring to a four-year institution. Georgia residents pay around $3,150 in tuition for public community colleges.
Alternatively, you might consider attending an online college in Georgia to lower your transportation costs.
Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
---|---|
Public 4-Year (in-state) | $7,525 |
Public 4-Year (out-of-state) | $23,430 |
Private 4-Year | $30,380 |
Public 2-Year (in-state) | $3,169 |
Public 2-Year (out-of-state) | $8,535 |
Scholarships for Georgia Students
Did you know that Georgia offers many college scholarships? You can receive free money to attend college in Georgia if you meet the eligibility requirements. Learn more about some of the top scholarships below.
Georgia Hope Scholarship
You can receive a HOPE Scholarship after graduating from a Georgia high school. You'll need to attend an eligible Georgia college or university. The amount of the award varies depending on your school and the number of hours enrolled.
Zell Miller Scholarship
Georgia residents qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship. You'll need to meet academic requirements and submit the FAFSA or Georgia Student Finance Application to qualify. The award amount varies depending on your course load and chosen college in Georgia.
REACH Scholarship
Offered by REACH Georgia, the REACH Scholarship supports students from middle school through high school. If REACH Scholars maintain a 2.5 GPA, they can qualify for up to $2,500 per year for up to four years to attend a Georgia college.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Georgia
How many colleges are in Georgia?
Georgia is home to around 50 four-year public and private nonprofit colleges and universities. There are also around 15 for-profit colleges in Georgia, according to NCES.
Some of the best-known colleges in Georgia include the University of Georgia, Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State University. The Peach State also stands out for its HBCUs, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University.
What colleges accept the Georgia Hope scholarship?
Many Georgia colleges accept the HOPE Scholarship, including UGA, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State. Private colleges like Emory, Mercer, Morehouse, and Spelman also accept the HOPE scholarship.
Visit the program page for more information on eligible colleges.
Is Georgia Tech a good school?
Yes, Georgia Tech is a well-known college that specializes in science and technology programs. It's also one of the largest colleges in Georgia. And since Georgia Tech is a public school, it charges a lower tuition rate than many other schools.
Georgia Tech also reports one of the lowest acceptance rates among Georgia colleges: Only 17% of more than 50,000 applicants were accepted in fall 2022, according to NCES.