1. Emory University
Overview of Emory University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1836, Emory University is a private research university known for its highly ranked medical school, law school, and business programs. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and has strong ties with Atlanta’s healthcare community, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emory Healthcare. Emory is renowned for its liberal arts education and its research output, particularly in the health sciences.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #24 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 15,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Average SAT Score: 1380-1530
Extracurricular Activities
- Emory Eagles Athletics (NCAA Division III)
- Volunteer Emory
- Debate and Forensics Club
- Performing Arts (Theater, Music, Dance)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Newt Gingrich – Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Amy Carter – Daughter of President Jimmy Carter
- Bernice King – CEO of The King Center
- Robert W. Woodruff – Former President of The Coca-Cola Company
- Khalid – Singer and songwriter
Top Employers of Graduates
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Emory Healthcare
- The Coca-Cola Company
- PwC
- Delta Air Lines
2. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Overview of Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1885, Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly known as Georgia Tech, is a top-ranked public research university with a focus on engineering, computer science, and technology. It is renowned for its innovation and entrepreneurship programs, and its graduates are highly sought after by top companies in technology and engineering fields. Georgia Tech is also known for its cooperative education (co-op) programs, which allow students to gain work experience while studying.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #33 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 40,000
- Degrees Offered: More than 130 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Average SAT Score: 1370-1540
Extracurricular Activities
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- RoboJackets (robotics team)
- Student Government Association
- HackGT (hackathon)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Jimmy Carter – 39th President of the United States
- Catherine Coleman – NASA astronaut
- Chris Klaus – Founder of Internet Security Systems
- Bobby Jones – Founder of The Masters golf tournament
- Mike Duke – Former CEO of Walmart
Top Employers of Graduates
- Apple
- Microsoft
- The Home Depot
- Boeing
3. University of Georgia (UGA)
Overview of University of Georgia
Location: Athens, Georgia
Established in 1785, the University of Georgia (UGA) is the state’s flagship public university and one of the oldest public universities in the United States. It is known for its programs in agriculture, business, journalism, and public affairs. UGA also has a strong research focus, particularly in agriculture, environmental science, and public health. The university’s sports teams, known as the Georgia Bulldogs, are a major part of campus life.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #47 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 40,000
- Degrees Offered: More than 170 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Average SAT Score: 1250-1430
Extracurricular Activities
- Georgia Bulldogs Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government Association
- Redcoat Marching Band
- UGA Miracle (Dance Marathon)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Alton Brown – Celebrity chef and TV host
- Ryan Seacrest – Television host and producer
- Herschel Walker – Former NFL player and political candidate
- Deborah Roberts – ABC News correspondent
- Kim Basinger – Academy Award-winning actress
Top Employers of Graduates
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines
- State of Georgia
- Deloitte
- KPMG
4. Mercer University
Overview of Mercer University
Location: Macon, Georgia
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a private university known for its strong programs in law, pharmacy, business, and health sciences. Mercer emphasizes a liberal arts education paired with professional training, and it is one of the oldest universities in Georgia. The university has campuses in Macon, Atlanta, and Savannah, and its law and pharmacy schools are highly regarded.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #170 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 9,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 130 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Average SAT Score: 1180-1340
Extracurricular Activities
- Mercer Bears Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government Association
- Campus Outreach
- Greek Life
- Mercer Players (theater group)
Famous Alumni
- Nathan Deal – Former Governor of Georgia
- Nancy Grace – TV personality and legal commentator
- Tony Mitchell – Former NFL player
- Sam Oni – Civil rights activist
- Roy Barnes – Former Governor of Georgia
Top Employers of Graduates
- Mercer University Health Sciences Center
- Navicent Health
- Georgia Pacific
- The Home Depot
- Deloitte
5. Spelman College
Overview of Spelman College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a private historically Black liberal arts college for women. It is renowned for its strong programs in the arts, sciences, and social sciences, and is consistently ranked as one of the top HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in the country. Spelman emphasizes leadership, social justice, and academic excellence.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #39 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,100
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Average SAT Score: 1140-1300
Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government Association
- Glee Club
- Social Justice Fellows Program
- Greek Life (Divine Nine sororities)
- Study Abroad Programs
Famous Alumni
- Stacey Abrams – Politician and voting rights activist
- Alice Walker – Pulitzer Prize-winning author
- Keshia Knight Pulliam – Actress, known for “The Cosby Show”
- Rosalind Brewer – CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance
- Marian Wright Edelman – Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund
Top Employers of Graduates
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Emory Healthcare
- Delta Air Lines
6. Morehouse College
Overview of Morehouse College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1867, Morehouse College is a private historically Black men’s college and is one of the nation’s most prestigious HBCUs. Morehouse is known for producing influential leaders in politics, business, and civil rights. It offers a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on leadership and community service. Morehouse has a notable legacy of producing Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, and other distinguished graduates.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #124 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,200
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1220
Extracurricular Activities
- Morehouse Maroon Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Glee Club
- Morehouse Student Government Association
- Bonner Office of Community Service
- Greek Life (Divine Nine fraternities)
Famous Alumni
- Martin Luther King Jr. – Civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
- Spike Lee – Filmmaker
- Samuel L. Jackson – Academy Award-nominated actor
- Julian Bond – Civil rights activist
- John David Washington – Actor
Top Employers of Graduates
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Goldman Sachs
- Delta Air Lines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
7. Georgia State University (GSU)
Overview of Georgia State University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1913, Georgia State University (GSU) is a public research university with a diverse student body and a strong urban presence. It is known for its programs in business, law, public health, and the social sciences. GSU has a reputation for providing access to higher education for a diverse population and is one of the most innovative universities in the U.S., particularly in terms of student success and graduation rates.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #239 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 53,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1220
Extracurricular Activities
- GSU Panthers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Debate Team
- Greek Life
- Study Abroad Programs
- Panther Band
Famous Alumni
- Ludacris – Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor
- Keisha Lance Bottoms – Former Mayor of Atlanta
- Julia Roberts – Academy Award-winning actress
- Jenn Hobby – Radio personality
- T.I. – Rapper and entrepreneur
Top Employers of Graduates
- Delta Air Lines
- The Home Depot
- Georgia-Pacific
- Coca-Cola
- Atlanta Public Schools
8. Agnes Scott College
Overview of Agnes Scott College
Location: Decatur, Georgia
Founded in 1889, Agnes Scott College is a private liberal arts women’s college known for its rigorous academics and leadership programs. The college is recognized for its innovative SUMMIT program, which focuses on global learning and leadership development. Agnes Scott emphasizes preparing women for leadership roles and social change.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #63 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Average SAT Score: 1140-1320
Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government Association
- Agnes Scott College Choir
- Black Student Union
- Global Learning and Leadership Programs
- Greek Life (local sororities)
Famous Alumni
- Jennifer Nettles – Grammy Award-winning singer
- Kathy Bates – Academy Award-winning actress
- Marsha Norman – Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright
- Joan Scott – Historian and academic
- Leila Denmark – Pioneering pediatrician
Top Employers of Graduates
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Emory University
- Delta Air Lines
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
9. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Overview of Savannah College of Art and Design
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Founded in 1978, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private, nonprofit art school with a focus on preparing students for creative careers in fields like design, fashion, film, and architecture. SCAD has campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and Lacoste, France, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Specialized Art Schools)
- Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1270
Extracurricular Activities
- SCAD Film Club
- Fashion Show
- SCAD Savannah Film Festival
- SCAD Museum of Art
- Student Government Association
Famous Alumni
- Wells Mason – Furniture designer
- Rebecca Sugar – Creator of “Steven Universe”
- Hugh Howey – Bestselling author
- Daniel Arsham – Visual artist
- Wendell Scott – Illustrator and comic book artist
Top Employers of Graduates
- Pixar
- DreamWorks
- Nike
- Disney
- Cartoon Network
10. Oglethorpe University
Overview of Oglethorpe University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1835, Oglethorpe University is a private liberal arts college known for its small class sizes and emphasis on the liberal arts. The university has a strong focus on civic engagement, leadership, and global education. Oglethorpe is also home to the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, which adds a cultural dimension to campus life.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #170 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,200
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1250
Extracurricular Activities
- Greek Life
- Stormy Petrel Athletics (NCAA Division III)
- Oglethorpe University Singers
- Leadership Development Programs
- Student Government Association
Famous Alumni
- Luke Appling – Hall of Fame MLB player
- Eric Nam – K-pop singer
- Bo Belinsky – MLB pitcher
- David Chandler – Physicist and academic
- Mack Mattingly – Former U.S. Senator from Georgia
Top Employers of Graduates
- Coca-Cola
- Delta Air Lines
- The Home Depot
- Atlanta Public Schools
- PwC