Best Colleges in Georgia
By: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Jump to: Georgia College | Georgia Institute of Technology | Reinhardt University | Spelman College | Toccoa Falls College | University of Georgia | Young Harris College | Frequently Asked Questions
Colleges of Distinction has hand-picked a selection of top schools that are well equipped to provide a personalized education catered to students’ interests. Through a rigorous vetting and interview process we have refreshed and reaffirmed that these institutions strive for excellence in line with the four overarching distinctions—Student Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes.
These schools vary in size, cost, location, academic offerings, and more, but they are all distinguished by their commitment to the undergraduate experience. The diversity of the college list is intentional, giving students and parents a variety of public and private universities to consider. No matter what, they all exhibit the foundational qualities of a fulfilling undergraduate education.
Georgia College
Milledgeville, GA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
With over 46 undergraduate programs, 150+ student organizations, and 34 graduate programs to choose from, students are encouraged to participate in intellectual and culturally vibrant activities. As a historic teaching and nursing college, Georgia College & State University consistently ranks among the best programs for both teaching and nursing undergraduate and graduate programs. Combined with affordable tuition, Georgia College is a top pick for students looking for dedicated faculty and staff, diverse academic programs, and a supportive student environment.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDY
Programs for students at Georgia College include online degree programs, dual enrollment, double majoring, student exchange programs, an honors program, internships, study abroad, a professional studies program, and summer classes. Georgia College can award certificates as well as bachelor’s, some master’s, and two doctorate degrees.
FACULTY RESEARCH
Faculty participate in an active community of research at Georgia College. Research labs include the Social Emotional Development Laboratory, Behavioral Neuroscience, Behavioral Pharmacology, Memory Lab, and more.
Acceptance rate 86% • Net price $20,958 • SAT Range 1100-1245 • Students submitting SAT scores 52%
Total Undergrad Population 6,873 • Setting Town • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 62% • Retention rate 82% • Student-to-faculty ratio 16:1
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is a renowned public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 100 degree programs offered in fields such as engineering, business, computing, sciences, design, and more, Georgia Tech is committed to providing its diverse student body with a world-class education that prepares them to become leaders and innovators in their chosen fields.
Georgia Tech’s distinguished faculty and cutting-edge research programs are dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and the university provides ample opportunities for students to participate in experiential learning, entrepreneurship programs, and research. Discover what sets Georgia Tech apart and become a part of a community of learners and leaders that is making a difference in the world.
Acceptance rate 21% • Net price $17,410 • SAT Range 1370-1530 • Students submitting SAT scores 71%
Total Undergrad Population 16,561 • Setting City: Large • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 91% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 19:1
Reinhardt University
Waleska, GA ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Since 1883, Reinhardt has focused on meeting student needs one person at a time. Reinhardt’s emphasis is on personalized education, best provided in small classes by talented professors who challenge and care about their students.
Students find Reinhardt’s academic programs engaging, challenging, and rewarding — an investment that yields positive returns to their personal and professional lives. Graduates take full advantage of Reinhardt’s opportunities and enter their professions with the richness of a broad liberal arts education. They are well prepared, having gained specific professional skills through their participation in engaged classroom experiences, co-curricular enrichments, challenging research projects, rewarding service initiatives, exciting internships, and life-transforming studies abroad.
Acceptance rate 99% • Net price $22,645 • SAT Range 940-1160 • Students submitting SAT scores 58%
Total Undergrad Population 1,399 • Setting Rural • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 35% • Retention rate 60% • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Maximize your potential at Spelman College. Spelman is a Private HBCU school in Atlanta, Georgia with many undergraduate degrees to choose from.
Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, the institution became Spelman College in 1924. Now a global leader in the education of women of African descent, Spelman is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and proud members of the Atlanta University Center Consortium.
Today Spelman’s student body comprises more than 2,100 students from 43 states and 10 foreign countries. Spelman empowers women to engage the many cultures of the world and inspires a commitment to positive social change through service. Faculty, staff, and students alike are dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and the intellectual, creative, ethical and leadership development of our students.
Acceptance rate 53% • Net price $43,920 • SAT Range 1050-1200 • Students submitting SAT scores 71%
Total Undergrad Population 2,207 • Setting City: Large • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 75% • Retention rate 89% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls, GA ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Toccoa Falls is the perfect academic community for students who are looking for an institution that will positively impact both their academic and spiritual lives. Founded in 1907 in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Toccoa Falls’ first president, Dr. Richard Forest, was convinced of the importance for all students to receive a quality Christian education. Over one hundred years later, TFC is still following his motto: Where Character is Developed with Intellect.
Toccoa Falls College is serious about providing solid academics that build skills for a lifetime, and equally serious about promoting a solid Christian worldview that provides a stable foundation for a meaningful life.
TFC deliberately integrates scripture, truth, wisdom, and service into all that it does. Whether they are sitting in class, taking online courses, hiking beautiful trails, relaxing by the falls, swimming in the pond, studying in the library, or just spending time with friends, students are bound to experience the power of Toccoa Falls College’s mission.
Acceptance rate 58% • Net price $22,359
Total Undergrad Population 1,698 • Setting Town • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 48% • Retention rate 58% • Student-to-faculty ratio 16:1
University of Georgia
Athens, GA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Located in the charming college town of Athens, Georgia, the University of Georgia (UGA) is a distinguished public research university with a rich history dating back to 1785. UGA is renowned for its rigorous academics and innovative research programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, arts and sciences, education, and more. With a diverse student body of over 38,000 individuals from all walks of life, UGA is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus culture that celebrates diversity and encourages intellectual curiosity.
Acceptance rate 48% • Net price $16,580 • SAT Range 1250-1460 • Students submitting SAT scores 68%
Total Undergrad Population 29,765 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 86% • Retention rate 94% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Young Harris College
Young Harris, GA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Founded more than 130 years ago by The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College has been transformed into a progressive model of liberal arts education featuring innovative academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and competitive NCAA Division II athletics. Young Harris College has a close-knit environment that brings students and faculty together, fostering strong relationships that last long after graduation.
At YHC, students can choose from 30+ majors and 25+ minors that teach skills guaranteed for success. They are trained to develop the strong critical thinking, communication, and social skills that make them stand out to employers. Outside the classroom, YHC’s holistic approach to learning allows students to take on leadership roles and even add new offerings to the College’s 60+ organizations.
Acceptance rate 65% • Net price $20,704 • SAT Range 930-1160 • Students submitting SAT scores 31%
Total Undergrad Population 1,417 • Setting Rural • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 44% • Retention rate 60% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
What it’s like to attend schools in Georgia and other FAQ:
The average undergraduate tuition & fees for colleges in Georgia are $5,056 for in-state students at public institutions, $16,206 for out-of-state students at public institutions, and $19,931 for students at private institutions.
University of Georgia has an average net price of $16,580 making it the least expensive bachelor’s degree program in Georgia that made our list.
Reinhardt University has an acceptance rate of 99%, making it the least exclusive college with a business program on our list.
University of Georgia has a median total debt after graduation of $18,625. This is the typical debt for a student who completed their undergraduate degree.