Best Colleges in Atlanta: A Local Guide to Top Schools and How to Choose

Atlanta is one of the strongest college cities in the Southeast. Whether you live in the metro area, are moving here for school, or are helping a student compare options, Atlanta offers a wide mix of colleges and universities—from large research powerhouses to intimate liberal arts campuses and specialized schools.

This guide focuses on the best colleges in Atlanta, Georgia, what makes each stand out, and how to choose the right fit based on programs, campus culture, cost, and location.

Quick Snapshot: Top Colleges in Atlanta

This isn’t a ranking, but a starting point for understanding the major options inside Atlanta’s core.

How to Think About “Best” Colleges in Atlanta

“Best” can mean very different things depending on your goals. In Atlanta, students often weigh:

• Academic fit: Does the school offer your intended major or a strong undecided/ exploratory program?
• Campus environment: Urban vs. quieter neighborhood; large vs. small student body.
• Cost and financial aid: In-state tuition options, merit scholarships, and living expenses.
• Commute and transit: Proximity to MARTA, walkability, and traffic patterns.
• Career connections: Access to Atlanta’s employers in tech, film, healthcare, finance, nonprofits, and government.

When comparing schools, it helps to visit campuses in person. Most Atlanta campuses are easy to reach by car, MARTA rail, or bus.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Location: Midtown Atlanta (North Avenue area)
Type: Public research university

Georgia Tech is one of the most recognized colleges in Atlanta and nationally, especially for:

• Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, biomedical, and more)
• Computing and computer science
• Business and management
• Sciences and applied math

Who Georgia Tech is Best For

Georgia Tech is often a strong fit if you:

• Want a rigorous STEM-focused education
• Are excited about research, innovation, and startups
• Prefer an urban campus but still want a defined campus feel
• Want to tap into Atlanta’s tech corridor, including Midtown, Buckhead, and the Perimeter

Tech’s location near Tech Square places students next to corporate innovation centers, co-working hubs, and major employers, which can be helpful for internships and co-ops.

Georgia State University (GSU)

Location: Downtown Atlanta
Type: Public research university

Georgia State has grown into one of the largest and most diverse universities in the region. Its downtown campus is interwoven with city streets, government buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Academic Strengths

Commonly strong areas include:

• Business and management
• Criminal justice and public affairs
• Education and social work
• Arts, media, and communications
• Many online and flexible programs, including for working adults

Who Georgia State is Best For

GSU can be a good choice if you:

• Prefer a true city campus integrated into downtown
• Need flexible scheduling, including evening or online classes
• Value accessibility and affordability as an in-state public option
• Want the energy of a large, busy campus with many student organizations

For Atlanta residents, GSU is often convenient by MARTA rail (Five Points, Peachtree Center, and GSU stations are nearby) and multiple bus routes.

Emory University

Location: Druid Hills (east of Midtown, near the CDC)
Type: Private research university

Emory is widely known for:

• Pre-med and health-related majors
• Nursing, public health, and medical training pathways
• Law, business, and theology
• A strong liberal arts foundation, especially through Emory College of Arts and Sciences

Emory’s campus has a leafy, suburban feel while still being close to in-town neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland and Decatur.

Who Emory is Best For

Emory often serves students who:

• Are focused on healthcare, medicine, or research
• Want smaller class sizes compared to some large public universities
• Prefer a more residential, contained campus rather than a downtown setting
• Are comfortable with private university tuition and navigating scholarships/aid

Emory is reachable by car, MARTA bus connections from the Decatur or North Decatur areas, and shuttle systems serving nearby transit points.

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

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) near the West End is the largest consortium of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the country. It includes:

• Spelman College – Private, women’s HBCU
• Morehouse College – Private, men’s HBCU
• Clark Atlanta University (CAU) – Private co-ed HBCU

Students at AUC institutions benefit from shared cross-registration, facilities, and community events while each school maintains its own identity and campus culture.

Spelman College

Location: West End, near I-20
Focus: Liberal arts college for women

Spelman is widely respected for:

• Leadership development and community engagement
• Humanities, social sciences, and STEM programs
• A supportive campus community with a strong sense of tradition and identity

Spelman can be especially appealing to students seeking a small, close-knit women’s college experience within a larger city.

Morehouse College

Location: West End
Focus: Liberal arts college for men

Morehouse emphasizes:

• Leadership, service, and social impact
• Strengths in humanities, social sciences, and business
• A deep historical legacy and strong alumni network

Students who want a mission-driven environment and strong traditions often find Morehouse to be a distinctive choice.

Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

Location: West End
Focus: Co-ed HBCU

CAU offers:

• Business and entrepreneurship programs
• Communications, media, and social sciences
• A campus culture centered on community, creativity, and activism

Who AUC Schools Are Best For

AUC colleges can be the right fit if you:

• Want to attend an HBCU with strong Atlanta roots
• Value tradition, culture, and community support
• Prefer a mid-sized campus with access to a broader network of students across the consortium
• Want proximity to downtown, the BeltLine Westside Trail, and the West End MARTA station

Oglethorpe University

Location: North Atlanta/Brookhaven, near Peachtree Road
Type: Private liberal arts university

Oglethorpe offers:

• A small, residential campus with Gothic-style architecture
• Liberal arts and sciences with options to explore different areas before declaring a major
• Personalized attention and smaller class sizes

Who Oglethorpe is Best For

Consider Oglethorpe if you:

• Prefer a quieter, smaller college environment within the Atlanta area
• Want a broad-based education with opportunities for internships around the city
• Plan to live either on campus or nearby in North Atlanta or Brookhaven

The campus sits along a major corridor (Peachtree Road), accessible by car and MARTA bus, with Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA station nearby.

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

Location: Midtown/Peachtree corridor
Type: Private college of art and design

SCAD Atlanta offers programs focused on creative and design careers, such as:

• Animation and visual effects
• Graphic design, illustration, and user experience
• Fashion, film, and television
• Interior design and related disciplines

Who SCAD Atlanta is Best For

SCAD can make sense if you:

• Are committed to a design or creative-industry career path
• Want to build a strong portfolio and industry connections
• Prefer an urban environment with access to Atlanta’s film, TV, and media scene

SCAD’s Atlanta buildings are in the Midtown area, convenient to MARTA rail stations along the Red and Gold lines.

Other Notable Colleges in the Atlanta Metro

If you’re open to the broader metro area (not just the city limits), you’ll find additional solid options that many Atlanta residents consider:

• Kennesaw State University (KSU) – Large public university with campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, popular for business, education, engineering, and more.
• Georgia Gwinnett College – Public college in Lawrenceville, focused on access, smaller classes, and undergraduate education.
• Clayton State University – Public university in Morrow (south of Atlanta), with strengths in business, health, and liberal arts.
• Atlanta Technical College & Atlanta Metropolitan State College – Options for career-focused training, associate degrees, and transfer pathways, both located in South Atlanta.

These can be good fits for commuters, students working part-time, or anyone who wants a specific program that fits their schedule and budget.

How to Choose the Best Atlanta College for You

Instead of asking “What is the best college in Atlanta?”, it’s more helpful to ask “What is the best Atlanta college for my goals, finances, and lifestyle?” Consider these factors:

1. Academic Programs and Majors

• Make a shortlist of 3–5 possible majors or fields (e.g., engineering, business, nursing, art, undecided).
• Check which Atlanta schools are known for strength in those areas.
• If you’re undecided, look for schools with strong advising and flexible core requirements, such as Georgia State, Oglethorpe, or some AUC schools.

2. Campus Size and Feel

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a large, bustling campus (Georgia State, Georgia Tech)?
• Or a smaller, more intimate environment (Spelman, Oglethorpe)?
• Do you prefer a traditional campus or a city-integrated campus with classrooms spread among office buildings and streets?

Visiting campuses in Atlanta can be especially eye-opening because environments differ sharply, even within a few miles.

3. Cost, Financial Aid, and Commuting

In Atlanta, living costs and commute time can be just as important as tuition.

• Public vs. private: Georgia Tech and Georgia State typically offer lower in-state tuition for Georgia residents than private schools like Emory or SCAD.
• Scholarships and aid: Many Atlanta colleges offer merit awards and need-based aid. For Georgia residents, programs like HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships may apply, depending on eligibility.
• Commuting: If you plan to live at home in Metro Atlanta, map out:
  • Drive time in typical rush-hour traffic
  • Parking costs and availability
  • Whether the campus is reachable by MARTA rail or bus
    Some students choose schools based largely on the ability to avoid long daily commutes.

4. Career Connections in Atlanta

Atlanta is a hub for:

• Tech and startups
• Film and entertainment
• Logistics and transportation
• Healthcare and public health
• Finance, consulting, and corporate headquarters
• Government and nonprofits

When comparing colleges:

• Ask which employers regularly recruit on campus.
• Look at internship and co-op opportunities tied to Atlanta companies and organizations.
• Consider proximity to areas like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Perimeter Center, and the film studios on the south side.

Tips for Visiting and Comparing Atlanta Colleges

If you live in or can visit Atlanta, touring campuses is one of the most useful ways to decide.

Here’s a simple plan:

1. Cluster your visits by area

   • Midtown/Downtown: Georgia Tech, Georgia State, SCAD Atlanta
   • West End: Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta
   • Druid Hills/Decatur: Emory
   • North Atlanta/Brookhaven: Oglethorpe

2. Use MARTA when possible
   This can give you a realistic sense of what transit-based commuting would feel like.

3. Sit in on a class or info session
   Many schools allow prospective students to attend an information session or, in some cases, sit in on a general education course.

4. Explore nearby neighborhoods
   Walk or drive around to see:

   • Where students live (on- and off-campus)
   • Food options, grocery stores, and study spots
   • Safety, lighting, and general atmosphere after dark

5. Ask current students
   While on campus, ask students what they like, what they would change, and what they wish they had known before enrolling.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Students

If you’re ready to move forward:

1. Make a shortlist
   Pick 3–6 Atlanta-area colleges based on your interests and budget.

2. Check application requirements and deadlines

   • Some schools use Common App or similar services.
   • Note early action or priority deadlines, which can affect admission decisions and scholarships.

3. Gather documents

   • High school transcripts or previous college transcripts
   • Test scores (if required; some schools are test-optional)
   • Recommendation letters and personal statements, if needed

4. Plan a financial overview
   Use each college’s net price calculator to estimate costs after aid. Factor in:

   • Housing (on-campus vs. renting in Atlanta)
   • Transportation (MARTA pass, car, parking)
   • Books and supplies
   • Personal expenses

5. Reach out to admissions and advising offices
   Staff at Atlanta colleges are used to helping local students navigate options like:

   • Part-time enrollment
   • Transfer pathways from community or technical colleges
   • Returning to school as an adult learner

By focusing on academic fit, campus culture, cost, commute, and career connections, you can narrow down the best colleges in Atlanta for your situation—whether that points you toward Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, an AUC school like Spelman or Morehouse, or a smaller option such as Oglethorpe or SCAD Atlanta.