2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in Georgia

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  2,166 reviews

Sophomore: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Georgia Tech. The campus is beautiful, there are plenty of community engagements, and the environment is friendly. Of course, let this not distract from the fact that Georgia Tech is a school that requires a lot of discipline. The library will be your deep friend as you get assignments complete. All in all, however, this school is far from impossible; there were some days I had enough time to play basketball for four hours after class! If you manage your time, stay focused, and find a community, you'll have an absolute blast at Georgia Tech.... Read 2,166 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $17,360

• SAT range 1310-1500

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  5,696 reviews

Alum: UGA is definitely a large, State University which was a fit for me since I was unsure as to what career path I was initially interested in. So many choices! But it gets much smaller and intimate over time as you get through the core classes and begin to specialize. I joined a fraternity while I was there, but you certainly don't need to be a part of Greek life to find a multitude of social opportunities. It's very easy to make friends at UGA. The sports are amazing and the academics continue to strengthen as the years go by. There really aren't any obvious weaknesses to discuss. The only thing I will say is that the number of students is stressing the available infrastructure in terms of parking and housing. If UGA will focus on increasing the number of dorm rooms and parking spaces then it would help a lot. And this can be accomplished in a very thoughtful way so as not to diminish the beauty and walkability of the campus.... Read 5,696 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Macon, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,592 reviews

Graduate Student: At Mercer, I really enjoyed the small class sizes and each of my professors. Most of my professors were very easy to get along with, and really wanted to see each student succeed in the class. I also enjoyed the scenery and historic aspect Mercer's campus provides. As for changes, I would like to see more/updated living spaces as well as additional parking lots placed throughout the school. Other than that, I feel Mercer University is an outstanding institution!... Read 1,592 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,164

• SAT range 1180-1400

• Augusta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  940 reviews

Senior: Overall, Augusta University is a great school! It has a culture of science minded people which is amazing to be around and the community is very diverse. Classes are tough but it’s not hard to connect with other peers and professors to ask questions. I wish that upperclassmen dorms were closer to campus but it’s still easy to get to campus.... Read 940 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $14,863

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  2,083 reviews

Sophomore: Clark Atlanta University has a lot of job and business opportunities. If you aren't careful it's easy to be part of the wrong crowd, but when you meet the right people , it's lovely. I love the AUC Bible study communities around campus, because they are so raw and authentic. They don't shove weed or alcohol in your face and push your problems to the back burner, but will actually sit down and have a genuine conversation with you if something is wrong. I love that! A change that I'd like to see is that we need a chapel/church--even if it's small on campus.... Read 2,083 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $29,739

• SAT range 860-1040

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  6,072 reviews

Junior: My overall experience as a student at Georgia State University's Perimeter College has been a pleasant one. I've been a "hybrid" student, so to speak; taking some courses online while taking others in person at the Clarkston campus. Like most students, I've experienced some of the woes that come with obtaining a degree (late nights, feeling overwhelmed, juggling work/school), but, despite this, I still believe I have been given the tools and resources necessary to succeed at Georgia State. I plan to see it through to becoming a Graduate Panther!... Read 6,072 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,958

• SAT range 1050-1290

• Rome, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  511 reviews

Graduate Student: I attended a private school growing up, so I loved how small Shorter was! If you are looking for a school that’s a small campus where everything is within walking distance then this is a good option! I also loved how your department becomes like your family. I was a music major, so we were all in the same classes and were able to help each other out when needed. The professors want you to succeed and they are willing to help if you ask for it. Shorter is also a Christian college associated with the Baptist Convention so keep that in mind if you have other beliefs or are associated with a different denomination. I met some of the best people at Shorter and wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. They have a great education and nursing program. Their football team sucks though…... Read 511 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $16,438

• SAT range 960-1190

• Kennesaw, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4,990 reviews

Freshman: I am an incoming Freshman student. I toured the campus November 22, and enjoyed everything they had to offer. I was able to apply for an early decision and received acceptance in December. I signed up for FASFA, housing and orientation in December. I recommend starting early so that you can select the dorm room of your choice and speak to your academic advisor. I went to the first available freshman orientation and was able to select my classes, which are a combination of in person and online. I am very excited about my upcoming Freshman year!... Read 4,990 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $18,245

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Fort Valley, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  798 reviews

Freshman: My first year at FVSU has been an experience.Although the first year may initially appear chaotic, it usually passes quickly as the semesters progress. Make sure to complete ALL financial aid tasks as quickly as you can! And Fort Valley IS the place to go if you're not used to eating in cafeterias. Contrary to other schools, Fort Valley's cafeteria fare is very good. If you don't like it, there are several of other fast-food restaurants on campus, like Slice of Life and Jazzman's Cafe, and Chick-fil-a.... Read 798 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $13,093

• SAT range 810-950

• Thomasville, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  148 reviews

Junior: Thomas University is a smaller private college, but that is what I love about it. The classes are smaller, meaning the teachers spend more one on one time with the students. Even though I do online, all my professors are still very hands on and always have my best interest at heart. They help make the online experience still feel like a great college experience.... Read 148 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $22,972

• SAT range 780-1240

• Dahlonega, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  2,522 reviews

Sophomore: The best thing about UNG is the campus size and how it influences community building and growth amongst students and staff! While the campus may be on the smaller side, there is such a large community of support that is so willing to help you figure out the best plan for you currently and in the future. Every opportunity on campus is a great way to get involved and make valuable connections, which is something I didn't know I needed until I came to UNG. My only concern is housing on campus since it is so competitive and not all of the dorms are created equal in terms of quality. Definitely not the worst, but it feels like they underestimated what students may have needed in certain areas with living such as laundry and food options/kitchen space.... Read 2,522 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $11,685

• SAT range 1040-1210

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,592 reviews

Freshman: I have the pleasure of attending Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and overall, my experience has been extremely positive. Emory is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. The university boasts an impressive faculty, a plethora of academic programs, and a vibrant campus community. However, I do believe there is room for Emory to improve in a couple of areas. The administrative processes, at times, can be a bit cumbersome and bureaucratic. Streamlining these processes would alleviate some frustrations for both students and faculty. Additionally, while Emory has a multitude of extracurricular activities, there is a need for more community engagement opportunities that connect students with the surrounding Atlanta area.... Read 1,592 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,367

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Milledgeville, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,318 reviews

Freshman: Georgia College and State University is a family legacy. My great aunt, my great grandparents, my uncle, and my parents all attended GCSU and that is what makes it so special. The community surrounding Milledgeville is completely immersed in its rich culture. From Central State Hospital, the antebellum-era mental asylum thats only a 10 minute drive from campus, to the beautifully up kept historical downtown, the past is beautifully intertwined with the present in a way that respects and displays the values of the community and the college. Its multitudes of nicknames such as Milly (the town), MillyVegas (the strip of downtown bars frequented by students), and the Local Yokals (Milledgeville natives) speaks to the uniquely authentic pride from students that attend Georgia College and State University and carries such pride throughout their lives. This historic pride gets passed down for generations, leading to more students who appreciate the past and use it to create a better future.... Read 1,318 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $20,443

• SAT range 1070-1260

• Macon, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  561 reviews

Sophomore: Has an amazing flight program. The cost of tuition is so much better than what you would expect from a flight program. Financial aid is quick and easy to contact. The school environment is welcoming and friendly. Every teacher I’ve encountered is extremely helpful and will take time out of there day to sit down and talk to you if any problems do arise. Flight instructors are also wonderful, they are incredibly helpful and timely! School participation is amazing, they host wonderful events that gets the student body involved, and it’s an amazing opportunity to win some cool school gear, or even other prizes such as gift cards or electronics!... Read 561 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $10,926

• SAT range 920-1160

• Albany, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,450 reviews

Junior: My overall experience at Albany State University has been amazing! I have opened up and branched out of my shell at this university and have felt so involved and connected with people like me and opposite of me. I have been faced with many opportunities to better my experience as a college student there, but I have also faced many challenges. One thing I would like to see change is the communication with some staff. However, there is always someone else willing to help.... Read 1,450 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,359

• SAT range —

• Milledgeville, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  688 reviews

Sophomore: I have thoroughly enjoyed being apart of an affordable, and yet enriching, college that pours into the students and desires to see the students succeed. When I have taken classes, the professors often remember my name, and ask how things are going in the pursuit of my degree. It is amazing to literally drive ten minutes, and I am at my college. The online classes are also extremely convenient, as i work, and so am able to bring my school all around with me wherever I go. Being apart of this college has been wonderful ,and i hope you will consider this college too!... Read 688 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,604

• SAT range —

• Dalton, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  674 reviews

Sophomore: This is my second year at Dalton State College and I don't regret staying in my hometown to save a couple bucks AT ALL. I watched all my friends move on to schools 1-2 hours away to get the "true college experience" and while it is true that Dalton State is a very tight knit community, the opportunities are boundless. From leadership to tutoring to research, and as someone who doesn't care for weekly parties, I feel like I made the right decision by staying here at Dalton State. Up until this last summer semester, I had no bad experiences with any professors and even then they all have shown that they're in my best interest. I am looking forward to these following 2 years as I go into there most popular nursing program and as I move forward to serving my Dalton!... Read 674 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,760

• SAT range —

• Savannah, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,329 reviews

Senior: At Savannah State, you can get anywhere from here, but it all depends on what you take out of your student experience. The school offers an array of student organizations, courses, and activities for students to partake in. While the food could be better, you can't blame the school for trying to improve upon its amenities. Overall, a degree earned from Savannah State is one you can't get from anywhere else!... Read 1,329 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,874

• SAT range —

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,235 reviews

Freshman: Hello my name is Taylor Mills, a Theatre and Performance Major with a Dance Minor. This is my first year here at the illustrious Spelman College. Spelman is thee home of Black Girl Magic. It's the home of determined and goal driven women and to add-on it's been the number one HBCU for 16 consecutive years. When I first arrived at Spelman, I will never forget how comfortable everyone made me feel. It is truly a huge sisterhood. Spelman is very welcoming and there is a place for everyone here. In addition, there are lots of clubs here at Spelman such as Glee Club, P.U.L.S.E and Spelman Ambassador and so much more. I always look forward for all the events that will be held at the historic Sister's Chapel or the Oval! Spelman is so history packed! I will say College in general is what you make it. Spelman hits different when you take the time to learn about the history facts and details of it. It truly puts Spelman in another light and I'm very grateful to be here!... Read 1,235 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $28,527

• SAT range 1050-1200

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  837 reviews

Senior: Morehouse College offers a brotherhood to African-American men pursuing a college education in 33 disciplines. My experiences have included the privilege of being a New Student Orientation Leader to incoming freshmen, and an Ambassador to young men interested in becoming a Man of Morehouse. The small classroom settings offer that 1-on-1 access to the professors which I feel is vital to college success. Campus life and accessibility to multiple campus' (the AUC) afford many opportunities for growth and learning. I recommend Morehouse to all African-American men who have leadership qualities, who are ambitious, and who want to experience Culture, Heritage, Pride, and Legacy. If you are looking for any part of that, Morehouse College is the place for YOU!... Read 837 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $20,492

• SAT range 1020-1140

• Brunswick, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  566 reviews

Alum: I started at the College of Coastal Georgia right out of high school in 2001, when it was just Coastal Georgia Community College. I could only go part-time and had to take breaks throughout my 20s. In 2020, I was able to finally wrap up a general associate's degree and that positive experience lead me to go on to complete my Bachelor's in Business Management in December 2022. I enjoyed many of my professors, especially those in the School of Business and Public Management. The ability to use the pandemic to my advantage to finish up my 4-year degree at CCGA online through 2 cross country moves was amazing! The business classes were challenging and informative and I appreciated how much they focused on ethics, integrity, and sustainability and not just the bottom line. My only complaint was that the administrative office staff were not always helpful and could sometimes be demeaning. Overall though, this school has grown into a school I am proud to have graduated from.... Read 566 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $12,772

• SAT range 860-1050

• Barnesville, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  576 reviews

Junior: Big school feel with a small town charm! Gordon State has it all! Based in downtown Barnesville, GA, Gordon is local to some of the best restaurants and shops that small town Georgia has to offer. Gordon is an old school with the classic academia charm remaining. It's buildings are named after some of the most well-known Confederates in the south. Gordon started as a small community college, and is now a state college, offering Bachelor's degrees in many areas, such as nursing, education, biology, and english.... Read 576 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $8,365

• SAT range 900-1080

• Rome, GA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  274 reviews

Freshman: GNTC Floyd Campus is a great technical college to attend. The tuition is reasonable and they provide so many courses to choose from. They get every student involved with outside activities, too! So far, due to the covid pandemic, I have only been able to do online courses. Next month will be the first time I start learning in class. Their online learning is one of the best ones in my opinion after hearing about some of the other local colleges. Highly recommend this technical college.... Read 274 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,223

• SAT range —

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  606 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Oglethorpe University has been an exceptional one because I feel like I matter, and not just as a student, but as a person, too. In class, I never feel like I'm just a number because my professors are great at making me feel like my opinions are valuable and are worth discussing. I also love the student atmosphere at Oglethorpe because everyone that I have met so far is warm and welcoming, and they genuinely want to get to know me as a person. The dorms are really cool because they have so many different options to choose from, which include an apartment style one, a suite style one, and a traditional style one, too. On top of that, I love how an all-access meal plan cost is included in the room and board cost for full-time students, so you can basically eat at the cafeteria for an unlimited amount of times everyday for the entire school year! Lastly, there are a lot of opportunities for student involvement, like working on campus or joining a club and Greek life.... Read 606 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $14,929

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Thomasville, GA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  115 reviews

Freshman: Southern Regional Technical College is a good school. It is fairly small, yes, but it allows for more one-on-one conversations with professors and the staff are wonderful! They are extremely helpful, kind, and sociable, and always amazing to talk to! As is in all colleges, you must put in the work to be able to advance and do well. SRTC is a wonderful institution.... Read 115 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $-583

• SAT range —