Atlanta isn’t just the capital of Georgia—it’s one of the South’s biggest higher education hubs, with major research universities, historic HBCUs, specialized art and design schools, and community colleges all within (or just beyond) the I‑285 perimeter.
Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning to move here, or are comparing schools from out of state, understanding the universities in Atlanta helps you choose the right campus, program, and neighborhood for your goals.
Atlanta’s colleges and universities are loosely grouped into a few key areas:
This layout affects commutes, housing, and campus culture, so it’s important to know where each school sits in the city.
Location: North Avenue NW, Midtown Atlanta
Type: Public research university, STEM-focused
Georgia Tech is one of the most recognized STEM and engineering universities in the country, and its campus stretches across Midtown and into West Midtown.
Known for:
Who it’s a good fit for:
💡 Atlanta tip: Georgia Tech sits right off the North Avenue and Midtown MARTA stations. Many students live in Midtown, Home Park, West Midtown, and along the Tech Trolley routes.
Location: Downtown Atlanta
Type: Public research university, urban campus
Georgia State’s main campus is woven directly into Downtown Atlanta, with classroom buildings scattered around Peachtree Street, Decatur Street, and Courtland Street.
Known for:
Who it’s a good fit for:
💡 Atlanta tip: The campus is served by Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Georgia State MARTA stations. Many students live in on-campus housing or in nearby neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, and Summerhill.
In Southwest Atlanta, just west of downtown, the Atlanta University Center brings together some of the most historically significant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation.
These schools share resources, cross-registration options, and a tight-knit campus area centered around MLK Jr. Drive SW, Fair Street SW, and surrounding streets.
Known for:
Who it’s a good fit for:
💡 Atlanta tip: The AUC is accessible via bus routes and is a short drive from downtown. Many students live on or near campus; nearby areas include West End, Ashview Heights, and Vine City.
Location: Druid Hills, near the City of Atlanta border
Type: Private research university
While technically outside Atlanta city limits, Emory University is often part of the conversation for “universities in Atlanta” because of its close ties to the city and its location just east of Virginia-Highland and Morningside.
Known for:
Who it’s a good fit for:
💡 Atlanta tip: Emory operates shuttle services that connect campus to various points in the area. Many students live in nearby neighborhoods like Druid Hills, Decatur, and Emory Village, with intown access via Briarcliff Road and Clifton Road.
Location: Peachtree Road NE, in North Atlanta/Brookhaven area
Type: Private liberal arts university
Oglethorpe offers a small, liberal arts campus feel in the northern part of the metro area, along a major artery (Peachtree Road) that runs straight into Buckhead and Midtown.
Known for:
Who it’s a good fit for:
💡 Atlanta tip: Oglethorpe is close to the Brookhaven and Chamblee areas and accessible from GA‑400 and I‑85. Students frequently go into Buckhead and Midtown for internships, jobs, and entertainment.
Location: Peachtree Street NE, Midtown area
Type: Private art and design school (Atlanta campus)
SCAD’s Atlanta campus focuses on creative and design disciplines, with facilities integrated into Midtown’s arts and business districts.
Known for:
Who it’s a good fit for:
💡 Atlanta tip: SCAD Atlanta is close to both the Midtown and Arts Center MARTA stations and the Woodruff Arts Center area, making it convenient for students who rely on public transit.
Location: Downtown Decatur, just east of Atlanta
Type: Private women’s liberal arts college
Agnes Scott is technically in Decatur, a separate city but part of the core Atlanta metro. It’s often considered when people talk about universities “in Atlanta” due to its close proximity and direct MARTA access.
Known for:
Who it’s a good fit for:
While not always labeled as “universities,” community and technical colleges are a major part of higher education in Atlanta and often connect to four-year schools.
Common options within the metro area include:
These can be good choices for:
💡 Atlanta tip: Many Atlanta students start at a community or technical college to build credits and then transfer to a four-year university inside the city.
| Institution | Location Area | Type | Campus Feel | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Tech | Midtown/West Midtown | Public research | Urban | Engineering, computing, STEM, business |
| Georgia State University | Downtown | Public research | Highly urban | Business, policy, criminal justice, arts |
| Spelman College (AUC) | Southwest Atlanta | Private HBCU (women’s) | Campus cluster | Liberal arts, leadership, social sciences |
| Morehouse College (AUC) | Southwest Atlanta | Private HBCU (men’s) | Campus cluster | Liberal arts, leadership, humanities |
| Clark Atlanta University | Southwest Atlanta | Private HBCU (co-ed) | Campus cluster | Business, communications, STEM, arts |
| Emory University | Druid Hills (near ATL) | Private research | Suburban-style | Health sciences, law, business, liberal arts |
| Oglethorpe University | North ATL/Brookhaven | Private liberal arts | Residential | Liberal arts, business |
| SCAD Atlanta | Midtown | Private art & design | Urban/professional | Design, animation, film, fashion |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur (near ATL) | Private women’s liberal arts | Walkable town | Liberal arts, leadership, global learning |
When you’re comparing universities in Atlanta, keep these local factors in mind:
Atlanta’s traffic can significantly shape your experience.
Ask yourself:
Atlanta’s universities often have signature strengths:
Match your interests with schools that have strong departments, local partnerships, and internship opportunities in your field.
Costs vary widely between public universities, private universities, and technical colleges. Many Atlanta residents:
Being in Atlanta means your college experience will often extend beyond campus.
Depending on where you go to school, common student-heavy areas include:
Each neighborhood differs in rent prices, walkability, safety, and access to transit, so many students prioritize being near a MARTA station or on a university shuttle route.
Atlanta is home to:
Universities in Atlanta often have career centers that connect students to local internships and part-time jobs—and many students pick their school partly based on these opportunities.
If you’re ready to move from research to action:
Atlanta offers an unusually wide range of college experiences in one metro area, from large public research universities to historic HBCUs, creative schools, and intimate liberal arts campuses. With a clear sense of your goals and how you want to live in the city, you can find a university in or around Atlanta that fits both your academic plans and your day-to-day life.
