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:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni:
- Jimmy Carter (Former President of the United States)
- Robert W. Woodruff (Former President of The Coca-Cola Company)
- Salman Rushdie (Author)
- Samuel L. Jackson (Actor)
- Katie Couric (Journalist)
Top Employers:
- Emory University
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- 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:
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiatives
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Jimmy Carter (Former President of the United States)
- Jeff Foxworthy (Comedian)
- Mary Lou Jepsen (Inventor and Entrepreneur)
- Vernon Jordan (Civil Rights Activist)
- Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft)
Top Employers:
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines
- com
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:
- Greek Life
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Ryan Seacrest (TV Host)
- Deborah Norville (Journalist)
- Herschel Walker (Former NFL Player)
- Cynthia Cooper (Former WNBA Player)
- Bubba Watson (Professional Golfer)
Top Employers:
- University of Georgia
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Home Depot
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- 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:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Julia Roberts (Actress)
- Ludacris (Rapper and Actor)
- Roger Kingdom (Former Olympic Athlete)
- Billy Payne (Former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club)
- Jovita Moore (News Anchor)
Top Employers:
- Georgia State University
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- 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:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Nancy Grace (Legal Commentator and TV Host)
- Sam Nunn (Former U.S. Senator)
- Bobby Bowden (Former College Football Coach)
- Eugene “Gene” Talmadge (Former Governor of Georgia)
- John “Johnny” Mercer (Songwriter and Singer)
Top Employers:
- Mercer University
- Navicent Health
- Robins Air Force Base
- Georgia Power Company
- 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:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Calvin Hill (Former NFL Player)
- Kip Fulbeck (Artist and Filmmaker)
- Kimberly “Sweet Brown” Wilkins (Internet Celebrity)
- Robby Wells (Former College Football Coach)
- Kenny Leon (Theater Director)
Top Employers:
- Kennesaw State University
- Wellstar Health System
- Cobb County School District
- Lockheed Martin
- 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:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Spike Lee (Filmmaker)
- Stacey Abrams (Politician and Activist)
- Nancy Wilson (Grammy Award-Winning Singer)
- James Weldon Johnson (Author and Civil Rights Activist)
- Wanda Sykes (Comedian and Actress)
Top Employers:
- Clark Atlanta University
- Delta Air Lines
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Georgia Power Company
- 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:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Lee Roy Selmon (Former NFL Player)
- Erk Russell (Former College Football Coach)
- Paul Hagan (Former Georgia State Senator)
- Terry Harvin (Former NFL Player)
- Chad Lunsford (Current Georgia Southern Football Coach)
Top Employers:
- Georgia Southern University
- East Georgia Regional Medical Center
- Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
- Georgia-Pacific LLC
- 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:
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Elizabeth Kiss (Former President of Agnes Scott College)
- Ellen Douglas (Author)
- Laura Slatkin (Founder of NEST Fragrances)
- Lizbeth Goodman (Director of SMARTlab)
- Frances Cress Welsing (Psychiatrist and Author)
Top Employers:
- Agnes Scott College
- Emory University
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The Coca-Cola Company
- 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:
- Studio and Workshop Sessions
- Exhibitions and Art Shows
- Fashion Shows and Design Competitions
- Film Screenings and Production Projects
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Miranda July (Artist and Filmmaker)
- Stan Herd (Environmental Artist)
- Nick Woodman (Founder of GoPro)
- Jamey Haddad (Jazz Percussionist)
- Joe Scarborough (TV Host)
Top Employers:
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- The Walt Disney Company
- Cartoon Network
- Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
- IBM Design
