2023 Best Undergraduate Education Schools in Georgia

Published: September 1, 2022

By: Colleges of Distinction Staff

Jump to: Georgia College | Mercer University | Reinhardt University | Spelman College | Toccoa Falls College | University of Georgia | Young Harris College | Frequently Asked Questions

Simply put, our nation’s teachers are our future; they shape the leaders, politicians, scientists, authors, and artists of tomorrow. Surely we can all recount a few special teachers that made an impact on our lives, and we have their hard work and dedication to thank for that. That is why Colleges of Distinction is proud to share a cohort of schools that excel in their commitment to nurturing and supporting future educators. Freshly selected for the 2022-2023 year, the Education Colleges of Distinction are sure to equip students with the necessary skills and experience needed to excel. Prospective students can choose from our hand-picked list of colleges and universities that offer the following distinct qualities:

Our California top colleges for education offer students an exciting place to learn and thrive, as proven by the following:

Stability and Excellence: These programs have reputations for quality and success, and students know that their degrees will be respected and desired by future employers. Institutions who have earned the education badge have the highest accreditations and have been awarding teaching degrees for at least ten years.

Multidisciplinary Exposure: One of the most important decisions a future teacher will make is what field of education they will go into. Whether it’s childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education, prospective students know there are options to explore at these schools. These well-rounded programs also allow students to earn a specialization to further define and hone their skill set.

Practical Experience: These colleges and universities go beyond the required number of hours of student teaching. They push their students to get practical experience as early and often as possible so they may be prepared and confident when they step into their first classroom.

Non-education Specializations: These programs encourage students to think and learn outside the box. Students can minor or specialize in a different discipline to round out their education and enhance their teaching.

Dedicated Advising and Counseling: The path to a teaching degree can be complex and overwhelming at times. Schools that have earned the Education badge have demonstrated a commitment to supporting students with excellent counselors and advisors.

High-Impact Practices: While all Colleges of Distinction are recognized for their high-impact practices, those with the Education badge ensure that their programs incorporate relevant and focused high-impact practices, including first-year seminars, service-learning among area schools, and collaborative projects.

Industry Connections: Students are able to forge connections for their career through internships, networking events, and alumni programs.

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

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Mercer University

Macon, GA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year

Mercer University, one of America’s oldest and most distinctive universities, is located right in the heart of Georgia. Founded in 1833, Mercer is the only university in the South to offer liberal arts, law, medicine, engineering, and pharmacy at the same institution. In addition, Mercer also offers business, teacher education, nursing, music, and theology. With over 60 undergraduate programs to choose from, students are sure to find the degree that fits their interests.

Mercer’s reputation for exceptional academics in an engaged learning environment continues to grow. Mercer University has earned national recognition from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its commitment to community engagement and has also been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for distinguished community service.

MERCER SERVICE SCHOLARS (MSS)
One of the University’s flagship programs is Mercer Service Scholars (MSS). MSS is a dynamic program that engages diverse students in substantive service in both the local community and internationally. Mercer Service Scholars are leaders on campus and develop to become leaders in their careers and lifelong contributors to their communities.

Acceptance rate 78%      •      Net price $21,693      •      SAT Range 1180-1340      •      Students submitting SAT scores 50%
Total Undergrad Population 9,006      •      Setting City: Midsize      •      Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 73%      •      Retention rate 87%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1

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Learn more about Mercer’s education program

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Click here for available majors

What it’s like to attend education schools in Georgia and other FAQ: