Atlanta is one of the South’s most important centers for higher education. The city offers everything from internationally recognized research universities to historic HBCUs, liberal arts colleges and specialized art schools.
Whether you want to study engineering, medicine, business, technology or design, here are 10 of the best colleges in Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area.
1. Emory University
Emory University’s beautiful McDonough Quadrangle in Atlanta. Photo: Emory University.
Emory University is one of Atlanta’s most prestigious private universities. Its main campus is located in the historic Druid Hills neighborhood, approximately three miles from downtown Atlanta.
Emory is especially respected for medicine, nursing, public health, business, law and liberal arts. Students can choose from more than 80 undergraduate majors and numerous preprofessional programs.
Best for: Medicine, nursing, public health, business and liberal arts
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Website: emory.edu
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
An aerial view of the Georgia Tech campus in Midtown Atlanta. Photo: Georgia Tech.
The Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly called Georgia Tech, is one of America’s leading public research universities.
Georgia Tech is particularly famous for engineering, computer science, technology, architecture and business. Its Midtown location places students near technology companies, startups and major Atlanta employers.
The academic environment can be demanding, but Georgia Tech graduates are highly valued in technical and scientific industries.
Best for: Engineering, computer science, technology and architecture
Location: Midtown Atlanta
Website: gatech.edu
3. Spelman College
Sisters Chapel on the historic Spelman College campus. Photo: Spelman College.
Spelman College is a prestigious private liberal arts HBCU for women. It has a long tradition of educating and developing Black women leaders.
The college offers strong academic programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences. Students also benefit from partnerships within the Atlanta University Center.
Spelman is an excellent choice for women seeking academic excellence, leadership development and a supportive college community.
Best for: Liberal arts, sciences, leadership and preprofessional studies
Location: Atlanta University Center
Website: spelman.edu
4. Morehouse College
The Benjamin E. Mays monument and historic campus architecture at Morehouse College.
Founded in 1867, Morehouse College is a historic private HBCU and the country’s only historically Black private liberal arts college for men.
Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the college’s most famous graduates. Morehouse offers programs in business, humanities, social sciences, science, mathematics and technology.
The college emphasizes leadership, character, service and brotherhood.
Best for: Leadership, business, humanities and sciences
Location: Atlanta University Center
Website: morehouse.edu
5. Georgia State University
Georgia State University provides an urban college experience in downtown Atlanta. Photo: Georgia State University.
Georgia State University is a large public research university with its main campus integrated into downtown Atlanta.
Students can choose from nearly 300 degree programs and academic pathways. Popular areas include business, nursing, public health, law, education, criminal justice and the arts.
Its downtown location provides convenient access to government offices, courts, hospitals, corporations, sports venues and cultural attractions.
Best for: Business, law, public health, nursing and criminal justice
Location: Downtown Atlanta
Website: gsu.edu
6. Agnes Scott College
Historic Gothic-style architecture at Agnes Scott College in Decatur.
Agnes Scott College is a private women’s liberal arts college located in Decatur, just east of Atlanta.
The college is known for small classes, close relationships with professors, leadership training and global learning. Its attractive campus provides a traditional college atmosphere while remaining close to Atlanta.
Agnes Scott is a strong option for women who prefer a smaller and more personalized academic community.
Best for: Liberal arts, global studies and leadership development
Location: Decatur, Georgia
Website: agnesscott.edu
7. Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta
The modern entrance to the SCAD Atlanta campus in Midtown.
The Savannah College of Art and Design operates a major campus in Midtown Atlanta. Despite the university’s name, many programs can be completed entirely in Atlanta.
SCAD specializes in creative careers, including animation, fashion, film and television, graphic design, photography, advertising, interior design and visual effects.
Its location helps connect students with Atlanta’s growing film, entertainment, advertising and technology industries.
Best for: Art, fashion, animation, film and graphic design
Location: Midtown Atlanta
Website: SCAD Atlanta
8. Clark Atlanta University
The historic entrance to Clark Atlanta University. Photo: Clark Atlanta University.
Clark Atlanta University is a private HBCU located within the Atlanta University Center.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, communications, education, social work, humanities and STEM subjects.
Clark Atlanta is a good choice for students who want the traditions of an HBCU combined with access to internships, employers and professional opportunities across Atlanta.
Best for: Business, communications, education and social work
Location: Atlanta University Center
Website: cau.edu
9. Oglethorpe University
Historic Lupton Hall at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven.
Oglethorpe University is a small private university located in Brookhaven, northeast of downtown Atlanta.
The university has a close-knit community of approximately 1,400 students and offers more than 60 programs of study. Its smaller classes allow students to receive more individualized attention.
Oglethorpe is worth considering if you want a traditional campus and personalized education without being far from Atlanta.
Best for: Liberal arts, business and personalized instruction
Location: Brookhaven, Georgia
Website: oglethorpe.edu
10. Kennesaw State University
The Campus Green at Kennesaw State University. Photo: Kennesaw State University.
Kennesaw State University is a large public research university with campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, northwest of Atlanta.
KSU offers more than 190 degree and certificate programs. Its academic strengths include business, engineering, computer science, information technology, nursing, education, architecture, cybersecurity and game design.
It is a practical choice for students living in Cobb County or Atlanta’s northern suburbs.
Best for: Business, engineering, computing, nursing and education
Location: Kennesaw and Marietta
Website: kennesaw.edu
Which Atlanta College Is Right for You?
The best college depends on your preferred major, budget, career plans and desired campus environment.
- Choose Emory University for medicine, healthcare, business or a prestigious private education.
- Choose Georgia Tech for engineering, computer science or technology.
- Choose Spelman or Morehouse for a respected HBCU liberal arts experience.
- Choose Georgia State for extensive program choices and an urban campus.
- Choose SCAD Atlanta for art, fashion, animation, film or design.
- Choose Kennesaw State for a large public university near Atlanta’s northern suburbs.
- Choose Agnes Scott or Oglethorpe for smaller classes and a close-knit community.
Before choosing a school, compare tuition, financial aid, admission requirements, graduation rates and available degree programs. Visiting the campuses can also help you decide which environment feels right.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta’s colleges reflect the diversity and energy of the city itself. Students can attend a major research university, study at a historic HBCU, develop creative skills at an art school or receive personalized instruction at a smaller liberal arts college.
No single college is best for everyone. The smartest choice is the institution that offers a strong program for your career goals at a cost you can realistically afford.
Have you attended one of these Atlanta colleges? Share your experience in the comments below.
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