Atlanta Universities: A Local Guide to Colleges and Campus Life in the City

Atlanta is one of the strongest college cities in the Southeast, with major research universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), technical schools, and specialty campuses spread across the metro area. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a move, or are visiting to explore schools, it helps to understand how the city’s university landscape is laid out and what each area offers.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the major universities, how they differ, nearby neighborhoods, and what to know as a student or parent navigating the city.

The Big Picture: How Atlanta’s Universities Are Organized

Most of the well-known Atlanta universities fall into a few key clusters:

• Midtown / North Atlanta – Large private and public research universities
• Downtown / Westside – The Atlanta University Center (HBCU consortium) and a major public university hub
• Suburban Metro Atlanta (DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.) – Community colleges, satellite campuses, and specialized programs

Because Atlanta is spread out, your choice of school often shapes where you’ll live, how you’ll commute, and what your daily routine looks like.

Major Research and Comprehensive Universities in Atlanta

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Location: Midtown Atlanta, roughly along North Avenue NW and 10th Street NW
Type: Public research university, STEM-focused

What it’s known for in Atlanta:

• Strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, and design
• A central role in Atlanta’s tech and startup ecosystem
• Proximity to Midtown employers, including tech offices and major corporate headquarters

Local living & commuting notes:

• Students often live in Midtown, Home Park, Atlantic Station, or nearby West Midtown.
• Campus is walkable from multiple MARTA bus routes and not far from MARTA rail stations (North Avenue and Midtown).
• Traffic around North Avenue and the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) can be heavy at commute times.

Georgia State University (GSU)

Location: Downtown Atlanta, focused around Decatur Street SE and Courtland Street SE
Type: Public research university

What it’s known for in Atlanta:

• Large, diverse student body
• Strong programs in business, public policy, education, health, and arts
• Deep connection with downtown Atlanta, including internships with city, state, and private employers

Local living & commuting notes:

• Popular neighborhoods for students include Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, Cabbagetown, and Inman Park.
• Served directly by MARTA rail (Georgia State Station) and multiple bus lines.
• No need for a car if you live close; many downtown students rely on walking, MARTA, or scooters.

Emory University

Location: Druid Hills, just northeast of the City of Atlanta limits (DeKalb County)
Type: Private research university

Atlanta connections:

• Well-regarded for health sciences, public health, law, theology, and liberal arts
• Closely connected to Emory University Hospital and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), both located in the same general area

Local living & commuting notes:

• The Druid Hills/Emory area is largely residential and tree-lined.
• Students often live in Druid Hills, Decatur, Virginia-Highland, and North Decatur.
• Emory operates its own shuttle system (known locally as buses around Clifton Road) connecting campuses and nearby transit points; MARTA buses also serve the area.

The Atlanta University Center (AUC): Cluster of HBCUs

On Atlanta’s Westside, several historically Black colleges and universities share a large, adjacent campus network. Locals commonly call this area the Atlanta University Center (AUC).

Morehouse College

Location: Near West End, primarily along Westview Drive SW and Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW
Type: Private HBCU (men’s college)

What it’s known for locally:

• Focus on leadership, social justice, and liberal arts
• Deep historical and cultural influence in Atlanta’s Black community

Spelman College

Location: Adjacent to Morehouse, near Westview Drive SW
Type: Private HBCU (women’s college)

Atlanta context:

• Strong programs in liberal arts, sciences, and social sciences
• Very active in Atlanta’s community and cultural life

Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

Location: Around James P. Brawley Drive SW and Fair Street SW
Type: Private HBCU

Local notes:

• Known for programs in business, social work, education, and communications
• Shares some resources and community spaces with the broader AUC

Living & Commuting in the AUC Area

• The AUC is close to the West End and Vine City neighborhoods.
• Nearby MARTA stations: West End Station and Vine City Station, with bus routes connecting to campus.
• Students frequently use a combination of walking, MARTA, rideshare, and campus shuttles.
• The area has ongoing development, with new housing, retail, and community spaces emerging over time.

Other Notable Universities and Colleges in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Location: Metropolitan Parkway SW, south of downtown
Type: Public state college

Local role:

• Offers associate and bachelor’s degrees
• Often serves commuter and non-traditional students from across South Atlanta and beyond

Morehouse School of Medicine

Location: Near the AUC, along Lee Street SW and around the Atlanta Medical Center South area
Type: Private HBCU medical school

Atlanta connections:

• Focused on health equity, primary care, and community medicine
• Works closely with local hospitals and clinics serving Atlanta neighborhoods

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

Location: Peachtree Street NE, in Midtown near the Arts Center area
Type: Private art and design college (Atlanta branch)

Local context:

• Attracts students interested in film, fashion, animation, graphic design, and creative careers
• Walkable to the Midtown arts district, including theaters and museums

Atlanta Technical College & Atlanta Technical College–Adjacent Schools

Location: Metropolitan Parkway SW, near Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Type: Public technical college

What it offers residents:

• Certificates and associate degrees in technical and career fields such as healthcare, trades, IT, and business.
• Popular with working adults and those seeking career changes or technical training.

Metro-Area Campuses Serving Atlanta Students

Many Atlanta residents also attend universities in the broader metro area, commuting in from suburbs or vice versa:

• Kennesaw State University (KSU) – Main campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta (Cobb County), popular with Atlanta-area residents, especially in the northwest suburbs.
• Georgia Gwinnett College – Located in Lawrenceville (Gwinnett County), serving many students from northeast metro Atlanta.
• Clayton State University – In Morrow (south of Atlanta), often attended by students from South Atlanta and Clayton County.
• DeKalb-based campuses of Georgia State University (Perimeter College) offer associate-level paths that feed into the main GSU campus downtown.

These aren’t in the City of Atlanta itself but are part of the realistic college options for many who live in or around the city and are willing to commute.

Quick Comparison of Major Atlanta Universities

Below is a simplified, high-level overview of several well-known institutions as they relate to Atlanta. This is meant as a starting point, not a comprehensive academic comparison.

Neighborhoods and Housing Around Atlanta Universities

Where you go to school in Atlanta usually shapes where you’ll look for housing and what your day-to-day feels like.

Midtown / Tech Square / Emory Area

• Midtown & Georgia Tech:

  • Housing ranges from student apartments, mid-rise buildings, and single-family homes in Home Park.
  • Walkable to restaurants, coffee shops, and cultural venues.
  • Higher rents compared with some other areas, but convenient for car-free living.

• Druid Hills & Emory:

  • More residential and quieter, with tree-lined streets and older homes.
  • Nearby Decatur offers a small downtown with restaurants and shops, popular among students and faculty.

Downtown and Surrounding Neighborhoods (GSU)

• Many students choose Downtown high-rises or surrounding neighborhoods such as:
  • Old Fourth Ward – popular for BeltLine access and newer apartments.
  • Grant Park – more residential, with older homes and quieter streets.
  • Cabbagetown/Reynoldstown – smaller, trendy neighborhoods with a mix of apartments and homes.

West End / Westside (AUC)

• Students at Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta often look at:
  • West End – historic, with a mix of older homes, new developments, and student rentals.
  • Vine City & Ashview Heights – close to campus, variable housing stock, ongoing redevelopment.
• Transit access is decent via MARTA; car ownership is common but not mandatory.

Getting Around: Transportation for Atlanta Students

Atlanta is car-heavy, but students at central universities often rely on a mix of options:

• MARTA Rail & Bus:

  • Georgia State, Georgia Tech (via Midtown/North Ave), and the AUC are all an easy walk or short bus ride from MARTA stations.
  • Emory and Atlanta Metropolitan/Technical are served by MARTA buses and shuttles.

• Campus Shuttles:

  • Large institutions like Emory, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State run internal or partner shuttles to help students move between buildings, parking, and transit.

• Walking & Biking:

  • Midtown and Downtown have improving bike lanes and sidewalks.
  • The Atlanta BeltLine is useful for some off-campus housing areas, especially around Eastside neighborhoods.

• Driving & Parking:

  • Many campuses offer student parking permits, but availability and cost vary widely.
  • Around central campuses, on-street parking can be limited or time-restricted; planning ahead matters.

Application, Admissions, and In-State Tuition Considerations

If you live in or near Atlanta and are planning to apply:

• In-state tuition at Georgia’s public institutions (such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Atlanta Metropolitan State) typically depends on legal Georgia residency, not just living in the city.
• Some students start at two-year or state colleges (like Georgia State’s Perimeter College or Atlanta Metropolitan State College) and then transfer to larger Atlanta universities.
• Private institutions (Emory, Spelman, Morehouse, SCAD, etc.) set their own tuition and financial aid policies, and residency within Atlanta does not change tuition rates, though it can influence living costs and commuting decisions.

Because policies can change, it’s important to confirm current requirements directly with the school’s admissions or registrar offices before making decisions.

How to Narrow Down Your Options as an Atlanta-Based Student

When choosing among Atlanta universities, it often helps to think in three layers:

1. Academic fit

   • Does the school offer the major or program you want?
   • How strong is the program’s local reputation in Atlanta industries you care about (tech, film, healthcare, public service, etc.)?

2. Location and lifestyle

   • Do you prefer urban downtown, residential Midtown, historic West End, or suburban edges?
   • Will you rely on public transit, walking, or driving?

3. Budget and housing

   • Compare tuition, fees, and living costs across neighborhoods.
   • Consider options like roommates, commuting from home, or on-campus housing where available.

Looking at these factors with a specifically Atlanta lens—traffic patterns, MARTA access, neighborhood feel, and local job markets—can make a significant difference in your day-to-day experience.

For anyone living in or considering a move to Atlanta, the city’s universities offer a wide range of paths—highly technical degrees, liberal arts education, creative disciplines, health professions, and more—spread across distinct neighborhoods that each have their own character, commute patterns, and costs of living. Understanding how these pieces fit together locally makes it much easier to find the right fit for your education and life in Atlanta.