Best Research Universities in Georgia 2024
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
- Georgia Tech
- Emory University
- University of Georgia
- Georgia State University
- Mercer University
- Georgia Southern University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Valdosta State University
- University of West Georgia
- Emory University
- University of Georgia
- Georgia Tech
- Georgia State University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Mercer University
- Georgia Southern University
- University of West Georgia
- Valdosta State University
- Georgia Southern University 89%
- Valdosta State University 89%
- University of West Georgia 80%
- Mercer University 75%
- Georgia State University 67%
- Clark Atlanta University 56%
- University of Georgia 43%
- Georgia Tech 17%
- Emory University 11%
- Georgia State University 26 to 1
- Georgia Southern University 22 to 1
- Georgia Tech 19 to 1
- University of Georgia 17 to 1
- Valdosta State University 17 to 1
- Clark Atlanta University 16 to 1
- University of West Georgia 16 to 1
- Mercer University 13 to 1
- Emory University 9 to 1
- Emory University $57,948
- Mercer University $39,708
- Clark Atlanta University $24,730
- Georgia Tech $10,258
- University of Georgia $9,790
- Georgia State University $7,158
- Valdosta State University $4,371
- University of West Georgia $4,371
- Georgia Southern University $4,371
- Emory University $45,800
- Clark Atlanta University $17,118
- Mercer University $15,531
- Georgia Tech $14,064
- University of Georgia $8,878
- Georgia State University $7,164
- Georgia Southern University $4,986
- Valdosta State University $4,572
- University of West Georgia $4,338
- University of West Georgia
- Valdosta State University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Georgia Southern University
- Mercer University
- Georgia State University
- University of Georgia
- Emory University
- Georgia Tech
- Valdosta State University
- University of West Georgia
- Georgia Southern University
- Mercer University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Georgia State University
- Georgia Tech
- University of Georgia
- Emory University
- Emory University 11%
- Georgia Tech 17%
- University of Georgia 43%
- Clark Atlanta University 56%
- Georgia State University 67%
- Mercer University 75%
- University of West Georgia 80%
- Valdosta State University 89%
- Georgia Southern University 89%
- Emory University 9 to 1
- Mercer University 13 to 1
- Clark Atlanta University 16 to 1
- University of West Georgia 16 to 1
- University of Georgia 17 to 1
- Valdosta State University 17 to 1
- Georgia Tech 19 to 1
- Georgia Southern University 22 to 1
- Georgia State University 26 to 1
- Valdosta State University $4,371
- University of West Georgia $4,371
- Georgia Southern University $4,371
- Georgia State University $7,158
- University of Georgia $9,790
- Georgia Tech $10,258
- Clark Atlanta University $24,730
- Mercer University $39,708
- Emory University $57,948
- University of West Georgia $4,338
- Valdosta State University $4,572
- Georgia Southern University $4,986
- Georgia State University $7,164
- University of Georgia $8,878
- Georgia Tech $14,064
- Mercer University $15,531
- Clark Atlanta University $17,118
- Emory University $45,800
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?
- 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
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.
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).
- #10 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #11 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #24 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #16 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
- #7 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
- #18 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
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: $11,764Expenses: $16,342Starting Salary: $85,900Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgia Tech known for?
Georgia Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #9 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
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: $57,948Expenses: $20,866Starting Salary: $84,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Emory University known for?
Emory University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #6 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #1 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #2 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #3 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #4 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #5 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #5 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #14 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #18 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #22 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
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: $11,180Expenses: $16,362Starting Salary: $59,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #4 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #14 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
55%
Student body
43K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/22
Career Outlook for degree at Georgia State University
Cost of Degree: $8,478Expenses: $20,479Starting Salary: $48,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgia State University known for?
Georgia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Business
- Economics
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- History
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024 #1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Theology
- #8 Best RN to BSN Online
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
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: $30,317Expenses: $18,044Starting Salary: $58,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #20 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Georgia
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #9 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #10 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #19 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #24 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
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: $5,905Expenses: $18,990Starting Salary: $46,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #2 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
46%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/18
Career Outlook for degree at Clark Atlanta University
Cost of Degree: $24,730Expenses: $16,194Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Clark Atlanta University known for?
Clark Atlanta University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Education
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #6 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
- #8 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #8 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #11 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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: $6,007Expenses: $15,824Starting Salary: $41,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Valdosta State University known for?
Valdosta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Business
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
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #5 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #10 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
- #13 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #20 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
- #20 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
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: $5,941Expenses: $20,182Starting Salary: $41,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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.
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.