Private Universities in Georgia: A Complete List
Georgia is a beautiful state offering true Southern hospitality, a subtropical climate, and an array of outstanding colleges to choose from. The largest state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia offers a wealth of history and beautiful scenery for students to enjoy. It’s also the birthplace of Coca-Cola and Martin Luther King Jr.
There are two dozen four-year nonprofit private universities in Georgia, each varying in size and program offerings. Keep reading to check out the complete list of private colleges in Georgia below.
3 Popular Private Colleges in Georgia
Before we introduce the full list of schools, here are three popular private colleges in Georgia to consider applying to. We chose these schools based on overall academic reputation and number of applicants.
1. Emory University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $26,680
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Total Student Enrollment: 14,841
Emory University is a top-ranked school in the country and a highly ranked private school in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, Emory is a medium-sized school offering classes both in person and online.
It has a very selective admissions policy, with an acceptance rate of only 11%.
2. Spelman College
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $37,085
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Total Student Enrollment: 2,417
Spelman College is one of the most selective women’s colleges in the nation, with an acceptance rate of 28%. Offering both in-person and online courses, Spelman is located in Atlanta and is a historically Black college focusing on education for Black or African American women.
3. Mercer University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $22,087
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Total Student Enrollment: 9,009
Mercer University is a medium-sized school in Macon, with an enrollment of just over 9,000 students. It’s nationally recognized for its high level of research activity in science, engineering, and health.
Mercer offers both in-person and online classes and has a relatively high acceptance rate of 75%.
List of All Private Universities in Georgia
We’ve created a complete list of nonprofit four-year private universities in Georgia. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not considered for this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agnes Scott College | 1,109 | $24,305 | 67% | 1,879 |
| Berry College | 2,303 | $25,359 | 66% | 5,643 |
| Brenau University | 2,551 | $23,635 | 87% | 2,334 |
| Brewton-Parker College | 893 | $21,874 | 95% | 744 |
| Clark Atlanta University | 4,055 | $30,015 | 56% | 16,153 |
| Covenant College | 914 | $25,028 | 84% | 813 |
| Emmanuel College | 918 | $19,921 | 63% | 766 |
| Emory University | 14,779 | $26,680 | 11% | 33,179 |
| LaGrange College | 643 | $21,557 | 59% | 1,414 |
| Life University | 2,787 | $28,226 | 98% | 448 |
| Mercer University | 9,009 | $22,087 | 75% | 7,556 |
| Morehouse College | 2,554 | $35,251 | 60% | 5,221 |
| Oglethorpe University | 1,446 | $20,094 | 71% | 2,816 |
| Piedmont University | 2,060 | $18,792 | 64% | 2,331 |
| Point University | 1,666 | $19,890 | 24% | 2,355 |
| Reinhardt University | 1,215 | $26,845 | 62% | 1,083 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | 15,636 | $45,976 | 82% | 14,387 |
| Shorter University | 1,460 | $13,490 | 97% | 871 |
| Spelman College | 2,417 | $37,085 | 28% | 13,649 |
| Thomas University | 1,388 | $16,308 | 46% | 358 |
| Toccoa Falls College | 1,764 | $20,609 | 68% | 1,066 |
| Truett McConnell University | 2,710 | $18,835 | 81% | 652 |
| Wesleyan College | 734 | $13,900 | 67% | 1,298 |
| Young Harris College | 1,407 | $18,910 | 77% | 1,990 |
4 Benefits of Studying in Georgia
- Job Growth: Georgia is home to over 450 Fortune 500 companies, making it an attractive option for recent college grads looking to get started on their careers.
- Mild Weather: Not a fan of cold weather? Winters are shorter in Georgia, so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors when not studying.
- Cost of Living: According to 2021 data, the cost of living in Georgia is relatively low compared to that in other states.
- Ease of Travel: Whether you are a world traveler or just catch the occasional flight for business, Atlanta is home to a busy airport, making it convenient to travel to and from other destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Colleges in Georgia
How many private universities are in Georgia?
There are around 40 four-year nonprofit private universities in Georgia, according to NCES. The sizes of these schools range from small to large, and acceptance rates range from 11% to nearly 100%.
What is the No. 1 private college in Georgia?
Emory University is often considered the top private college in Georgia. Its selection process is rigorous — of the 33,179 applicants in fall 2022, only 11% were accepted. The school has an average graduation rate of 90% and an average annual net cost of $26,680. Emory is particularly known for the quality of its nursing and health programs.
Is it expensive to go to college in Georgia?
The cost to go to college in Georgia depends on the school you choose, whether you’re a state resident, and whether you choose a private or public school. The average annual net price for a private college in Georgia ranges from $13,900 to $45,976, according to NCES data.
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Updated October 5, 2023