Universities in Atlanta: A Local Guide to Atlanta’s Major Colleges and Campuses

If you’re asking “What university is in Atlanta?”, the real answer is: many. Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest college hubs, with large research universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), faith-based schools, technical institutes, and specialized campuses spread across the city.

Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a move, or are just visiting and curious about local campuses, this guide walks through the main universities in Atlanta, Georgia, what they’re known for, and how they fit into the life of the city.

Quick Overview: Major Universities in Atlanta

Here’s a simplified look at some of the best-known universities located in or immediately adjacent to Atlanta:

These are not the only institutions in the metro area, but they are some of the most central to city life and services in Atlanta.

Georgia State University (GSU): Downtown Atlanta’s Public Powerhouse

If someone says “the university in downtown Atlanta,” they’re usually talking about Georgia State University.

Key points:

• Type: Public research university
• Main Campus Area: Downtown Atlanta, around Peachtree Center and Five Points
• Known for:
  • Business, law, public policy, education, health professions, and arts
  • A large, diverse student body that blends into daily downtown life
  • Strong connections with city government, nonprofits, and corporate employers

Because GSU’s campus is integrated into downtown streets and office buildings, you’ll see students everywhere near:

• 25 Park Place NE
• 33 Gilmer Street SE
• Student Center areas off Courtland St and Gilmer St

If you live or work downtown, GSU is likely the university you interact with most—through events, public lectures, GSU arts performances, and Panther sports at downtown venues.

Georgia Tech: The Tech and Engineering Hub in Midtown

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is Atlanta’s most prominent science and engineering university.

Key points:

• Type: Public research university with a STEM focus
• Main Campus Area: Midtown Atlanta, west of I‑75/85
• Known for:
  • Engineering, computer science, technology, and design
  • Innovation, startups, and research partnerships
  • High-profile sports (Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets)

Georgia Tech’s campus stretches between North Avenue and 10th Street, roughly bordered by:

• North Avenue NW (near the North Avenue MARTA Station)
• Ferst Drive NW and Tech Parkway NW

If you’re interested in tech jobs, engineering co-ops, or research collaborations in Atlanta, Georgia Tech is a central player. Its presence also shapes the Midtown innovation corridor, with tech companies, incubators, and research labs nearby.

Emory University: Major Research and Healthcare Center

Emory University is one of Atlanta’s top private research universities, closely tied to the city’s medical and healthcare system.

Key points:

• Type: Private research university
• Main Campus Area: Druid Hills neighborhood (northeast of downtown, inside the metro core)
• Known for:
  • Medicine, public health, nursing, law, theology, and liberal arts
  • Emory Healthcare and nearby hospitals
  • Campus-based research centers and public health work

Emory’s main campus is centered around:

• 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322

If you live near Druid Hills, Decatur, or Virginia-Highland, you may interact with Emory through:

• Healthcare services at Emory-affiliated hospitals
• Campus events, lectures, and arts
• Student housing and faculty neighborhoods in the surrounding areas

The Atlanta University Center (AUC): Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta

When people talk about Atlanta’s historically Black colleges and universities, they are often referring to the Atlanta University Center (AUC). This cluster of institutions sits southwest of downtown and has deep historical and cultural significance.

The main AUC schools include:

Spelman College

• Type: Private women’s HBCU
• Area: Near West End, southwest Atlanta
• Focus: Liberal arts and sciences with an emphasis on leadership and social impact

Morehouse College

• Type: Private men’s HBCU
• Area: Same AUC area near West End
• Focus: Liberal arts, leadership development, and community engagement

Clark Atlanta University

• Type: Private coeducational HBCU
• Area: AUC, near Beckwith St SW and James P. Brawley Dr SW
• Focus: Liberal arts, business, communications, STEM, and social sciences

The AUC institutions are major contributors to:

• Atlanta’s Black history and culture
• Local arts, music, and civic engagement
• Community programs in the West End and Vine City areas

If you’re in southwest Atlanta, especially around Westview, Ashview Heights, or West End, these campuses are central landmarks and community anchors.

Atlanta Metropolitan State College: Accessible Public Education in South Atlanta

Atlanta Metropolitan State College serves many local Atlanta residents looking for accessible, affordable higher education.

Key points:

• Type: Public state college
• Area: South Atlanta, near I‑75/85
• Known for:
  • Associate and bachelor’s degree programs
  • Transfer pathways to larger universities
  • Serving nontraditional and local students

The campus is located around:

• 1630 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

For Atlanta residents in south and southwest neighborhoods, this college is often a practical nearby option for starting or continuing college-level work without leaving the city.

Atlanta Technical College: Career and Technical Training

If you’re asking about universities but are really looking for job-focused training in Atlanta, Atlanta Technical College is an important part of the local education landscape.

Key points:

• Type: Public technical college
• Area: South Atlanta, not far from Hartsfield-Jackson airport corridor
• Known for:
  • Skilled trades and technical programs
  • Short-term certificates and diplomas
  • Career-focused education tied to local employers

Main campus address:

• 1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Atlanta Technical College is commonly used by:

• Adults changing careers
• High school graduates seeking technical skills
• Employers partnering for workforce development

Oglethorpe University: A Smaller Liberal Arts Campus in North Atlanta

For a quieter, liberal-arts-style campus within the Atlanta city limits, Oglethorpe University stands out.

Key points:

• Type: Private liberal arts university
• Area: North Atlanta / Brookhaven area, just inside the Perimeter (I‑285)
• Known for:
  • Small class sizes
  • Classic liberal arts curriculum with professional tracks
  • A more traditional, cohesive campus environment

Campus address:

• 4484 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319

If you’re in Brookhaven, Chamblee, or north Buckhead, Oglethorpe is the nearest full university campus.

How to Decide Which Atlanta University Matters for You

When someone asks, “What university is in Atlanta?”, they may mean different things depending on their situation. Here’s how to narrow it down:

1. If you live or work in downtown

You’re mainly dealing with:

• Georgia State University (downtown core)

You might interact with GSU for:

• Continuing education or part-time programs
• Cultural events, sports, or public talks
• Student services, internships, and local hiring

2. If you’re interested in STEM or tech careers

Focus on:

• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Possibly Georgia State University (computer science, data science)

This part of the city is strongly connected to tech companies, startups, and engineering firms.

3. If you want a major research or medical environment

Look at:

• Emory University (Druid Hills)
• Georgia Tech and Georgia State University (for certain research areas)

These universities are deeply tied to Atlanta’s hospitals, public health work, and medical research.

4. If you’re looking for an HBCU in Atlanta

The main options are:

• Spelman College (women)
• Morehouse College (men)
• Clark Atlanta University (coed)

All three are part of the Atlanta University Center, southwest of downtown.

5. If you want more affordable or flexible paths

Consider:

• Atlanta Metropolitan State College
• Atlanta Technical College

These schools are widely used by local residents who want nearby, lower-cost programs or technical career training.

Practical Tips for Navigating Universities in Atlanta

• Check MARTA access:

  • Georgia State and Georgia Tech are walkable from rail stations (Georgia State, Five Points, Peachtree Center, North Avenue, Midtown).
  • For Emory, AUC campuses, and south Atlanta colleges, bus routes and shuttles are more common.

• Plan for traffic and parking:

  • Downtown and Midtown campuses can have limited and paid parking.
  • South and north Atlanta campuses often have on-site lots but may require permits or visitor passes.

• Contact schools directly for the latest info:

  • Admission requirements, programs, and campus details can change.
  • Main phone lines and campus information desks can connect you to admissions, financial aid, or campus tours.

In everyday conversation, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and Emory University are the most frequently mentioned when people talk about “the university in Atlanta.” However, Atlanta’s higher education scene is much broader, with multiple universities and colleges woven into neighborhoods all over the city. Understanding which campus, area, and focus fit your needs will help you choose the right Atlanta institution to learn about, visit, or attend.