Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2023
Small colleges in Georgia are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2022
- Fort Valley State University 24 to 1
- East Georgia State College 22 to 1
- College of Coastal Georgia 21 to 1
- Dalton State College 19 to 1
- Georgia Highlands College 19 to 1
- Clark Atlanta University 19 to 1
- Savannah State University 18 to 1
- Oglethorpe University 18 to 1
- Agnes Scott College $44,250
- Oglethorpe University $42,754
- Berry College $38,656
- Covenant College $37,770
- LaGrange College $32,840
- Brenau University $32,530
- Young Harris College $29,962
- Morehouse College $29,468
- Spelman College $28,181
- Wesleyan College $26,390
- LaGrange College $21,430
- Agnes Scott College $17,100
- Covenant College $16,728
- Clark Atlanta University $16,614
- Point University $16,200
- Brenau University $13,590
- Shorter University $12,600
- Berry College $12,420
- Toccoa Falls College $12,240
- Wesleyan College $11,531
- Paine College 5 to 1
- Andrew College 8 to 1
- Wesleyan College 8 to 1
- LaGrange College 10 to 1
- Young Harris College 11 to 1
- Agnes Scott College 11 to 1
- Brenau University 11 to 1
- Spelman College 11 to 1
- Berry College 12 to 1
- Covenant College 12 to 1
- Dalton State College $2,563
- Paine College $14,596
- Andrew College $18,214
- Young Harris College $9,000
- Reinhardt University $9,756
- Wesleyan College $11,531
- Toccoa Falls College $12,240
- Berry College $12,420
- Shorter University $12,600
- 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?
- 9 Research Universities
- 37 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 31 Graduate Schools
- 22 Public Colleges & Universities
- 24 Private Colleges & Universities
- 17 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 32 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 26 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 18 Community Colleges
- 36 Online Colleges
Georgia’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Georgia is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 32 small colleges in Georgia. The list below of the 25 best small colleges in Georgia. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2022
- #2 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #24 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2023
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
47%
Student body
1K
What is Morehouse College known for?
Morehouse College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- History
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2023 #6 Best Colleges in Georgia 2023
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
76%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/22
What is Spelman College known for?
Spelman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
42%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
960/18
What is Clark Atlanta University known for?
Clark Atlanta University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2023 #6 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2023
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
75%
Student body
1K
What is Agnes Scott College known for?
Agnes Scott College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2023 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2023 #7 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2023 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
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
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
58%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/25
What is Oglethorpe University known for?
Oglethorpe University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Business
- Political Science
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Sociology
- Biology
- Economics
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2023 #7 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2023 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
46%
Graduation
24%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
912/17
What is Savannah State University known for?
Savannah State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- History
- Political Science
- Education
- Business
- Mathematics
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
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
- #16 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #9 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2023 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2023 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
45%
Student body
3K
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
- #10 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2023 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2023 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2023
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
27%
Student body
4K
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
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:
- Political Science
- Literature
- History
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Communications
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
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
Tuition + fees
$5K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
34%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/20
What is Georgia Southwestern State University known for?
Georgia Southwestern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Medical
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Business
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Political Science
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
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
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:
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Education
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Literature
- Biology
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
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
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:
Most Influential Alumni
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
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
20%
Student body
4K
What is Georgia Highlands College known for?
Georgia Highlands College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
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:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- History
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Philosophy
- Business
- Biology
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
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
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
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:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Business
- Computer Science
- History
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
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
$4K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
24%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/19
What is College of Coastal Georgia known for?
College of Coastal Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Sociology
- Business
- Psychology
- Medical
- Mathematics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
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
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:
- Psychology
- Communications
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Biology
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
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
$4K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
31%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/18
What is Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College known for?
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
13%
Student body
2K
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
Georgia’s Best Small College in 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.
