Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025

Badge for BEST IN GEORGIA RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • We’ve identified nine of the best research universities in the state of Georgia that invest heavily in research and provide extensive opportunities for students to participate in research.
  • Attending a research university in Georgia is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees.

10 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025

  1. Emory University
    +1
  2. University of Georgia
    +1
  3. Georgia Tech
    –2
  4. Georgia State University
  5. Clark Atlanta University
    +2
  6. Mercer University
    –1
  7. Georgia Southern University
    –1
  8. University of West Georgia
    +1
  9. Valdosta State University
    –1

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.

Emory University moves up to the number 1 position in our 2025 ranking of the best research universities in Georgia. Clark Atlanta University also gained 2 spots, to the 5th position.

Emory University is collaborating with Georgia Tech, which has attracted billions in federal research funding. This partnership supports cutting-edge projects, such as at the Winship Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additionally, Emory’s research spans various fields, including public health, biomedical engineering, and cancer treatment.

CAU also collaborates with Georgia Tech on an AI research hub funded by a $2.79 million National Science Foundation grant, aimed at advancing AI education and research. Additionally, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creativity fosters strong faculty-student collaborations, offering opportunities for students to present their work at national conferences.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Why should you attend a research university in Georgia?

For those students drawn to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, a research university may offer the most learning opportunities. In fact, there a number of great reasons why attending a research university in Georgia can be the right choice.

More Choices for Majors

Research universities have a larger faculty than other colleges. This means that there are a wider range of disciplines offered, which gives students more choices of majors.

Those who attend research schools find unique academic program offerings and may even be able to fine-tune their preferred majors because of the large selection of courses and concentrations. Large research universities may even be able to accommodate double majors for those students who are inclined to move in this direction.

More Professional Connections

With a larger faculty comes the opportunity for more connections. Faculty in research universities are often industry experts, and as such, are heavily involved in networking at events like conferences. It’s not unusual for researchers to take their students with them to conferences. This is obviously a prime method of establishing yourself in your field and launching your career well.

Research universities have to live up to their role as producers of the latest innovations and technologies, which is why these schools always have widespread prestige. Major industry players even partner with research universities to help them with their academic missions.

You have an advantage in admission to professional and graduate schools. Many professional and graduate schools have this belief that students coming from research universities are better trained than those coming from smaller schools. Graduate schools put more faith in letters of recommendation coming from well-known professors at research universities.

Internships

When attending the best research universities in Georgia, students are likely to secure internships and work with industry leading experts. Through internships and collaborative projects, students not only have the chance to become researchers, but may even have the opportunity to co-author a paper or co-present at a conference. These experiences are a major feather in a student’s cap, and can give a real boost to a burgeoning career.

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Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025

A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 9 research universities in Georgia. To be included in our ranking, colleges in Georgia must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

  1. #1

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025
    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
    What is Emory University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
    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
    What is University of Georgia known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Georgia’s Online Degrees

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

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
    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
    What is Georgia Tech known for?

    Georgia Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Mercer University

    Macon , GA
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
    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
    What 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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro , GA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024
    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
    What is Georgia Southern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of West Georgia

    Carrollton , GA
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
    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
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Valdosta State University

    Valdosta , GA
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
    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
    Compare school
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Find the Best Research Universities in Georgia for Your Area of Interest

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Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

  • Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
  • Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.
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Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.

  • Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

    • Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

  • Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

    • Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

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Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

  • Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

    • Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

  • Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

    • If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

  • The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

    • Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

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Now that you know more about the best colleges in Georgia, check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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