Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025

Badge for BEST IN GEORGIA PUBLIC COLLEGES

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Georgia provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Key Takeaways

  • The best public 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 public 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 public colleges in Georgia saw a fair amount of movement. Georgia Southwestern State University gained the most ranking positions as the university will commence a multimillion-dollar renovation of the James E. Carter Library, marking its first major update since 1971. Scheduled for completion by September 2025, the renovation will introduce modern features such as new furniture, advanced computer clusters, updated restrooms, a spacious open floor plan, a state-of-the-art HVAC system, and enhanced electrical work.

Additionally, GSW has been allocated $1,050,000 for major repair and rehabilitation projects in fiscal year 2025, further demonstrating its commitment to maintaining and improving campus facilities.

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 22 public universities in Georgia. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Georgia, schools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Best Public Colleges in Georgia

  1. 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
  2. #2

    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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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

  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Middle Georgia State University

    Cost of Degree: $4,432
    Expenses: $17,243
    Starting Salary: $35,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middle Georgia State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Middle Georgia State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Technical Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • 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
    BA in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. 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
  13. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Clayton State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,068
    Expenses: $16,301
    Starting Salary: $42,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Clayton State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Clayton State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Administrative Management
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Homeland Security/Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Integrative Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in French
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science And Government Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSDH in Rdh-Bsdh Completion Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn-Bsn Completion Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #15

    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
  15. #16

    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:

  16. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

    Cost of Degree: $3,195
    Expenses: $13,470
    Starting Salary: $36,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College known for?

    Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  17. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Highlands College

    Cost of Degree: $2,944
    Starting Salary: $38,100
    What is Georgia Highlands College known for?

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

    Georgia Highlands College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Science
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dentistry
    Degree Concentrations
    • Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 90 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  18. #19

    East Georgia State College

    Swainsboro , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    13%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at East Georgia State College

    Cost of Degree: $2,736
    Expenses: $16,110
    Starting Salary: $34,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is East Georgia State College known for?

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

    East Georgia State College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Fire And Emergency Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn-Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/18

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Coastal Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $3,483
    Expenses: $21,974
    Starting Salary: $32,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of Coastal Georgia known for?

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

    College of Coastal Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration For Adult Learners
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Workforce Management And Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Technical & Industrial
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nonprofit Management And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Atlanta Metropolitan State College

    Cost of Degree: $3,106
    Expenses: $17,198
    Starting Salary: $31,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Atlanta Metropolitan State College known for?

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

    Atlanta Metropolitan State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Office Administration & Technology
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Service
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #22

    Gordon State College

    Barnesville , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    975/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Gordon State College

    Cost of Degree: $3,475
    Expenses: $13,218
    Starting Salary: $34,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gordon State College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Gordon State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management & Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Georgia’s Best Public College 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. Georgia Tech
  2. University of Georgia
  3. Georgia State University
  4. Georgia College & State University
  5. Georgia Southern University
  6. University of West Georgia
  7. Gordon State College

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

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