Guide to Mercer University’s Atlanta Campus: What to Know Before You Go

If you search for “Atlanta Mercer campus,” you’re almost always looking for Mercer University’s large graduate and professional campus in Atlanta, Georgia—not the main undergraduate campus in Macon. This guide walks you through what’s on the Atlanta campus, where it is, who typically studies there, and how to navigate it as a student, visitor, or Atlanta resident.

Where the Mercer Atlanta Campus Is Located

Mercer’s primary Atlanta campus is in northeast Atlanta, near the intersection of I-85 and I-285, in the Chamblee–Doraville / Northlake area.

Main Atlanta Campus Address
Mercer University – Atlanta Campus
3001 Mercer University Drive
Atlanta, GA 30341

This campus is easy to reach from:

• Brookhaven / Chamblee – generally a short drive east or north
• Doraville – typically just a few minutes via local roads
• Downtown or Midtown Atlanta – usually via I-85 north
• Tucker / Northlake area – via I-285 or LaVista Road

Parking is widely available on campus, which matters if you’re commuting from across the metro area.

What’s Actually on the Atlanta Mercer Campus?

Unlike the more residential Macon campus, Mercer’s Atlanta campus is heavily focused on graduate and professional programs. It feels more like a professional and medical center than a traditional college quad.

You’ll typically find:

Health and Medical Programs

The Atlanta campus is known for housing several health-related schools and facilities, including:

• Mercer University School of Medicine – Atlanta programs
• College of Pharmacy
• College of Health Professions (such as physical therapy, physician assistant, and other health-related graduate programs)
• Medical and research facilities connected to Atlanta’s broader healthcare network

This cluster makes the campus a hub for healthcare professionals, grad students, and clinical training in the Atlanta area.

Other Graduate & Professional Studies

The campus also supports graduate-level coursework in areas such as:

• Counseling and mental health fields
• Education-related graduate programs (select programs based in Atlanta)
• Professional continuing education or certificate programs

If you’re an Atlanta resident exploring grad school while working full-time, the Atlanta campus is often the Mercer location you’ll be dealing with.

Mercer Atlanta vs. Mercer Macon: What’s the Difference for Atlanta Residents?

Many Atlantans hear “Mercer” and assume one big campus, but there are important distinctions.

If you live in Atlanta proper or nearby suburbs and want a graduate or professional program with easier local access, you’ll usually be looking at the Atlanta campus.

Getting to the Mercer Atlanta Campus

Driving and Parking

Because of the campus’s location near I-85 and I-285, most people in Atlanta reach Mercer Atlanta by car.

General driving guidance:

• From Midtown / Downtown Atlanta: Usually north on I-85, then follow signs toward Mercer University Drive.
• From Decatur / East Atlanta: Via I-285 north or local routes to connect to the northeast perimeter.
• From Gwinnett County (Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville): Typically south on I-85 toward the interchange with I-285.
• From North Fulton (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta): Via I-285 east, then connect toward Mercer University Drive.

On campus, you’ll find:

• Student and visitor parking lots
• Clearly marked building signs and campus map displays
• Designated accessible parking near major academic buildings

If you’re attending a special event, guest lecture, or orientation, it’s typically recommended to arrive early to find the correct lot and walk to your building.

MARTA and Public Transit

Mercer’s Atlanta campus is not directly next to a MARTA rail station, but public transit is still an option with some planning:

• The nearest MARTA stations are usually Doraville and Chamblee on the Gold Line.
• From there, you may need a bus connection, rideshare, or campus shuttle (where available for certain programs/events).

Because bus routes and schedules can change, it’s wise to:

• Check current MARTA bus routes serving the Mercer area
• Confirm any Mercer-specific shuttle options with your program or event coordinator

Public transit can be helpful if you live in the city of Atlanta and don’t want to drive or pay for parking daily.

Who Typically Uses the Atlanta Mercer Campus?

People who interact with the Mercer Atlanta campus most often include:

• Graduate students in health professions, pharmacy, medicine, and related fields
• Working professionals in metro Atlanta returning to school for advanced degrees
• Clinical trainees and residents with rotations tied to Atlanta-area healthcare systems
• Faculty and staff in health and graduate programs
• Community members attending lectures, continuing education, or community health events

If you’re thinking about a healthcare career while staying rooted in Atlanta, the Atlanta campus is often the primary Mercer location you’ll work with, especially for advanced programs.

Campus Environment and What to Expect

Even though it’s an urban campus, Mercer’s Atlanta location often has a quiet, professional atmosphere:

• More commuters than dorm residents – so daytime activity is higher than late at night
• Class schedules aligned with grad programs – including daytime and sometimes evening classes
• Clinical and lab facilities – especially for health and pharmacy students
• Study spaces and common areas – geared more toward collaborative grad work than large undergraduate hangout zones

For Atlanta residents, that means:

• The campus can feel less crowded on weekends unless special events are scheduled
• You may see a mix of students in scrubs, business casual, and professional attire
• The environment feels closer to a medical and professional center than a typical freshman campus

Key Services and Resources on the Atlanta Campus

While specific offices and buildings can change over time, the Atlanta campus typically offers:

1. Academic and Student Services

• Academic advising offices
• Registrar and admissions offices for programs based in Atlanta
• Financial aid support for Atlanta-based students
• Student support and counseling resources tied to the campus

These are the offices you’d contact to:

• Ask about program requirements
• Confirm class locations and schedules
• Handle enrollment, transcripts, or tuition questions

2. Libraries and Study Areas

Expect at least one campus library or learning resource center, plus:

• Quiet study rooms
• Group study spaces
• Computer and printing access

For Atlanta-based grad students, these resources create a practical spot to work between classes, especially if you’re commuting long distances from other parts of the metro area.

3. Dining and Basic Amenities

On-campus food options change over time, but you’ll typically find:

• A campus dining area or café
• Vending areas or quick-grab snacks
• Nearby off-campus restaurants within a short drive

If you’re in back-to-back lab and lecture blocks, know that quick food options are generally available without needing to drive far into the city.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Considering Mercer’s Atlanta Campus

If you live in or near Atlanta and are exploring Mercer programs based on this campus, a few practical points help:

Think About Your Commute

Metro Atlanta traffic is very real. Before committing, consider:

• How long it may take during rush hour from your home or job
• Whether you’ll have early-morning labs or evening classes
• The potential benefit of carpooling or flexible work hours if you’re working and studying

Budget for Parking and Transportation

Even when parking is available, you may face:

• Parking passes or daily parking fees (depending on your program and status)
• Fuel and toll expenses if you’re crossing the metro area daily

Treat the commute as part of your overall cost of attendance, especially if you live far from the northeast perimeter.

Visit the Campus in Person

If possible, schedule:

• A campus visit or info session for your specific program
• A chance to walk the path from parking to your likely buildings
• A look at nearby services (pharmacies, grocery stores, quick dining)

Seeing the campus in person helps you understand daily life as an Atlanta-based student instead of just reading program descriptions.

Using the Mercer Atlanta Campus as a Visitor

If you’re not a student but need to visit the campus—for a meeting, seminar, or community event—a few simple steps help things go smoothly:

• Confirm the exact building and room before you go
• Ask your host whether there is designated visitor parking or check-in
• Allow extra time if you’re unfamiliar with the I-85 / I-285 interchange area
• Bring a government-issued ID if you expect to enter certain secure or health-related facilities

For Atlantans coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur, it can be easy to underestimate travel time, especially during peak traffic near the perimeter.

If You’re Searching “Mercer Campus” from Within Atlanta

Sometimes people in Atlanta search for “Mercer campus” without realizing there are multiple locations. To avoid confusion:

• For undergrad, dorm life, and traditional campus tours: you’re usually looking for Mercer University in Macon, not Atlanta.
• For medical, pharmacy, health professions, and many grad programs while staying in Atlanta: you’re almost always looking for the Atlanta campus at 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341.

When in doubt, confirm with:

• The admissions or program office for the specific degree you’re interested in
• Official communication from Mercer listing your campus location and building assignments

By understanding where the Atlanta Mercer campus is, what happens there, and how it differs from Macon, you can plan your education, visit, or commute around Atlanta with far fewer surprises.