Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024

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Interested in attending a STEM school in Georgia? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

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 2024

Sort by:
  1. Georgia Tech
  2. Emory University
  3. University of Georgia
  4. Georgia State University
  5. Mercer University
  6. Georgia Southern University
  7. Clark Atlanta University
  8. Valdosta State University
  9. University of West Georgia
  1. Emory University
  2. University of Georgia
  3. Georgia Tech
  4. Georgia State University
  5. Clark Atlanta University
  6. Mercer University
  7. Georgia Southern University
  8. University of West Georgia
  9. Valdosta State University
  1. Georgia State University 100%
  2. Georgia Southern University 91%
  3. Valdosta State University 76%
  4. Mercer University 75%
  5. University of West Georgia 70%
  6. Clark Atlanta University 58%
  7. University of Georgia 40%
  8. Georgia Tech 16%
  9. Emory University 13%
  1. Georgia State University 27 to 1
  2. Georgia Southern University 22 to 1
  3. Valdosta State University 20 to 1
  4. Georgia Tech 19 to 1
  5. Clark Atlanta University 19 to 1
  6. University of West Georgia 19 to 1
  7. University of Georgia 17 to 1
  8. Mercer University 14 to 1
  9. Emory University 9 to 1
  1. Emory University $55,468
  2. Mercer University $38,746
  3. Clark Atlanta University $24,012
  4. Georgia Tech $10,258
  5. University of Georgia $9,790
  6. Georgia State University $7,158
  7. Valdosta State University $4,371
  8. University of West Georgia $4,371
  9. Georgia Southern University $4,371
  1. Emory University $44,800
  2. Clark Atlanta University $16,614
  3. Mercer University $15,244
  4. Georgia Tech $14,570
  5. University of Georgia $8,878
  6. Georgia State University $7,164
  7. Georgia Southern University $4,986
  8. Valdosta State University $4,572
  9. University of West Georgia $4,338
  1. University of West Georgia
  2. Valdosta State University
  3. Clark Atlanta University
  4. Georgia Southern University
  5. Mercer University
  6. Georgia State University
  7. University of Georgia
  8. Emory University
  9. Georgia Tech
  1. Valdosta State University
  2. University of West Georgia
  3. Georgia Southern University
  4. Mercer University
  5. Clark Atlanta University
  6. Georgia State University
  7. Georgia Tech
  8. University of Georgia
  9. Emory University
  1. Emory University 13%
  2. Georgia Tech 16%
  3. University of Georgia 40%
  4. Clark Atlanta University 58%
  5. University of West Georgia 70%
  6. Mercer University 75%
  7. Valdosta State University 76%
  8. Georgia Southern University 91%
  9. Georgia State University 100%
  1. Emory University 9 to 1
  2. Mercer University 14 to 1
  3. University of Georgia 17 to 1
  4. Georgia Tech 19 to 1
  5. Clark Atlanta University 19 to 1
  6. University of West Georgia 19 to 1
  7. Valdosta State University 20 to 1
  8. Georgia Southern University 22 to 1
  9. Georgia State University 27 to 1
  1. Valdosta State University $4,371
  2. University of West Georgia $4,371
  3. Georgia Southern University $4,371
  4. Georgia State University $7,158
  5. University of Georgia $9,790
  6. Georgia Tech $10,258
  7. Clark Atlanta University $24,012
  8. Mercer University $38,746
  9. Emory University $55,468
  1. University of West Georgia $4,338
  2. Valdosta State University $4,572
  3. Georgia Southern University $4,986
  4. Georgia State University $7,164
  5. University of Georgia $8,878
  6. Georgia Tech $14,570
  7. Mercer University $15,244
  8. Clark Atlanta University $16,614
  9. Emory University $44,800

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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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 2023

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

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1450/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Tech

    Cost of Degree: $11,764
    Expenses: $16,342
    Starting Salary: $85,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $11,180
    Expenses: $16,362
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Georgia’s Online Degrees

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

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,478
    Expenses: $20,479
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Mercer University

    Macon , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Mercer University

    Cost of Degree: $30,317
    Expenses: $18,044
    Starting Salary: $58,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mercer University’s Online Degrees

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

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1081/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $5,905
    Expenses: $18,990
    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
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Valdosta State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,007
    Expenses: $15,824
    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

    $7K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of West Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $5,941
    Expenses: $20,182
    Starting Salary: $41,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
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Find the Best Research Universities in Georgia for Your Area of 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. Emory University
  2. Georgia Tech
  3. Mercer University
  4. University of Georgia
  5. Georgia State University
  6. Clark Atlanta University
  7. Valdosta State University
  8. Georgia Southern University
  9. University of West Georgia

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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