Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2023

BEST IN GEORGIA PRIVATE COLLEGES

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.

10 Best Private Colleges in Georgia

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  1. Emory University
  2. Morehouse College
  3. Spelman College
  4. Clark Atlanta University
  5. Mercer University
  6. Agnes Scott College
  7. Oglethorpe University
  8. Wesleyan College
  9. Berry College
  10. Brenau University
  1. Brenau University 89%
  2. Covenant College 89%
  3. Oglethorpe University 81%
  4. Shorter University 81%
  5. Brewton–Parker College 80%
  6. Emmanuel University 78%
  7. Mercer University 75%
  8. LaGrange College 75%
  9. Young Harris College 75%
  10. Reinhardt University 70%
  1. Clark Atlanta University 19 to 1
  2. Oglethorpe University 18 to 1
  3. Truett McConnell University 17 to 1
  4. Brewton–Parker College 16 to 1
  5. Toccoa Falls College 16 to 1
  6. Emmanuel University 15 to 1
  7. Shorter University 15 to 1
  8. Morehouse College 15 to 1
  9. Mercer University 14 to 1
  10. Reinhardt University 13 to 1
  1. Emory University $55,468
  2. Agnes Scott College $44,250
  3. Oglethorpe University $42,754
  4. Mercer University $38,746
  5. Berry College $38,656
  6. Covenant College $37,770
  7. LaGrange College $32,840
  8. Brenau University $32,530
  9. Young Harris College $29,962
  10. Morehouse College $29,468
  1. Emory University $44,800
  2. LaGrange College $21,430
  3. Agnes Scott College $17,100
  4. Covenant College $16,728
  5. Clark Atlanta University $16,614
  6. Point University $16,200
  7. Mercer University $15,244
  8. Brenau University $13,590
  9. Thomas University $13,050
  10. Shorter University $12,600
  1. Emmanuel University
  2. Thomas University
  3. Brewton–Parker College
  4. Truett McConnell University
  5. Piedmont University
  6. Point University
  7. Reinhardt University
  8. Andrew College
  9. Toccoa Falls College
  10. Shorter University
  1. Emory University 13%
  2. Thomas University 29%
  3. Point University 47%
  4. Andrew College 51%
  5. Spelman College 51%
  6. Paine College 52%
  7. Clark Atlanta University 58%
  8. Toccoa Falls College 62%
  9. Wesleyan College 62%
  10. Morehouse College 65%
  1. Paine College 5 to 1
  2. Andrew College 8 to 1
  3. Wesleyan College 8 to 1
  4. Emory University 9 to 1
  5. LaGrange College 10 to 1
  6. Piedmont University 10 to 1
  7. Young Harris College 11 to 1
  8. Agnes Scott College 11 to 1
  9. Brenau University 11 to 1
  10. Spelman College 11 to 1
  1. Thomas University $11,080
  2. Paine College $14,596
  3. Andrew College $18,214
  4. Brewton–Parker College $19,220
  5. Toccoa Falls College $21,490
  6. Emmanuel University $21,636
  7. Point University $21,850
  8. Shorter University $22,810
  9. Truett McConnell University $22,852
  10. Clark Atlanta University $24,012
  1. Truett McConnell University $6,912
  2. Young Harris College $9,000
  3. Reinhardt University $9,756
  4. Piedmont University $10,800
  5. Wesleyan College $11,531
  6. Toccoa Falls College $12,240
  7. Berry College $12,420
  8. Shorter University $12,600
  9. Thomas University $13,050
  10. Brenau University $13,590

Colleges and Universities in Georgia

The state of Georgia is home to 70 colleges and universities. 38 of these schools are public institutions, each offering a wide variety of traditional and online courses as well as a full range of graduate programs for both on-campus and online students.

The University of Georgia, located in the city of Athens, is the largest college in Georgia, with over 35,000 students. Those attending Georgia State University and Georgia Southern University will enter into a friendly athletics rivalry. Tuition at Georgia State costs $9,000, and at Georgia Southern, $6,000.

Both the University of Georgia and Georgia State University are among the 36 colleges in Georgia offering online degree programs.

In addition, there are numerous fully online colleges in Georgia with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Of the 20 religiously affiliated colleges and schools in Georgia, Emory University has both the highest tuition at just over $50,000 per year, and the largest private school student population, with over 13,000 in attendance.

Georgia is also home to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture, advertising, art history, and more.

Prospective students looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree can choose from an extremely broad range of in-class and online programs.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Both traditional and online students in Georgia can earn degrees in religious studies, business, social work, law, and computer science. Those looking to attend technical colleges can also choose from a handful of brick-and-mortar and online colleges that offer two-year degrees in medicine, nursing, and education.

Part of the University System of Georgia, Atlanta Metropolitan State college is the state’s most affordable college at $3,000. Students at Atlanta Metropolitan can major in fields like mathematics, criminal justice, and philosophy. Most degree programs are available through in-person or online programs.

Georgia is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and the Okefenokee Swamp, which is the largest such water-mass in North America. This diverse landscape in The Peach State provides Georgia’s college and graduate students with a beautiful backdrop for an education. It’s also worth noting that Georgia residents who enroll in fully online programs at public universities or community colleges in Georgia will still receive in-state tuition discounts.

Georgia also offers a loan repayment-based financial aid program for qualifying graduates in the medical field through the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce. Check out the best traditional and online degree programs and top career paths this southern state has to offer.


What are Georgia’s Colleges & Universities?

Georgia’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Georgia's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2022

  1. #4

    Mercer University

    Macon , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    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
  2. #7

    Wesleyan College

    Macon , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1029/22

    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
  3. #9

    Berry College

    Mount Berry , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Berry College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  4. #10

    Young Harris College

    Young Harris , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/21

    What is Young Harris College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #11

    Brenau University

    Gainesville , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/20

    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
  6. #12

    Paine College

    Augusta , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    8%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    876/17

    What 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
  7. #13

    LaGrange College

    Lagrange , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1051/21

    What 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
  8. #14

    Shorter University

    Rome , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    What is Shorter University known for?

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

    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
  9. #15

    Andrew College

    Cuthbert , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    17%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/18

    What 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. #16

    Toccoa Falls College

    Toccoa Falls , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    1K

    What 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
  11. #17

    Covenant College

    Lookout Mountain , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1182/25

    What is Covenant College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #18

    Point University

    West Point , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/19

    What 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
  13. #19

    Reinhardt University

    Waleska , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    What 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
  14. Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    What 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
  15. #21

    Piedmont University

    Demorest , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    What is Piedmont University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #22

    Thomas University

    Thomasville , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    814/20

    What 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
  17. #23

    Emmanuel University

    Franklin Springs , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Emmanuel University known for?
  18. #24

    Brewton–Parker College

    Mount Vernon , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    <1K

    What 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
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Georgia’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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. Morehouse College
  2. Spelman College
  3. Agnes Scott College
  4. Wesleyan College
  5. Oglethorpe University
  6. Piedmont University
  7. Berry College
  8. Georgia College & State University
  9. Covenant College
  10. Brenau University
  11. Andrew College
  12. Toccoa Falls College
  13. Gordon State College
  14. Truett McConnell University
  15. Young Harris College

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.