Public Universities in Georgia: A Complete List
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Georgia may be known for its peaches, but it's also home to two of the most popular public colleges. Georgia boasts 38 public colleges and universities, including two institutions — Georgia Tech and UGA — that rank among the top 20 in the nation.
The Peach State also offers tuition rates below the national average. Nationally, in-state students at public four-year colleges in 2020-2021 paid $9,375 for tuition and fees, while Georgia residents paid an average of only $7,525.
Still not certain about Georgia public colleges? Check out some of the most popular public universities in Georgia below.
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4 Popular Public Universities in Georgia
Below are some popular public colleges in Georgia you can attend. These schools were selected based on factors like number of applicants, enrollment, and overall reputation.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $17,402
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Total Student Enrollment: 45,296
Founded in 1885, Georgia Tech is a leader in technological and scientific research in the South. The institute features a robust catalog of 130 majors and minors. Georgia Tech has high-ranking engineering, computer science, and statistics and operational research programs.
In addition to hosting the renowned Scheller College of Business, the 400-acre campus in Atlanta boasts more than 500 student organizations, including a lively Greek life with 50 fraternities and sororities.
2. Georgia State University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $17,589
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Total Student Enrollment: 36,516
Established in 1913, Georgia State offers a 100-acre campus in downtown Atlanta and five Perimeter campuses throughout Georgia. Students come from more than 150 countries to study at Georgia State, one of the most diverse research universities in the nation.
You can choose from more than 250 undergraduate programs and 150 graduate degrees here. The college's 12 colleges, schools, and institutes award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Georgia State also boasts 16 fully accredited NCAA Division 1 athletics teams.
3. Kennesaw State University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $18,079
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Total Student Enrollment: 43,190
Established in 1963, Kennesaw State features more than 180 degrees and certificates. This research university holds a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution R2 and R1 status. Kennesaw State leads in producing teachers and nurses, and it also has a renowned business school and engineering college.
Additionally, the College of the Arts — which features prestigious design, dance, music, and theater schools — provides professional partnerships to students. The more than 300 student organizations also create a lively social atmosphere on campus.
4. University of Georgia
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $17,180
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Total Student Enrollment: 40,607
Known as the birthplace of public higher education,
UGA became the first public university in the U.S. in 1785. This public land-grant university, with 18 schools and colleges, boasts a total enrollment of over 40,000 students and a 605-acre campus in Athens. UGA is renowned for its advanced research and commitment to experiential learning.
Undergraduates can take advantage of internships, research opportunities, and more than 190 study abroad programs. The university also has a vibrant campus life, with more than 800 student organizations.
List of All Public Colleges in Georgia
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit public 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). All enrollment data is from 2021, whereas net price, acceptance rate, and number of applicants data is from 2022-2023. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | 3,647 | $7,260 | 67% | 2,349 |
| Albany State University | 6,297 | $14,672 | 100% | N/A |
| Augusta University | 8,961 | $13,572 | 86% | 5,191 |
| 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 |
| Dalton State College | 4,525 | $5,532 | 100% | N/A |
| 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 |
| Middle Georgia State University | 7,843 | $13,174 | 100% | 3,440 |
| Savannah State University | 3,385 | $9,452 | 100% | N/A |
| 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 |
How Much Do Public Colleges in Georgia Cost?
Public universities in Georgia range in cost for tuition and fees from around $3,000 at an in-state two-year school to $23,400 for an out-of-state four-year university. You can also expect to save money on public colleges in Georgia if you qualify for in-state tuition rates.
| Institution Type | Avg. Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (in-state) | $7,525 |
| Public 4-Year (out-of-state) | $23,430 |
| Public 2-Year (in-state) | $3,169 |
| Public 2-Year (out-of-state) | $8,535 |
Cost of Living in Georgia
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Georgia offers the 12th lowest cost of living in the country as of 2023. Housing in Georgia costs 21.5% lower than the national average.
That said, Atlanta has a higher cost of living. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Atlanta stands at 2% higher than the national average, with housing that's 8% more expensive than the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Universities in Georgia
How many public universities are in Georgia?
The state of Georgia boasts 64 public colleges, including four-year, two-year, and less-than-two-year colleges. About 38 public four-year universities and colleges call Georgia home.
Which two Georgia universities make the list of top 20 public universities in the U.S.?
Georgia Tech and UGA made the list of the top 20 public universities in the U.S. These colleges offer quality academics, value for your education, diversity, and lively campuses.
What is the fastest-growing university in Georgia?
The state's most prestigious institute, Georgia Tech, wins as the fastest-growing university. The college's study body grew by 3.3% to a total of 45,000, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. This growth comes even during a 1.8% decline of students at all state colleges and universities from fall 2021-2022.
