Guide to Colleges and Universities in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is one of the South’s biggest hubs for higher education. Whether you live in the city, are planning a move, or are visiting to tour campuses, there are many types of colleges in Atlanta: large research universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), faith-based schools, art and design colleges, and technical and community options.

This guide walks through the major colleges in Atlanta, what they’re known for, and practical tips for choosing and visiting them.

Major Research Universities in Atlanta

These are the large, well-known universities that attract students from across the country and around the world.

Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta)

Georgia State University (GSU) is a large public research university located in downtown Atlanta, integrated into the city’s business and government district.

Highlights:

• Strong in business, public policy, criminal justice, education, health sciences, and arts and media
• Known for serving a diverse, largely in-state and regional student body
• Campus is walkable to MARTA rail and bus, state government offices, and major employers

Main Atlanta campus area:
Around 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (downtown area)

This is a good option if you want an urban campus with easy access to jobs, internships, and public transportation.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Midtown Atlanta)

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a public research university in Midtown Atlanta, focused on engineering, computing, and technology-related fields.

Highlights:

• Known for engineering, computer science, architecture, sciences, and business
• Campus has a more defined “traditional” feel compared to downtown campuses, while still being very urban
• Close to Tech Square, startup hubs, and major employers in Midtown

Main campus area:
Near North Avenue NW & Techwood Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30332

Georgia Tech is a strong fit if you’re interested in STEM, innovation, and research, and want to be near tech companies and corporate offices.

Emory University (Druid Hills / Northeast Atlanta)

Emory University is a private research university in the Druid Hills neighborhood, slightly northeast of downtown but still within the Atlanta area.

Highlights:

• Known for medicine, public health, nursing, liberal arts, business, law, and theology
• Campus has a more suburban, tree-lined feel while still being close to the city
• Connected to Emory University Hospital and other medical centers, offering strong health-related opportunities

Main campus area:
Around 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322

This is a good choice if you want a private university environment with strong health, research, and liberal arts programs near but not directly in downtown.

Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Atlanta is home to the Atlanta University Center (AUC), the largest contiguous consortium of private HBCUs in the nation. These colleges share some resources and are located near each other in southwest Atlanta, just west of downtown.

Spelman College

Spelman College is a historically Black women’s college known for its focus on academic excellence and leadership.

Highlights:

• Private, liberal arts college for women
• Strong in liberal arts, sciences, social sciences, and fine arts
• Part of the Atlanta University Center consortium

Campus area:
Near 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Morehouse College

Morehouse College is a historically Black men’s college with a long legacy of leadership and civic engagement.

Highlights:

• Private, liberal arts college for men
• Focuses on leadership, social justice, and community engagement
• Known for programs in business, political science, humanities, and sciences

Campus area:
Around 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a private HBCU formed by the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College.

Highlights:

• Coeducational university
• Offers programs in business, education, arts and sciences, social work, and communications
• Shares some resources and cross-registration opportunities with Spelman and Morehouse

Campus area:
Near 223 James P Brawley Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC)

The Interdenominational Theological Center is a Christian graduate-level institution within the AUC, focused on religious and theological education.

Campus area:
Around 700 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Other Notable Colleges and Specialized Schools in Atlanta

Beyond the major universities and HBCUs, Atlanta includes specialized colleges with focused missions.

SCAD Atlanta (Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta Campus)

SCAD Atlanta is the Atlanta campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design, offering programs in art, design, media, and creative fields.

Highlights:

• Focus on animation, film, graphic design, illustration, photography, fashion, and related programs
• Located in Midtown, close to galleries, studios, and creative employers

Campus area:
Around 1600 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Atlanta Metropolitan State College is a public institution in southwest Atlanta offering associate and some bachelor’s degrees.

Highlights:

• Often chosen by students who want a more affordable entry point to higher education
• Offers transfer pathways to larger universities like Georgia State or the University System of Georgia

Campus area:
Near 1630 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Morehouse School of Medicine

The Morehouse School of Medicine is a separate institution from Morehouse College, focused on medical and health professions education.

Highlights:

• Emphasis on serving underserved communities and primary care
• Offers MD and graduate programs in biomedical sciences and public health

Campus area:
Around 720 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta Technical College offers technical diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees for career-focused training.

Highlights:

• Programs in healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, public safety, and business
• Often chosen by students seeking shorter programs that lead directly to specific careers

Campus area:
Near 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Nearby Colleges Commonly Considered “Atlanta-Area”

These colleges are not always inside Atlanta city limits but are part of the greater Atlanta metro area and often grouped with “Atlanta colleges,” especially for commuting or relocation.

If you’re living in Atlanta, these schools might be reachable by car or regional transit, depending on where you are in the city.

How to Choose a College in Atlanta

When you’re comparing Atlanta colleges, consider both academic fit and daily life in the city.

1. Location and Commute

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, so think about:

• Do you want to live on campus, or commute from another part of the city?
• Are you close to a MARTA rail station or bus line (especially for downtown and Midtown schools)?
• How long will it realistically take to get to class during rush hour?

Examples:

• Georgia State and Georgia Tech are easier to access by MARTA if you live along rail lines.
• Schools in southwest Atlanta (AUC campuses, Atlanta Metropolitan State, Atlanta Technical College) may be more car-dependent, depending on your neighborhood.

2. Type of Institution

Atlanta offers a wide range:

• Large public universities: Georgia State, Georgia Tech
  Good if you want many majors, research opportunities, and big-campus energy.
• Private research universities: Emory
  Often smaller class sizes and more selective admission.
• HBCUs (AUC schools): Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, ITC
  Strong sense of community and history, especially meaningful for students seeking that environment.
• Art and design schools: SCAD Atlanta
  Focused on creative careers and portfolios.
• Technical and community-focused colleges: Atlanta Technical College, Atlanta Metropolitan State College
  More career-focused, often with more flexible schedules and lower tuition.

3. Programs and Career Connections

In Atlanta, it’s helpful to match your major with local industries:

• Business, finance, and marketing:
  Strong options at Georgia State, Georgia Tech (business), Clark Atlanta, and others. Many internships with companies in downtown and Midtown.
• Engineering and tech:
  Georgia Tech is the primary choice, but other schools offer related programs, and Atlanta’s tech scene is growing.
• Health and medicine:
  Emory, Morehouse School of Medicine, and technical colleges for allied health programs.
  Proximity to major hospitals like Emory University Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital brings strong clinical opportunities.
• Arts, film, and media:
  SCAD Atlanta, Georgia State, and others connect to Atlanta’s film and music industries.

4. Campus Environment

Think about the type of campus that fits you:

• Urban integrated (buildings mixed into the city):
  Georgia State (downtown), parts of Georgia Tech.
• Defined but urban (more traditional campus feel within the city):
  Georgia Tech, Emory, Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta.
• Smaller and specialized:
  SCAD Atlanta, Atlanta Metropolitan State, Atlanta Technical College.

Visiting campuses can make the differences very clear.

Practical Tips for Visiting Colleges in Atlanta

If you’re touring schools or attending open houses, it helps to plan around Atlanta’s layout and traffic.

Scheduling Campus Tours

Most schools offer online registration for campus tours and information sessions. Before you go:

• Register ahead of time (especially in spring and fall).
• Check parking instructions and whether there’s a fee.
• Look at MARTA routes if you prefer not to drive downtown or to Midtown.

Getting Around

• MARTA Rail:
  • Georgia State: near Georgia State Station (Blue/Green line)
  • Georgia Tech and SCAD Atlanta: near North Avenue or Midtown stations
• Driving:
  • Plan extra time for I-75/85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector.
  • Use school-provided parking maps when available.
• Walking/Biking:
  • Midtown and downtown campuses are more walkable.
  • The Atlanta BeltLine can be useful around some neighborhoods, though not all campuses are directly on it.

Where to Start if You’re Local to Atlanta

If you live in or near Atlanta and are just beginning your college search:

1. List your priorities

   • Four-year vs. two-year
   • Public vs. private
   • Size of the school
   • Specific majors you’re considering

2. Look at nearby options first

   • If you’re in southwest or south Atlanta, start with Atlanta Metropolitan State, Atlanta Technical College, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, and Spelman.
   • If you’re closer to downtown or Midtown, look into Georgia State, Georgia Tech, and SCAD Atlanta.
   • If you’re in northeast Atlanta / Druid Hills, Emory may be especially convenient.

3. Talk to counselors and advisors

   • High school counselors, college access centers, or advising offices at technical and community colleges can help plan transfer paths and applications.

4. Visit at least two different “types” of campuses

   • For example, one big public university and one smaller private or HBCU campus, so you can compare environments.

Atlanta offers a wide spectrum of higher education choices, from large research universities to intimate HBCU campuses and technical colleges. By focusing on location, type of institution, academic programs, and daily life in the city, you can narrow down which Atlanta college best fits your goals and situation.