Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025
Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Georgia.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia’s best private colleges offer a range of specialized programs, from liberal arts to health sciences, with strong research support that encourages student involvement in innovative projects.
- Many of the institutions in our ranking emphasize cultural awareness, leadership, and service, providing students with opportunities to connect with diverse communities and develop meaningful career and social skills.
- With smaller class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios, the best private colleges in Georgia foster close interactions with professors, creating a nurturing atmosphere for academic and personal growth.
10 Best Private Colleges in Georgia in 2025
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 schools in our ranking of the best private colleges in Georgia remained fairly stable. Clark Atlanta University gained a ranking position as the university is implementing several appealing improvements for the 2025 school year under its new strategic plan, “Destination 2028.” Key initiatives include enhancing student experiences through academic and extracurricular support, advancing faculty research, and creating new financial strategies to sustain growth.
Additionally, CAU’s recent campaign, “Lifting Lives and Leading the Way,” aims to raise $250 million to support students, faculty, and infrastructure improvements. These efforts reflect CAU’s commitment to transforming student lives and preparing them for global leadership.
This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 24 private universities in Georgia. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Georgia, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Best Private Colleges in Georgia
- #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025
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: $60,774Expenses: $22,848Starting Salary: $84,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Emory University known for?
Emory University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #24 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2025
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
59%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Morehouse College
Cost of Degree: $31,725Expenses: $19,898Starting Salary: $49,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Morehouse College known for?
Morehouse College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- History
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
74%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Spelman College
Cost of Degree: $30,058Expenses: $21,308Starting Salary: $50,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Spelman College known for?
Spelman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Education
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Psychology
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #2 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
46%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/18
Career Outlook for degree at Clark Atlanta University
Cost of Degree: $26,446Expenses: $17,230Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Clark Atlanta University known for?
Clark Atlanta University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Education
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
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: $33,380Expenses: $18,592Starting Salary: $58,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mercer University known for?
Mercer University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #3 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2025
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: $48,150Expenses: $16,662Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Agnes Scott College known for?
Agnes Scott College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Communications
- Medical
- Political Science
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
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: $45,806Expenses: $19,250Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oglethorpe University known for?
Oglethorpe University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2025 #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
46%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan College
Cost of Degree: $27,650Starting Salary: $37,600What is Wesleyan College known for?
Wesleyan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Literature
- History
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Education
- Biology
- Mathematics
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
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: $40,416Expenses: $17,454Starting Salary: $43,900Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Berry College known for?
Berry College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
49%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Young Harris College
Cost of Degree: $32,305Expenses: $17,193Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Young Harris College known for?
Young Harris College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Literature
- History
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Education
- Biology
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Online Associate in Education #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2025
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
46%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Brenau University
Cost of Degree: $33,275Expenses: $16,740Starting Salary: $45,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025 #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #16 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
18%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Paine College
Cost of Degree: $14,596Expenses: $13,036Starting Salary: $29,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Paine College known for?
Paine College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Paine College’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Management
- Accounting
- International Business
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminology
- General Sociology
- Social Psychology
- Psychology - Counseling
- General Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theology
Degree Concentrations
- Religion
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
74%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1260/28
Career Outlook for degree at Covenant College
Cost of Degree: $40,464Expenses: $17,548Starting Salary: $46,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Covenant College known for?
Covenant College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025 #19 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024 #21 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2025 #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
51%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at LaGrange College
Cost of Degree: $34,540Expenses: $16,949Starting Salary: $45,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is LaGrange College known for?
LaGrange College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
LaGrange College’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Marketing & Entrepreneurship
- Sports Management
- Professional Selling
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Nursing
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students 2025 #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/21
Career Outlook for degree at Toccoa Falls College
Cost of Degree: $23,250Expenses: $14,570Starting Salary: $32,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Toccoa Falls College known for?
Toccoa Falls College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Toccoa Falls College’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Nonprofit Business Administration
- Organizational Leadership
- Sport Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General
Degree Concentrations
- General Studies
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025 #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #8 Best Online Associate in Human Services #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
32%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/21
Career Outlook for degree at Shorter University
Cost of Degree: $24,044Expenses: $13,144Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Shorter University known for?
Shorter University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Education
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Shorter University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General
Degree Concentrations
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Online Associate in Agribusiness Degree Programs 2025 #4 Best Online Associate in Communications #9 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
50%
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Andrew College
Cost of Degree: $19,126Expenses: $18,486Starting Salary: $31,900Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Andrew College known for?
Andrew College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Andrew College’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #11 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024 #15 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
37%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Reinhardt University
Cost of Degree: $28,420Expenses: $20,650Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Reinhardt University known for?
Reinhardt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Reinhardt University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- 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
BS in Medical
Degree Concentrations
- Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
48%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/22
Career Outlook for degree at Piedmont University
Cost of Degree: $30,680Expenses: $17,228Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Piedmont University known for?
Piedmont University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Biology
- Communications
- Business
- Medical
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Georgia #4 Best Online Associate in Education #6 Best Online Associate in Psychology #6 Best Online Associate in Marketing
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
26%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
975/18
Career Outlook for degree at Point University
Cost of Degree: $22,300Expenses: $13,100Starting Salary: $34,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Point University known for?
Point University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Point University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Human Relations
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Information Systems Security
- Network Administration
- 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
BS in Education
Degree Concentrations
- Child Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
- Entrepreneurship
- Social Media Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theology
Degree Concentrations
- Christian Ministries
- Youth & Family Ministries
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
46%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/20
Career Outlook for degree at Truett McConnell University
Cost of Degree: $25,568Expenses: $14,420Starting Salary: $37,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Truett McConnell University known for?
Truett McConnell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Truett McConnell University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Business Administration - Financial Accounting
- Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
- Business Administration - Management
- Business Administration - Marketing
- Business Administration - Nonprofit Management
- Business Administration - Sports Management
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology - General Psychology
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theology
Degree Concentrations
- Christian Studies - Biblical & Theological Studies
- Christian Studies - Student Ministry
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
46%
Graduation
67%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/17
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas University
Cost of Degree: $11,640Expenses: $12,340Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Thomas University known for?
Thomas University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Thomas University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- 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
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Medical
Degree Concentrations
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Rehabilitation Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
20%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Brewton–Parker College
Cost of Degree: $22,080Expenses: $17,337Starting Salary: $35,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Brewton–Parker College known for?
Brewton–Parker College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Brewton–Parker College’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theology
Degree Concentrations
- Christian Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
37%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Emmanuel University
Cost of Degree: $23,664Starting Salary: $35,400What is Emmanuel University known for?
Emmanuel University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Georgia’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.
