Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2025

Badge for BEST IN GEORGIA SMALL COLLEGES

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia has more small colleges than most other states, providing students with a variety of options to choose from.
  • Some of Georgia’s best small colleges are also ranked as among the best HBCU’s in the country.
  • Georgia’s small colleges offer a large range of degrees so that every student can find a topic of interest to study.

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 small colleges in Georgia remained largely stable. Georgia Southwestern State University raised two ranking positions, due to the university’s introduction of the Center for Rural Innovation, which focuses on addressing rural challenges through research, technology, and community partnerships. The university has also expanded its academic programs, offering new interdisciplinary courses in sustainability, healthcare, and business analytics. Additionally, GSW has modernized its campus with upgraded residence halls and the creation of new collaborative learning spaces equipped with the latest technology. These improvements, along with expanded internship opportunities in rural and underserved areas, reflect the university’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and practical learning experiences.

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

  1. #2

    Spelman College

    Atlanta , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Spelman College

    Cost of Degree: $30,058
    Expenses: $21,308
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #4

    Agnes Scott College

    Decatur , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Agnes Scott College

    Cost of Degree: $48,150
    Expenses: $16,662
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #5

    Oglethorpe University

    Atlanta , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Oglethorpe University

    Cost of Degree: $45,806
    Expenses: $19,250
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #6

    Wesleyan College

    Macon , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan College

    Cost of Degree: $27,650
    Starting Salary: $37,600
    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
  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. #8

    Berry College

    Mount Berry , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Berry College

    Cost of Degree: $40,416
    Expenses: $17,454
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Berry College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. #11

    Young Harris College

    Young Harris , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Young Harris College

    Cost of Degree: $32,305
    Expenses: $17,193
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Young Harris College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #12

    Brenau University

    Gainesville , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Brenau University

    Cost of Degree: $33,275
    Expenses: $16,740
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  11. #13

    Paine College

    Augusta , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Paine College

    Cost of Degree: $14,596
    Expenses: $13,036
    Starting Salary: $29,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  12. #14

    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
  13. #15

    Covenant College

    Lookout Mountain , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Covenant College

    Cost of Degree: $40,464
    Expenses: $17,548
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Covenant College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #16

    LaGrange College

    Lagrange , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at LaGrange College

    Cost of Degree: $34,540
    Expenses: $16,949
    Starting Salary: $45,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  15. #17

    Toccoa Falls College

    Toccoa Falls , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Toccoa Falls College

    Cost of Degree: $23,250
    Expenses: $14,570
    Starting Salary: $32,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  16. #18

    Shorter University

    Rome , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Shorter University

    Cost of Degree: $24,044
    Expenses: $13,144
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  17. #19

    Andrew College

    Cuthbert , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Andrew College

    Cost of Degree: $19,126
    Expenses: $18,486
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  18. 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:

  19. #21

    Reinhardt University

    Waleska , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Reinhardt University

    Cost of Degree: $28,420
    Expenses: $20,650
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  20. 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
  21. #23

    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
  22. 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
  23. #25

    Point University

    West Point , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    24%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    975/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Point University

    Cost of Degree: $22,300
    Expenses: $13,100
    Starting Salary: $34,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
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Georgia’s Best Small 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. Morehouse College
  2. Spelman College
  3. Agnes Scott College
  4. Wesleyan College
  5. Oglethorpe University
  6. Piedmont University
  7. Berry College
  8. Covenant College
  9. Brenau University
  10. LaGrange College
  11. Andrew College
  12. Toccoa Falls College
  13. Gordon State College
  14. Truett McConnell University
  15. Young Harris College
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