Best Colleges in Georgia 2025

Badge for BEST IN GEORGIA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Here are the best colleges and universities in Georgia. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The best colleges in Georgia provide a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including specialized fields such as aerospace engineering, game development, and cybersecurity, catering to varied academic interests.
  • Students at the best colleges in Georgia have access to extensive research facilities and initiatives, allowing for hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects across disciplines like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and environmental science.
  • Located in vibrant communities, the colleges in our ranking offer rich cultural experiences, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and diverse culinary scenes, alongside active student organizations and athletic programs that foster a well-rounded college experience.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Georgia saw a considerable amount of movement. Clark Atlanta University gained the most ranking positions as the university has implemented several strategic initiatives to enhance the student experience. The university’s “Destination 2028” strategic plan focuses on four key pillars: Student Transformation, Academic Transformation, Institutional Transformation, and Financial Transformation. This comprehensive approach aims to enrich academic programs, improve campus infrastructure, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation.

Additionally, the university has launched a $250 million capital campaign to support investments in students, faculty, infrastructure, and initiatives that distinguish Clark Atlanta as an institution of choice.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

We’ve identified 46 colleges and universities in Georgia that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in Georgia below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Georgia.

Best Colleges and Universities in Georgia

  1. #1

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Emory University

    Cost of Degree: $60,774
    Expenses: $22,848
    Starting Salary: $84,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $11,180
    Expenses: $16,926
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1460/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Tech

    Cost of Degree: $11,764
    Expenses: $16,760
    Starting Salary: $85,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Spelman College

    Atlanta , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Spelman College

    Cost of Degree: $30,058
    Expenses: $21,308
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #8

    Mercer University

    Macon , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Mercer University

    Cost of Degree: $33,380
    Expenses: $18,592
    Starting Salary: $58,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mercer University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • General Business
    • Human Resources
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Services
    • Information Technology & Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Software Application Development & Human Computer Interaction
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Homeland Security & Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice Leadership
    • Family Services - Human Services
    • Gerontology Services - Human Services
    • Social Services - Human Services
    • Substance Abuse Services - Human Services
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication
    • Organizational Communication - Communication
    • Public Relations - Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $5,905
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Georgia Southern University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice - Criminology
    • Criminal Justice - Cybercrime
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Modern Languages
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #10

    Agnes Scott College

    Decatur , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Agnes Scott College

    Cost of Degree: $48,150
    Expenses: $16,662
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #11

    Oglethorpe University

    Atlanta , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Oglethorpe University

    Cost of Degree: $45,806
    Expenses: $19,250
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #12

    Wesleyan College

    Macon , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan College

    Cost of Degree: $27,650
    Starting Salary: $37,600
    What is Wesleyan College known for?

    Wesleyan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wesleyan College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 114
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 159
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #13

    University of West Georgia

    Carrollton , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of West Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $5,971
    Expenses: $17,669
    Starting Salary: $41,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of West Georgia known for?

    University of West Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of West Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminology
    • Social & Behavioral Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSNC in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Savannah State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,498
    Expenses: $11,937
    Starting Salary: $35,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Savannah State University known for?

    Savannah State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Savannah State University’s Online Degrees

    BFA in Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Visual & Performing Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Business Management
    • Marketing
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Global Logistics & International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Civil Engineering Technology
    • Computer Science Technology
    • Electronics Engineering Technology
    • Mechanical Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Emergency Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Homeland Security & Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Political Science
    • Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSED in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Secondary Education
    • Engineering Technology Education
    • Middle Grades Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BIDS in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Africana Studies
    • English Language & Literature
    • History
    • Mass Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSBA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Behavior Analysis
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSW in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Valdosta State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,007
    Expenses: $16,368
    Starting Salary: $41,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Valdosta State University known for?

    Valdosta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Valdosta State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Office Administration & Technology
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSEd in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Workforce Education & Development
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #16

    Berry College

    Mount Berry , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Berry College

    Cost of Degree: $40,416
    Expenses: $17,454
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Berry College known for?

    Berry College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albany State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,484
    Expenses: $13,686
    Starting Salary: $34,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Albany State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems And Technology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #18

    Fort Valley State University

    Fort Valley , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    880/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Fort Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,392
    Expenses: $14,872
    Starting Salary: $34,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fort Valley State University known for?

    Fort Valley State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Fort Valley State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Southwestern State University

    Cost of Degree: $4,980
    Expenses: $16,094
    Starting Salary: $40,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia Southwestern State University known for?

    Georgia Southwestern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Georgia Southwestern State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Human Resources
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #20

    Young Harris College

    Young Harris , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Young Harris College

    Cost of Degree: $32,305
    Expenses: $17,193
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Young Harris College known for?

    Young Harris College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #21

    Brenau University

    Gainesville , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Brenau University

    Cost of Degree: $33,275
    Expenses: $16,740
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brenau University known for?

    Brenau University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brenau University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication And Media Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia College & State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,998
    Expenses: $21,357
    Starting Salary: $45,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia College & State University known for?

    Georgia College & State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbus State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,751
    Expenses: $19,046
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbus State University known for?

    Columbus State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Columbus State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business, General
    Degree Concentrations
    • International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology (Bsit)
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Sociology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #24

    Dalton State College

    Dalton , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dalton State College

    Cost of Degree: $3,283
    Expenses: $14,071
    Starting Salary: $34,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dalton State College known for?

    Dalton State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Dalton State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #25

    Georgia Gwinnett College

    Lawrenceville , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    13K

    What is Georgia Gwinnett College known for?

    Georgia Gwinnett College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Georgia’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Emory University
  2. Morehouse College
  3. Spelman College
  4. Georgia Tech
  5. Mercer University
  6. University of Georgia
  7. Agnes Scott College
  8. Georgia State University
  9. Wesleyan College
  10. Berry College
  11. Georgia College & State University
  12. Covenant College
  13. Andrew College
  14. Gordon State College
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