Best Universities in Georgia

Top 10 Universities in Georgia

Georgia is home to several prestigious universities offering a wide array of academic programs and opportunities for students. Here are the top 10 universities in Georgia, each providing a unique educational experience:

Emory University

Emory University, founded in 1836, is a private research university located in Atlanta. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and vibrant campus community. With a commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, Emory provides students with a transformative educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #21 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 15,000 students

Degrees Offered:

Emory offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, law, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 16%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1450.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Research and Academic Clubs
4. Community Service and Volunteer Programs
5. Greek Life

Famous Alumni:

1. Jimmy Carter (Former President of the United States)
2. Robert W. Woodruff (Former President of The Coca-Cola Company)
3. Salman Rushdie (Author)
4. Samuel L. Jackson (Actor)
5. Katie Couric (Journalist)

Top Employers:

1. Emory University
2. The Coca-Cola Company
3. Delta Air Lines
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
5. Emory Healthcare

Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology, founded in 1885, is a public research university located in Atlanta. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, computing, and the sciences. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact, Georgia Tech provides students with a rigorous and practical education.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #35 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 32,000 students

Degrees Offered:

Georgia Tech offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs primarily in engineering, computing, sciences, architecture, and business.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 20%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1470.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Research and Academic Clubs
2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiatives
3. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
4. Intramural Sports
5. Community Service and Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Jimmy Carter (Former President of the United States)
2. Jeff Foxworthy (Comedian)
3. Mary Lou Jepsen (Inventor and Entrepreneur)
4. Vernon Jordan (Civil Rights Activist)
5. Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft)

Top Employers:

1. Georgia Institute of Technology
2. The Coca-Cola Company
3. Delta Air Lines
4. com
5. Google

University of Georgia (UGA)

The University of Georgia (UGA), founded in 1785, is a public research university located in Athens. It is known for its strong programs in agriculture, business, and the sciences. With a commitment to academic excellence, research, and service, UGA provides students with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #47 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 38,000 students

Degrees Offered:

UGA offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, and agriculture.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 47%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1365.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Greek Life
2. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
3. Performing Arts Groups
4. Intramural Sports
5. Community Service and Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Ryan Seacrest (TV Host)
2. Deborah Norville (Journalist)
3. Herschel Walker (Former NFL Player)
4. Cynthia Cooper (Former WNBA Player)
5. Bubba Watson (Professional Golfer)

Top Employers:

1. University of Georgia
2. The Coca-Cola Company
3. Home Depot
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
5. Delta Air Lines

Georgia State University (GSU)

Georgia State University (GSU), founded in 1913, is a public research university located in Atlanta. It is known for its diverse student body, urban campus, and strong programs in business, law, and public health. With a focus on innovation, diversity, and student success, GSU provides students with a dynamic and inclusive educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #187 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 53,000 students

Degrees Offered:

GSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, law, public health, and education.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 54%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1205.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Intramural Sports
4. Research and Academic Clubs
5. Community Service and Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Julia Roberts (Actress)
2. Ludacris (Rapper and Actor)
3. Roger Kingdom (Former Olympic Athlete)
4. Billy Payne (Former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club)
5. Jovita Moore (News Anchor)

Top Employers:

1. Georgia State University
2. The Coca-Cola Company
3. Delta Air Lines
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
5. Home Depot

Mercer University

Mercer University, founded in 1833, is a private research university located in Macon. It is known for its strong programs in business, law, medicine, and the liberal arts. With a focus on academic excellence, service, and leadership development, Mercer provides students with a personalized and interdisciplinary educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #140 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 9,000 students

Degrees Offered:

Mercer offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, law, medicine, pharmacy, and education.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 72%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1255.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Intramural Sports
4. Research and Academic Clubs
5. Community Service and Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Nancy Grace (Legal Commentator and TV Host)
2. Sam Nunn (Former U.S. Senator)
3. Bobby Bowden (Former College Football Coach)
4. Eugene “Gene” Talmadge (Former Governor of Georgia)
5. John “Johnny” Mercer (Songwriter and Singer)

Top Employers:

1. Mercer University
2. Navicent Health
3. Robins Air Force Base
4. Georgia Power Company
5. Frito-Lay, Inc.

Kennesaw State University (KSU)

Kennesaw State University (KSU), founded in 1963, is a public research university located in Kennesaw and Marietta. It is known for its strong programs in business, education, engineering, and the arts. With a commitment to student success, innovation, and community engagement, KSU provides students with a dynamic and supportive educational environment.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #293 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 41,000 students

Degrees Offered:

KSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, engineering, and nursing.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 58%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1160.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Intramural Sports
4. Research and Academic Clubs
5. Community Service and Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Calvin Hill (Former NFL Player)
2. Kip Fulbeck (Artist and Filmmaker)
3. Kimberly “Sweet Brown” Wilkins (Internet Celebrity)
4. Robby Wells (Former College Football Coach)
5. Kenny Leon (Theater Director)

Top Employers:

1. Kennesaw State University
2. Wellstar Health System
3. Cobb County School District
4. Lockheed Martin
5. Home Depot

Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

Clark Atlanta University (CAU), founded in 1988, is a private research university located in Atlanta. It is known for its strong programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and business. With a focus on academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement, CAU provides students with a transformative educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #202 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 3,500 students

Degrees Offered:

CAU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, and social work.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 48%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1050.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Intramural Sports
4. Research and Academic Clubs
5. Community Service and Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Spike Lee (Filmmaker)
2. Stacey Abrams (Politician and Activist)
3. Nancy Wilson (Grammy Award-Winning Singer)
4. James Weldon Johnson (Author and Civil Rights Activist)
5. Wanda Sykes (Comedian and Actress)

Top Employers:

1. Clark Atlanta University
2. Delta Air Lines
3. The Coca-Cola Company
4. Georgia Power Company
5. UPS

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University, founded in 1906, is a public research university located in Statesboro. It is known for its strong programs in business, education, healthcare, and the sciences. With a focus on student success, innovation, and community engagement, Georgia Southern provides students with a dynamic and enriching educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #298 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 27,000 students

Degrees Offered:

Georgia Southern offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, health professions, and engineering.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 68%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Intramural Sports
4. Research and Academic Clubs
5. Community Service and Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Lee Roy Selmon (Former NFL Player)
2. Erk Russell (Former College Football Coach)
3. Paul Hagan (Former Georgia State Senator)
4. Terry Harvin (Former NFL Player)
5. Chad Lunsford (Current Georgia Southern Football Coach)

Top Employers:

1. Georgia Southern University
2. East Georgia Regional Medical Center
3. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
4. Georgia-Pacific LLC
5. Memorial Health University Medical Center

Agnes Scott College

Agnes Scott College, founded in 1889, is a private liberal arts college located in Decatur. It is known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. With a focus on academic excellence, global engagement, and women’s leadership, Agnes Scott provides students with a transformative and empowering educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #68 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,000 students

Degrees Offered:

Agnes Scott College offers undergraduate programs primarily in the liberal arts, including arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 70%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1300.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Community Service and Volunteer Programs
2. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
3. Performing Arts Groups
4. Research and Academic Clubs
5. Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Elizabeth Kiss (Former President of Agnes Scott College)
2. Ellen Douglas (Author)
3. Laura Slatkin (Founder of NEST Fragrances)
4. Lizbeth Goodman (Director of SMARTlab)
5. Frances Cress Welsing (Psychiatrist and Author)

Top Employers:

1. Agnes Scott College
2. Emory University
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
4. The Coca-Cola Company
5. Deloitte

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), founded in 1978, is a private art and design university located in Savannah. It is known for its innovative programs in art, design, fashion, and entertainment. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and professional preparation, SCAD provides students with a dynamic and immersive educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #1 in Regional Universities South for Best Colleges for Veterans (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 15,000 students

Degrees Offered:

SCAD offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including fine arts, design, fashion, architecture, and digital media.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 70%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Studio and Workshop Sessions
2. Exhibitions and Art Shows
3. Fashion Shows and Design Competitions
4. Film Screenings and Production Projects
5. Community Service and Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Miranda July (Artist and Filmmaker)
2. Stan Herd (Environmental Artist)
3. Nick Woodman (Founder of GoPro)
4. Jamey Haddad (Jazz Percussionist)
5. Joe Scarborough (TV Host)

Top Employers:

1. Savannah College of Art and Design
2. The Walt Disney Company
3. Cartoon Network
4. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
5. IBM Design