6 Best Colleges in Atlanta (2025)

Atlanta is an exciting city with plenty of great attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

But did you know it is also home to many top colleges? Atlanta and nearby areas offer more than 55 academic options for students interested in pursuing higher education.

If you're interested in enrolling in a great school, take a look at some of the best colleges near Atlanta, GA.

Featured Colleges in Atlanta, GA

Discover where you can find and enroll in colleges near Atlanta, GA that offer top academic options.

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university and institute of technology located in Atlanta, GA.

The institute has been recognized for its engineering, business, computer science, and urban planning programs.

Georgia Institute is deemed one of the most innovative schools in the nation and has been ranked one of the country's top public and national universities.

Its nearly 30 schools offer programs in areas of study like aerospace engineering, digital media, health systems, mathematics, and statistics.

2. Georgia State University

Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA has been ranked a top school for undergraduate teaching several years in a row.

The university has also received high marks in the categories of innovation, first-year experience, and learning communities.

Students interested in studying business, risk management and insurance, or information systems will find top-ranked programs at Georgia State.

The school offers more than 250 majors and minors with undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, business, law, STEM, policy, and much more.

3. Oglethorpe University

Oglethorpe University, located in Atlanta, takes pride in being a 'best buy' for students looking for affordability with their quality academic experience.

The university has also been deemed one of the best colleges in its region and among the top third of colleges and universities in the nation.

Other accolades include being among the most diverse, most entrepreneurial, and top liberal arts colleges.

Oglethorpe offers more than 60 areas of study, including accounting, biology, psychology, journalism, and engineering.

4. Kennesaw State University

At Kennesaw State University, students can access more than 180 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and programs.

The university has been ranked among the best colleges in the nation and is considered a top degree producer. Its business school has received prestigious accreditation from AACSB International.

Kennesaw State is located in Kennesaw, GA, which is a part of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. The school also has a campus in nearby Marietta, GA.

5. Georgia Gwinnett College

Georgia Gwinnett College offers more than a dozen degrees in areas of study like business administration, education, human services, psychology, mathematics, and health science.

The school has been ranked as one of the most ethnically diverse in its region. It has also earned high marks for its undergraduate teaching and is considered a top public school and best value school.

Georgia Gwinnett is located in Lawrenceville, GA, which is in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.

6. Mercer University

Mercer University is located in Macon, GA, which is more than an hour from Atlanta; however, the university has a campus in Atlanta that offers many of Macon's amenities, including on-campus housing.

Mercer has been ranked of one the nation's best institutions for undergraduates and placed in the top 10 of schools deemed the most engaged in community service.

The university is home to more than 130 academic undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like nursing, business, engineering, education, and counseling.

Other Notable Colleges Near Atlanta

If you're looking for colleges near Atlanta but not in the city itself, here are some options.

Brenau University

Brenau University has a main campus in Gainesville, GA, which is about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Students studying nursing, occupational therapy, and clinical counseling psychology can take classes at the university's North Atlanta Campus.

The university has been ranked among the top graduate schools for occupational therapy.

Students attending Brenau can choose from 38 bachelor's programs, 38 master's programs, and 10 doctoral programs in areas like management, music, communication, nursing, and English.

University of North Georgia

The University of North Georgia is based in Dahlonega, GA, which is more than an hour from Atlanta.

However, the school has a commuter campus in Cummings, GA, which is a part of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.

The university has been ranked among the best public regional universities in the South. It has also earned high marks for its opportunities for veterans and its affordability.

Students can choose from more than 140 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Life University

Life University is located in Marietta, GA, which is about 15 miles northwest of Atlanta.

The school's College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies offers more than a dozen programs in areas like business administration, human ecology, biopsychology, clinical nutrition, and dietetics.

Life University has been ranked among the most diverse colleges in Georgia.

In addition to a steady international student population, the school has a balanced gender ratio and a diverse mix of students with U.S. citizenship.

Gordon State College

Students attending Gordon State College can choose from Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in areas like education, criminal justice, nursing, and human services.

The school has been ranked among the top public schools in the region and also earned high marks for social mobility.

Gordon State College's main campus is located in Barnesville, GA, which is about an hour from Atlanta. However, students can take courses at the McDonough campus, which is in Atlanta's Metro.

What Is the Biggest School Near Atlanta, GA?

There are a lot of colleges near Atlanta, GA with very large enrollments.

Students who enjoy huge student bodies might consider Georgia State University, which is home to more than 50,000 students.

Kennesaw State University is a close runner-up with more than 45,000 students enrolled.

The Georgia Institute of Technology also has a large student body with more than 19,000 enrollees.

Other schools with large enrollments include the University of North Georgia (18,000+), Georgia Gwinnett College (11,900+), and the University of West Georgia (11,900+).

How To Choose the Right College Near Atlanta, GA

Before selecting one of the top colleges near Atlanta, GA, it's important to make sure the one you choose is right for you.

First, ensure that the schools you're considering offer your chosen undergraduate or graduate program. Check the school's internship and career assistance opportunities, as well.

Make sure you can afford the school you're considering. Take a close look at your budget and your financial aid options before making a final decision.

If you plan on commuting but don't have a car, make sure you have transportation options that can get you to class on time.

It's always a good idea to visit campuses and meet faculty and staff members in your prospective department before choosing your school.

Paying for Your Degree Near Atlanta, GA

Ensuring you're capable of paying for your degree is a crucial component when selecting your school.

Fortunately, many colleges near Atlanta, GA are affordable and offer financial aid options.

You can look into scholarships, which are monetary awards granted to students for their talent, grades, and other criteria.

Some scholarships can cover full tuition costs.

Also, consider federal financial aid like grants (Pell, FSEOG, TEACH), student loans, or the Federal Work-Study Program.

If you're an active military member or veteran, look into military scholarships, grants, and tuition reduction programs. You might also benefit from the GI Bill.

Students who work part-time or full-time might benefit from their employer's tuition reimbursement program, which can pay some or all tuition costs.

Start Your Degree Near Atlanta, GA Today

There are plenty of fantastic colleges near Atlanta, GA.

If you're ready to start your academic journey, browse these schools to choose one that aligns with your educational needs today.