Universities in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local Guide to Your College Options

Atlanta, Georgia is one of the Southeast’s major college and university hubs, with options ranging from large research institutions to small liberal arts colleges, technical schools, and specialized programs. Whether you live in Atlanta, plan to move here for school, or are just trying to understand how higher education works in the city, knowing how these universities differ can help you make a smart choice.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the major universities in Atlanta, what they’re known for, where they’re located, and how to think about fit, cost, and campus life in this city.

The Big Picture: What Makes Atlanta a University City?

Atlanta combines:

• Major research universities (public and private)
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Community colleges and technical colleges
• Specialized schools in art, health, theology, and business

Many campuses sit close to downtown or Midtown, so students often have easy access to MARTA transit, internships, and jobs in tech, media, logistics, healthcare, and government.

If you’re in Atlanta, you can usually find:

• A research-focused university for science, engineering, or business
• A liberal arts college with smaller classes
• An HBCU option with deep community roots
• A more affordable public path through state universities or technical colleges

Major Universities in Atlanta (At a Glance)

Here is a quick overview of some of the best-known universities in Atlanta proper or very close by:

This list is not exhaustive, but it covers the schools most people look at when they say “university in Atlanta, Georgia.”

Georgia State University (GSU)

Type: Public research university
Location: Downtown Atlanta (33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303)

Georgia State is a large, urban public university that is tightly integrated into downtown Atlanta. Many of its buildings are woven into city blocks near government offices, courts, and major employers.

What it’s known for:

• Business and public policy programs with strong local ties
• Focus on student support and access, especially for first-generation students
• A wide range of majors: arts, sciences, education, public health, computer science, and more

Why it appeals to Atlanta residents:

• Easy to commute via MARTA (Five Points and Peachtree Center stations)
• Multiple campuses around metro Atlanta, which can help if you live outside the core city
• Often considered a more affordable option than many private institutions, especially for Georgia residents

If you’re working in Atlanta and looking to finish a degree or start one later in life, GSU’s flexible offerings and central location can be a practical fit.

Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Type: Public research university focused on technology
Location: Midtown Atlanta (North Avenue NW & vicinity)

Georgia Tech is one of the most recognized engineering and technology universities in the country, and it sits just west of Midtown’s business and tech corridor.

Key strengths:

• Engineering, computing, and sciences
• Strong reputation in innovation, startups, and research
• Close ties to Atlanta’s tech and corporate sectors, including opportunities for co-ops and internships

Campus feel in Atlanta:

• Despite being near downtown, Georgia Tech’s campus has a more traditional, enclosed campus environment with green spaces
• Walkable to Midtown attractions, Tech Square, and several MARTA stations

If you want a STEM-heavy university in Atlanta with a research focus and strong career outcomes in engineering or computing, Georgia Tech is a major option.

Emory University

Type: Private research university
Location: Druid Hills area, just northeast of the City of Atlanta (201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322)

Emory is known for its health sciences, liberal arts, and professional schools. Although it sits in the Druid Hills neighborhood, it is still commonly thought of as part of the greater Atlanta academic scene.

Highlights:

• Highly regarded health professional programs (nursing, public health, medicine)
• Emory College of Arts and Sciences for undergraduates seeking a liberal arts education
• Goizueta Business School and School of Law for professional degrees

Local context:

• Emory is closely tied to Emory University Hospital and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making it a hub for students interested in public health and medical research
• Easy access to intown neighborhoods like Decatur, Virginia-Highland, and Midtown

This can be a strong fit if you’re drawn to a private, residential campus environment but still want to live and study within easy reach of Atlanta’s cultural and professional opportunities.

Atlanta’s HBCUs and the Atlanta University Center (AUC)

Atlanta is home to one of the most historically significant clusters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country, collectively known as the Atlanta University Center (AUC). The AUC is located southwest of downtown.

Clark Atlanta University

Type: Private HBCU
Location: 223 James P Brawley Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Clark Atlanta offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including:

• Business and leadership
• Arts and humanities
• Social sciences, STEM, and education

It has a strong identity rooted in community, culture, and scholarship, and sits in the heart of the AUC.

Spelman College

Type: Private, women’s HBCU
Location: 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Spelman is widely respected as a leading liberal arts college for women, with strengths in:

• Social sciences and humanities
• STEM programs
• Leadership development for women of African descent

Located within walking distance of Clark Atlanta and Morehouse, Spelman students often benefit from the broader AUC community.

Morehouse College

Type: Private, men’s HBCU
Location: 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Morehouse focuses on:

• Liberal arts and social sciences
• Leadership, service, and social justice
• Preparation for graduate and professional study

It has a long history tied to prominent leaders and a strong emphasis on character and leadership development.

How the AUC Works for Students

Students at Clark Atlanta, Spelman, and Morehouse are part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, which often allows:

• Cross-registration for classes across member institutions
• Shared access to some libraries, research centers, and community events
• A strong sense of shared culture and history within walking distance of downtown Atlanta

If you’re looking for an HBCU experience within a large, diverse city, the AUC is central to Atlanta’s higher education identity.

Public State Colleges and Technical Colleges in Atlanta

For many Atlanta residents, starting at a state college or technical college is one of the most cost-effective ways to earn a degree or gain job-ready skills.

Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC)

Type: Public state college
Location: 1630 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

AMSC offers:

• Associate degrees
• Select bachelor’s degrees
• Programs designed for transfer into other University System of Georgia institutions

Its south Atlanta location can be practical if you live in the Southside or near the airport and want a smaller, more accessible campus.

Atlanta Technical College

Type: Public technical college (Technical College System of Georgia)
Location: 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Atlanta Technical College focuses on:

• Skilled trades (construction, automotive, HVAC, etc.)
• Health sciences (allied health, nursing pathways)
• Business, IT, and logistics

It’s often used by Atlanta residents who want shorter-term certificates, diplomas, or two-year degrees that lead directly into local jobs.

Specialty and Art Schools in Atlanta

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

Type: Private art and design university
Location: Around 1600 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

SCAD Atlanta offers:

• Graphic design, illustration, animation, film, photography
• Fashion, interior design, and other creative fields

Being close to Midtown and the Westside arts scene can give students access to galleries, studios, and media companies based in Atlanta.

Other Specialized Institutions

Within the metro area, there are also:

• Theological schools and seminaries
• Business-focused graduate programs
• Health and allied health training programs

These tend to be more niche, so if you already know your professional direction, you may find a program tailored to your field.

Choosing a University in Atlanta: Key Factors to Consider

When you’re comparing universities in Atlanta, it helps to think about more than just name recognition. Consider:

1. Location and Commute

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, so where you live matters.

• Downtown / Midtown campuses (Georgia State, Georgia Tech, SCAD Atlanta) are often easiest to reach via MARTA rail or buses.
• Westside/AUC campuses (Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta) are a short drive or bus ride from downtown.
• Druid Hills / Emory may require a combination of driving and shuttle use, though there are some transit options.

If you plan to work while in school, think about:

• How long your daily commute will be
• Whether your campus is close to job centers like Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, or the airport area

2. Program Fit and Academic Focus

Each university has its own strengths. A few patterns:

• Tech & Engineering: Georgia Tech
• Health & Public Health: Emory, Georgia State, technical colleges for allied health
• Business: Georgia State, Clark Atlanta, Emory’s Goizueta (graduate); several others
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences: Emory, Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta
• Art & Design: SCAD Atlanta
• Skilled Trades & Applied Programs: Atlanta Technical College, other technical colleges

Look closely at specific departments rather than just the university name. If you live in Atlanta, it’s often easy to arrange a campus tour or speak with advisors in person.

3. Cost and Financial Aid

Costs vary widely between:

• Public universities (Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Atlanta Metropolitan State College)
• Private universities (Emory, Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, SCAD Atlanta)
• Technical colleges (Atlanta Technical College and others in the Technical College System of Georgia)

If you’re a Georgia resident, you may qualify for state-based aid such as the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships, which can significantly reduce tuition at in-state public institutions and, in some cases, help with approved private schools.

It’s important to:

• Compare tuition and fees side-by-side
• Factor in housing costs, especially if you plan to live near Midtown, Buckhead, or other higher-rent areas
• Ask about work-study, campus jobs, and internships in the Atlanta area

4. Campus Life and Community

Atlanta gives you the choice between:

• A dense urban experience (GSU, Tech, SCAD)
• A more traditional residential campus (Emory, Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta)
• A commuter-friendly setting (Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Atlanta Technical College)

Think about:

• Whether you want to live on campus or commute from home
• How important student clubs, Greek life, athletics, and cultural organizations are to you
• The surrounding neighborhood feel—downtown, Westside, Druid Hills, South Atlanta, etc. each have their own character

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Exploring Universities

If you’re in or near Atlanta and want to explore universities more closely:

• Schedule official campus tours. Most schools offer guided tours and information sessions for prospective students and families.
• Use MARTA to reduce parking stress. Many Atlanta campuses have limited or paid parking, especially downtown and Midtown.
• Visit during the semester if possible, so you can see what campus life actually looks like when classes are in full swing.
• Talk to current students and advisors about local internship options, especially in tech, healthcare, media, and logistics—fields where Atlanta is very active.

For anyone visiting from out of town, staying near Downtown, Midtown, or the Westside can make it easier to see multiple campuses (Georgia State, Georgia Tech, AUC schools, and SCAD Atlanta) within the same trip.

How to Get Started If You’re Considering a University in Atlanta

If you’re trying to decide on a university in Atlanta, Georgia, a simple starting plan is:

1. List your top priorities: program type (e.g., engineering vs. liberal arts), budget, campus size, and desired location within the city.
2. Match priorities to 3–5 schools: for example, Tech for engineering, Georgia State for urban business and public policy, AUC schools for an HBCU experience, Emory for health and liberal arts, Atlanta Technical College for hands-on training.
3. Check admission requirements: GPA, test scores if required, application deadlines, and transfer policies.
4. Explore financial aid options: look into Georgia-specific scholarships and grants if you’re a state resident.
5. Visit or attend virtual info sessions: use these to get a feel for the campus culture, support services, and career pathways.

By focusing on what you need academically, financially, and logistically within Atlanta’s neighborhoods and transit realities, you can narrow down which university in Atlanta, Georgia is the best fit for your goals and day-to-day life.