The Peach State has plenty to offer students. Whether you already live in Georgia or you’re thinking you might like to attend a college there from out of state, this southeastern state has plenty to offer students and residents. From top colleges to amusement parks, here are some things you need to know about Georgia.
Top Colleges in Georgia
- Emory University
- Location: Atlanta
- Enrollment total: 14,841
- Acceptance Rate: 11.4%
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- Georgia Institute of Technology – Main Campus
- Location: Atlanta
- Enrollment total: 45,296
- Acceptance Rate: 17.1%
- University of Georgia
- Location: Athens
- Enrollment total: 40,607
- Acceptance Rate: 42.6%
- Spelman College
- Location: Atlanta
- Enrollment total: 3,102
- Acceptance Rate: 28.4%
- Mercer University
- Location: Macon
- Enrollment total: 8,889
- Acceptance Rate: 74.7%
- Agnes Scott College
- Location: Decatur
- Enrollment total: 1,114
- Acceptance Rate: 66.5%
- Berry College
- Location: Mount Berry
- Enrollment total: 2,360
- Acceptance Rate: 66.3%
- Covenant College
- Location: Lookout Mountain
- Enrollment total: 886
- Acceptance Rate: 84.1%
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- Location: Savannah
- Enrollment total: 16,414
- Acceptance Rate: 81.7%
- Georgia College & State University
- Location: Milledgeville
- Enrollment total: 6,315
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
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Why Go to College in Georgia
Home to the world’s busiest airport and the invention of the Cherokee written alphabet, there is plenty for students to explore outside of their college’s campus. Whether you’re looking for good food, exciting experiences, or a history lesson, Georgia has you covered.
1. History and Education
Georgia has a rich history from Atlanta to Savannah. The site of several Civil War battles, American history buffs will find plenty of places to visit in this state. One that should be on your list is the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park (though it’s technically in both Georgia and Tennessee). It is the site of the Battle of Chickamauga (one of the bloodiest battles of the war) and the Chattanooga Campaign. They were turned into national military parks in 1895. Visitors can tour a museum, hike over 100 miles of trails, and explore more than 9,000 acres.
In Savannah, there is the Wormsloe Historic Site which has the oldest remaining structure in the area (from 1737). When you arrive at the former plantation, you can walk down a mile of live oaks, explore nature trails, and learn about life in colonial times.
Of course, Georgia’s history predates colonial occupation. The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. Located in Cartersville, six earthen mounts date back to 1000 A.D. to 1500 A.D. It is the “most intact Mississippian culture site in the southeastern United States.”
2. Culture
The South is rich in culture, and Georgia is no exception. The state is known for Southern hospitality, a sense of tradition, and genuine care for others. If you want to experience some of the amazing cultures on display, definitely plan trips to Savannah or Atlanta to tour old cemeteries, churches, landmarks, and historical districts.
Of course, in Georgia, you’re going to find plenty of comfort food! This might be great if you’re homesick, too. But you’ll definitely want to try the fried chicken, hush puppies, shrimp and grits, gumbo, biscuits and gravy, collard greens, and sweet tea. Don’t forget about BBQ either! You can find plenty of local mom-and-pop style restaurants and big names in Georgia.
The state is also home to several art museums you should plan to visit including the Georgia Museum of Art, SCAD Museum of Art, High Museum of Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. Did you know that Coca-Cola is based in Atlanta? You can even visit the World of Coca-Cola.
3. Fun
One of the most popular attractions in Georgia is the Georgia Aquarium. In fact, it is currently the largest aquarium in the United States and the fourth largest in the world. It plays host to penguins, dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, sharks, tortoises, fish, alligators, and so much more. There are even several up close and personal encounters available.
And if you want to continue the animal adventure, there’s also the Zoo Atlanta. Thankfully, Georgia has a way for you to save money on these attractions. With the City Pass, you can get admission to up to 5 participating attractions of your choice.
For those who want to get outside, Georgia has several hiking trails and scenic overlooks. The Appalachian trail even starts in the state (Amicalola Falls). For backcountry, check out Fort Mountain, Black Rock Mountain, and Vogel. For easier strolls, Red Top Mountain, Reed Bingham, and Skidaway Island are top choices. Georgia is also home to several historic site trails and stunning waterfalls and vistas.
Still need more to do? Six Flags Over Georgia is on 290 acres in Austell. While it is only open in the warmer months, it could be the perfect way to celebrate the end of your classes each year!
Paying for Colleges in Georgia
Paying for college can be expensive, but Georgia has a few grants, scholarships, and loan programs available to its students and residents. Residents may be eligible for these:
- HOPE Scholarship
- Zell Miller Scholarship
- Georgia College Completion Grant
- HOPE Grant
- Zell Miller Grant
- HOPE Career Grant
- HOPE High School Equivalency (HSE) Examination Grant
- Dual Enrollment
- Georgia Military College (GMC) State Service Scholarship Loan
- Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring (HERO) Scholarship
- Scholarship for Engineering Education
- Georgia National Guard (GNG) Service Cancelable Loan
- Tuition Equalization Grant
- University of North Georgia (UNG) Military Service Scholarship
- University of North Georgia ROTC Grant and ROTC Grant for Future Officers
- Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment
- John R. Justice (JRJ) Loan Repayment
For those out of state but wanting to attend college in Georgia, you may be in luck. Georgia is part of the Academic Common Market (ACM) with the Southern Regional Education Board. That means if you’re from one of the participating states, you could qualify for in-state tuition which can save students thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars. Participating states include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
If Georgia sounds like it’s up your alley, see which colleges may be right for you! Our College Match tool helps you find the colleges and universities that meet your location preferences as well as goals, achievements, needs, wants, budget, and so much more. Get started for free right now.
