Universities in Atlanta: Your Local Guide to Colleges, Campuses, and Student Life

If you searched for “Atlanta a t University”, you might be looking for universities in Atlanta, trying to remember “Atlanta AT…” (like A&T or A&T-style schools), or just want an overview of Atlanta-area colleges.

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest higher education hubs, with large research universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), technical schools, and specialized programs all within the metro area.

This guide focuses on how universities in Atlanta work for students, families, and newcomers, with practical details to help you compare options, visit campuses, or figure out what’s near you.

Major Types of Universities in Atlanta

Atlanta doesn’t have one “Atlanta University” today (though there used to be an Atlanta University, now part of Clark Atlanta University), but it does have several major types of institutions:

• Public research universities
• Private research universities
• HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
• Community colleges and technical colleges
• Specialized and graduate-only institutions

Understanding this mix helps you narrow down what fits your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Key Universities in and Around Atlanta

Below is a quick comparison of some of the best-known Atlanta-area universities. This is not exhaustive, but it covers the schools most people ask about.

Snapshot of Major Atlanta-Area Universities

The Atlanta University Center (AUC): Atlanta’s Historic Academic Hub

When people say “Atlanta University,” they often mean the Atlanta University Center (AUC) area on the city’s westside.

The AUC is a cluster of HBCUs:

• Clark Atlanta University (CAU)
• Morehouse College
• Spelman College
• Morehouse School of Medicine

These campuses are adjacent to each other and create a tight-knit, historically significant academic community.

Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

• Location: 223 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Type: Private, co-ed HBCU
• Known for:
  • Strong programs in business, communications, social work, education, and STEM
  • Deep roots in the civil rights movement through its Atlanta University heritage

CAU is particularly attractive if you want a traditional campus feel inside the city, with quick access to downtown, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium area, and the West End.

Morehouse College

• Location: 830 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Type: Private HBCU for men
• Known for:
  • Emphasis on leadership, social justice, and public service
  • Strong liberal arts and business foundation

Morehouse draws students from across the country and is especially relevant if you’re seeking a men’s liberal arts college experience within a historically Black context.

Spelman College

• Location: 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Type: Private HBCU for women
• Known for:
  • Strong liberal arts and STEM programs
  • Focus on leadership development and global engagement

Spelman is a top choice for women seeking an HBCU environment with rigorous academics and a close-knit community.

Major Public Universities in the Atlanta Area

Georgia State University (GSU)

• Main Campus Location: Downtown Atlanta, around 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Type: Public research university, part of the University System of Georgia

Why it matters locally:

• Integrated into downtown Atlanta, with academic buildings blended into the city streets
• Popular with commuter students and working adults, but also has growing on-campus housing
• Programs across business, law, arts, public policy, health sciences, and education

For Atlanta residents, GSU often feels like the “city’s university” because of its location, MARTA access, and strong ties to local employers and public agencies.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

• Location: North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30332 (Midtown area)
• Type: Public research university known for tech and engineering

Highlights for prospective students:

• Strong in engineering, computer science, architecture, and sciences
• Campus sits between Midtown and West Midtown, with easy access to tech companies, startups, and major employers
• Offers a more traditional, enclosed campus feel compared to Georgia State, while still being urban

For anyone focused on STEM careers, Georgia Tech is one of the main reasons students relocate to Atlanta.

Private Universities and Graduate-Focused Options

Emory University

• Main Campus Location: 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322 (Druid Hills area)
• Type: Private research university

Emory is especially known for:

• Health-related fields (medicine, nursing, public health)
• Law, business, and liberal arts
• A campus that feels more suburban and park-like, yet is within the city limits

If you’re living in DeKalb County or the east side of Atlanta, Emory might be your most geographically convenient major university, especially for graduate and professional programs.

Morehouse School of Medicine

• Location: 720 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Type: HBCU medical school and health sciences institution

It focuses on:

• Training physicians and health professionals
• Addressing health disparities and community health, especially in urban and underserved communities

This is particularly relevant if you already live in Atlanta and want to pursue medical or health sciences education without leaving the city.

Community Colleges and Technical Education in Atlanta

Not everyone needs or wants a four-year university. Atlanta has community and technical colleges that:

• Cost less upfront
• Offer shorter programs and certificates
• Provide transfer pathways to four-year schools

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

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

Common reasons locals choose Atlanta Metropolitan:

• Associate degrees with the option to transfer to a university
• Some bachelor’s degree programs in selected fields
• Accessible from south and southwest Atlanta neighborhoods

Atlanta Technical College

• Location: 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Type: Technical college

Programs often include:

• Skilled trades (HVAC, automotive, construction)
• Health care professions (medical assisting, practical nursing, etc.)
• Business, IT, and service industry skills

Technical colleges are a strong option if you live in Atlanta and want to enter the workforce quickly with job-ready skills.

Choosing an Atlanta University: Key Factors for Locals and Newcomers

If you’re in Atlanta or moving here, these factors usually make the biggest difference:

1. Location and Commute

Atlanta traffic is a serious consideration. Think about:

• MARTA access:
  • Georgia State and Georgia Tech are close to major MARTA rail stations.
  • The AUC area is reachable by MARTA bus and the Ashby/West End stations.
• Driving and parking:
  • Campus parking can be limited or expensive, especially downtown and Midtown.
• Where you live:
  • East side? Emory and Georgia State might be easier.
  • West/southwest side? AUC schools, Atlanta Metropolitan, and Atlanta Tech are closer.
  • North suburbs? Kennesaw State or Perimeter campuses of Georgia State may be more convenient.

2. Public vs. Private Cost

In-state residents often pay significantly lower tuition at public schools like:

• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Kennesaw State University
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Private schools (Emory, CAU, Spelman, Morehouse) usually cost more, but may offer institutional aid and scholarships.

If you live in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, it’s worth confirming in-state residency requirements early, since they affect cost.

3. Campus Environment

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a traditional campus feel (quads, residence halls, defined campus boundaries)?
  • Georgia Tech, Emory, Spelman, Morehouse, CAU offer this more strongly.
• Do you like a city-integrated campus, where you’re in the middle of downtown?
  • Georgia State fits this best.
• Do you prefer a smaller, community-oriented environment?
  • Atlanta Metropolitan and many technical college programs can feel more personal.

4. Academic Focus

Different Atlanta schools are known for different strengths:

• Engineering / technology: Georgia Tech
• Business: Georgia State (J. Mack Robinson), Kennesaw State, Emory (Goizueta), CAU
• Health / medicine: Emory, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgia State (public health, nursing), Atlanta Tech (health programs)
• Liberal arts: Spelman, Morehouse, Emory, CAU
• Trades and applied fields: Atlanta Technical College, Chattahoochee Tech (in the broader metro)

Match the program strength with your goals, not just the school name.

Visiting Campuses in Atlanta: Practical Tips

If you’re local or visiting Atlanta to explore universities, here are ways to make campus visits smoother:

Getting Around

• Use MARTA where possible to avoid downtown and Midtown parking challenges.
• For the AUC campuses, many visitors drive and park in designated visitor lots; plan extra time.
• Midtown (Georgia Tech) and downtown (GSU) are also walkable once you’re parked or off the train.

When to Visit

• Weekdays during the semester give you the most realistic feel—students on campus, classes in session.
• Many schools offer scheduled tours and info sessions; check each university’s admissions office for details before you go.

What to Pay Attention To

While you walk around, focus on:

• How safe and comfortable you feel in the surrounding neighborhood
• Available study spaces, libraries, and student centers
• Food options on and near campus
• Public transit and walking routes you’d use daily

Support Services and Student Life in Atlanta

Most Atlanta-area universities offer similar support resources, though size and depth vary:

• Academic advising and tutoring centers
• Career services linked to Atlanta employers and internships
• Counseling and mental health services
• Disability and accessibility services
• Student organizations (cultural, professional, recreational, faith-based)

Because Atlanta is a major metro area, students also benefit from:

• Internships with businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and hospitals
• Access to arts, music, and sports (concerts, festivals, pro teams, museums)
• Networking opportunities in tech, film, healthcare, and logistics, which are strong local industries

How to Start If You’re Still Deciding

If you’re in Atlanta and unsure where to begin:

1. Clarify your goal

   • Four-year degree, associate degree, trade certificate, or graduate/professional school?

2. List 2–4 schools that match that goal

   • Example: For a tech career: Georgia Tech, Georgia State (CS/IT), Atlanta Technical College (IT programs).

3. Check admissions basics

   • Required GPA or test scores
   • Application deadlines
   • Transfer policies if you’re moving from another school

4. Visit at least one campus in person

   • Pay attention to commute, environment, and whether you can realistically see yourself there day-to-day.

5. Contact admissions or advising offices

   • Ask about program fit, credit transfer, and typical timelines for completion.

Universities in Atlanta range from global research institutions to community-focused colleges, all within a relatively compact metro area. Whether you’re already living in the city, planning a move, or just visiting to explore options, understanding how these schools are laid out across downtown, Midtown, the westside, and the suburbs will help you choose the right academic path for your life in Atlanta.