Atlanta, Georgia Colleges: A Practical Guide for Local and Incoming Students

Thinking about college in Atlanta, Georgia? Whether you already live in the city, are moving here for school, or are comparing options across Georgia, Atlanta offers one of the widest ranges of colleges and universities in the Southeast. You can find everything from large research universities and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to community colleges and specialized schools.

This guide walks through the major types of colleges in Atlanta, key campuses to know, how they differ, and what to consider as you choose the right fit.

The Major Types of Colleges in Atlanta

Atlanta’s higher education landscape can be grouped into a few main categories:

• Public universities (state supported, generally lower in-state tuition)
• Private universities and colleges (often smaller, with varied tuition and aid)
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Community and technical colleges (more affordable, flexible, and career-focused)
• Specialized and graduate-focused institutions (law, medicine, art, theology, etc.)

Understanding which category fits your goals is usually the best starting point.

Public Universities in Atlanta

Public schools are a common choice for Atlanta residents because of in-state tuition, wide program offerings, and strong local name recognition.

Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta)

Georgia State University (GSU) is one of the largest universities in the state and is deeply integrated into downtown Atlanta.

• Location: Main campus centered around Downtown Atlanta (near Peachtree St and Decatur St)
• Type: Public research university
• What it’s known for:
  • Strong business, public policy, health, and education programs
  • Large number of commuter and working students
  • Extensive online and evening course options
• Who it’s ideal for:
  • Students who want to be right in the middle of the city
  • Transfer students from community colleges
  • Adults returning to finish a degree

GSU also absorbed several former community colleges as Perimeter College, with locations across the metro area (Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton, and Alpharetta), useful if you want to start closer to home and transfer into a four‑year track.

Private Universities and Colleges in Atlanta

Private schools in Atlanta range from small liberal arts colleges to internationally known research universities.

Emory University (Druid Hills)

Emory University sits in the Druid Hills neighborhood, just east of the City of Atlanta, but closely tied to the city’s healthcare and research ecosystem.

• Location: 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322
• Type: Private research university
• Known for:
  • Pre‑med, nursing, and health sciences (connected to Emory Healthcare)
  • Law, business, and public health
  • Strong emphasis on research and graduate programs
• Best for:
  • Students aiming at healthcare, law, or research careers
  • Those seeking a more traditional residential campus near — but not in — downtown

Morehouse School of Medicine (West End / Atlanta University Center area)

Not to be confused with Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine is a separate private institution focused on medical and health professions.

• Location: Near the Atlanta University Center (AUC) in Southwest Atlanta
• Focus: Medicine, public health, and health-related graduate and professional programs
• Audience: Mostly graduate and professional students in healthcare fields

Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Atlanta is home to one of the nation’s most prominent clusters of HBCUs, known as the Atlanta University Center (AUC), located in the West End/Southwest Atlanta area.

The Atlanta University Center (AUC)

The AUC includes:

1. Morehouse College

   • Type: Private HBCU; traditionally men’s college
   • Focus: Liberal arts, business, STEM, and leadership development
   • Environment: Strong sense of tradition, community, and leadership focus

2. Spelman College

   • Type: Private HBCU; traditionally women’s college
   • Focus: Liberal arts, STEM, social sciences, and global leadership
   • Reputation: Widely recognized among top liberal arts colleges, especially for Black women

3. Clark Atlanta University

   • Type: Private HBCU
   • Focus: Business, arts and sciences, communications, social work, and education
   • History: Formed by the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College

These campuses are within walking distance of each other and share certain resources, such as cross‑registration for classes, libraries, and social events.

Who the AUC is ideal for:

• Students looking for a strong HBCU community
• Those who want access to Atlanta’s cultural, political, and business networks
• Students who value a campus experience with rich traditions and alumni support

Community and Technical Colleges in the Atlanta Area

If you’re cost‑conscious, exploring new career paths, or planning to transfer later, community and technical colleges can be a smart route.

Atlanta Technical College (South Atlanta)

Atlanta Technical College (ATC) offers career‑oriented programs with strong ties to local employers.

• Location: 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Type: Public technical college
• Programs:
  • Healthcare (nursing, medical assisting, etc.)
  • Skilled trades (HVAC, construction, automotive)
  • Business and IT programs
• Why locals choose ATC:
  • Lower tuition
  • Shorter certificate and diploma programs
  • Direct pipelines into Atlanta-area industries

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (Metro Atlanta)

While the main campus is in Clarkston, Georgia Piedmont serves the broader metro region and is convenient for many Atlanta residents, especially on the east side.

• Focus: Technical training, workforce development, and transfer pathways
• Use case: Good for students in DeKalb and surrounding counties seeking affordable, career-focused education.

Perimeter College (Georgia State University)

As part of Georgia State University, Perimeter College operates like a community college but feeds directly into GSU’s four‑year degrees.

• Campuses near Atlanta: Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton, Alpharetta
• Typical path:
  • Complete core courses or associate degree at a Perimeter campus
  • Transition to the downtown GSU campus for upper‑division courses

Specialized and Graduate-Focused Schools in Atlanta

Atlanta also has several institutions focused on specific professional or graduate-level fields.

Law, Theology, and Graduate Study

• John Marshall Law School (Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School)

  • Type: Private law school
  • Audience: Students pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) in a city‑center environment

• Candler School of Theology (at Emory University)

  • Focus: Theology, ministry, and religious studies
  • Audience: Students preparing for ministry or academic religious careers

Several other seminaries and graduate institutes in and around Atlanta focus on theology, counseling, and related fields.

Art, Design, and Creative Programs

Atlanta also includes art and design programs housed within larger universities or specialized schools. For creative careers, many students combine formal study with Atlanta’s active film, music, and digital media scenes through internships and freelance work.

Quick Comparison: Types of Atlanta Colleges

How to Choose a College in Atlanta

When comparing Atlanta, Georgia colleges, consider both academics and day‑to‑day life in the city.

1. Program Fit and Career Goals

Ask yourself:

• Does the school offer the major or certificate you need?
• Does it connect to Atlanta’s major industries you may want to work in, such as:
  • Film and entertainment
  • Logistics and transportation
  • Technology and startups
  • Healthcare and public health
  • Business and finance

Atlanta’s colleges often maintain internship pipelines with local employers, so checking where graduates end up can be helpful.

2. Cost, Financial Aid, and In‑State Options

Key points for Atlanta residents and Georgia students:

• In‑state tuition at public schools (like Georgia State) is generally more affordable than private colleges.
• Many Atlanta schools participate in state financial aid programs, which can reduce the overall cost.
• Community and technical colleges often have lower base tuition and shorter programs leading directly to local jobs.

If you already live in the metro area, starting at a technical or community college and then transferring to a four‑year university in Atlanta is a common and cost‑effective path.

3. Campus Environment and Location

Atlanta offers multiple campus “flavors”:

• Urban/downtown: Georgia State, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
• Residential neighborhoods: Emory (Druid Hills), some Perimeter campuses
• Historic HBCU cluster: Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta in West End/Southwest Atlanta

Think about:

• Do you prefer a compact residential campus or scattered city-integrated buildings?
• Will you commute, live on campus, or live off campus and use MARTA or a car?
• How comfortable are you with dense traffic and city navigation?

4. Commuting and Transportation

Atlanta’s transportation can influence your college experience:

• MARTA rail and bus lines connect to many areas around Downtown, Midtown, and the West End, convenient for Georgia State and the AUC schools.
• Some campuses have on‑site parking but may charge for permits.
• If you live in the suburbs, check drive times at peak hours, not just mid‑day.

🚆 Tip: If you plan to rely on public transit, check which schools are near MARTA stations or along major bus routes before enrolling.

Practical Steps for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

If you’re narrowing down your options in Atlanta:

1. Make a short list

   • Include at least one public option (like Georgia State), one community/technical college, and any private or HBCU options that fit your goals.

2. Visit campuses in person

   • Downtown Atlanta for Georgia State
   • West End for the AUC schools (Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta)
   • Druid Hills for Emory
   • South Atlanta for Atlanta Technical College

3. Talk to current students or advisors

   • Many Atlanta campuses offer information sessions and advising appointments for prospective students, both in‑person and virtual.

4. Check application timelines and requirements

   • Note application deadlines, required tests or materials, and any additional steps for specialized programs (like nursing or selective majors).

5. Plan for housing and commuting

   • Decide whether you want to live on campus, rent nearby, or commute from elsewhere in the metro area.
   • Factor in cost of living in Atlanta, parking, and transit expenses.

Key Takeaways for Choosing an Atlanta College

• Atlanta has diverse options: large public universities, small private colleges, HBCUs, and technical schools.
• Georgia State University and Atlanta Technical College are common choices for Atlanta residents seeking affordability and flexibility.
• The Atlanta University Center (Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta) offers a distinctive HBCU experience in a shared community.
• Emory University and other private institutions serve students looking for highly specialized or research-focused paths.
• Considering program fit, cost, commute, and campus atmosphere together will give you the clearest sense of which Atlanta college is right for you.

By focusing on how each school fits into your life in Atlanta—your neighborhood, your transportation options, and your career goals—you can narrow down the many Atlanta, Georgia college choices to the ones that truly make sense for you.