2024 Best Test Optional Colleges in Georgia

• 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

• Macon, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,591 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 1,591 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,164

• SAT range 1180-1400

• Augusta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  939 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 939 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $14,863

• SAT range 1080-1300

• 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

• Decatur, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  701 reviews

Alum: A very welcoming college full of diversity! I made many friends from all over the states and the world even though it's a small college. All my professors were happy to help us and went above and beyond to make sure we understood concepts. They were very passionate about what they were teaching, so class would never be drag. Also, there were several tutors available for most, if not all, courses, and we could even schedule appointments with someone to help us with research! The campus is extremely beautiful with its Gothic architecture, especially the library which was my favorite place to study.... Read 701 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $13,420

• SAT range —

• Morrow, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,239 reviews

Other: I've been attending Clayton State University for 2 years now as a dual enrollment student, and my experience has been nothing short of amazing. Having the ability to take college courses as a high school student is a great privilege that I am grateful Clayton State offers. Clayton State has great professors who are extremely helpful and easy to reach out to. There are also many different ways to take classes such as online, hybrid, and full in-person. The in-person classes are also offered at many different locations including the high school that I attend which makes taking Clayton State classes that much easier. My only gripe is that the high school locations do not have as many good rigorous classes as the official campus of Clayton State.... Read 1,239 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $10,088

• SAT range 860-1000

• Statesboro, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  4,172 reviews

Alum: My experience at Georgia Southern University was interesting! I began my college journey at Armstrong State University but very soon after, it merged with GSU, making me a proud Eagle. With the merger, I was introduced to more opportunities, better learning experiences and a bigger collegiate community. Initially, I was apprehensive about the small details surrounding the merger like, student-teacher ratios and athletics. However, becoming an Eagle turned out to be one of my greatest accomplishments and I'm excited to return for my master's program.... Read 4,172 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,830

• SAT range 990-1200

• Demorest, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  357 reviews

Junior: I will be a transfer student at Piedmont this fall, but so far, I have had a great experience meeting my new coaches and advisors. Everyone I have been in contact with at Piedmont has been a tremendous help and I cannot wait to finish my college career here!... Read 357 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $19,803

• SAT range 1010-1220

• Mount Berry, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  779 reviews

Senior: I love Berry College’s campus. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s spacious, too. The professors are wonderful and personable. They want to see students succeed, and genuinely care about their students’ well being — physically and mentally. The college and professors were extremely understanding when I completed a semester at home (Fall 2020) for my mental health. I was welcomed back with open arms, and went on to do even greater things than I imagined. The work experience I have gained is entirely unique to Berry. I completed a thesis for my Honors degree, which has helped me in applying to graduate programs. As a small aside, the picky eater in me had a difficult time adjusting to the food on campus. Living in a dorm with a kitchen has been my greatest decision. The dining hall can be chaotic and no conducive for anyone with an anxiety disorder, but there are other options, and to-go plates are available every day.... Read 779 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $24,741

• SAT range 1120-1320

• 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

• Kennesaw, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4,988 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 4,988 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $18,245

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  6,069 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 6,069 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,958

• SAT range 1050-1290

• Tifton, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  679 reviews

Sophomore: ABAC is an amazing place to meet new people and get great new experiences. We often catch ourselves saying "Nowhere else in the world would this happen than here at ABAC". If you have a horse, there is on-campus boarding that is within walking distance from the dorms and any random Tuesday night can be turned into a rodeo. What other college can that happen at? And the students here are so nice and helpful. Truly an amazing experience that you just have to see for yourself!... Read 679 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $7,744

• SAT range 940-1130

• Atlanta, GA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,615 reviews

Freshman: So far, I have enjoyed my experience at Georgia State University Perimeter College. I appreciate the smaller class sizes, it allows you to communicate with the professors more easily and form connections. They also have an abundance of tutoring resources and a great academic team to help guide you toward your desired career. Personally, I find the on-campus career coach to be very informative, she helps you understand what classes you'll need for your specific career and what additional steps you will need to take. She also helps you find internships related to your future career. The academic advisors are also very helpful, they explain how college works and help you set up your classes for the upcoming semester. Moving on, the environment itself is remote and allows for minimal distractions. The campus is clean and has many lounge areas, as well as a REC center and a library. They also host many events each month to maintain a sense of community. Great environment & staff!... Read 1,615 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,889

• SAT range —

• Carrollton, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  2,764 reviews

Other: Success starts at the University of West Georgia! Just like Raequon Jones, alumni from UWG who is a registered nurse working at Emory in Atlanta. A major in Health and Community Wellness will allow me to turn my passion for helping people into a lifelong, rewarding career. When touring the campus, I instantly felt at home. I could feel the difference in the school and the students. Given that the people I saw were staying at school during break while their peers went home, everyone remaining on campus seemed truly delighted to be there. When I looked around, I saw people I could imagine myself befriending and spending time with, again making UWG a great fit for me.... Read 2,764 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $15,296

• SAT range 940-1130

• Lookout Mountain, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  381 reviews

Freshman: I have really enjoyed my time at Covenant College. One of Covenant's strengths is its emphasis on relationships, whether that's with one's hall, one's orientation group, or anything else. There is always something to do and someone to do it with! Covenant also has excellent classes that emphasize the importance of an informed and thoughtful worldview and give you the tools to make it happen. Covenant is a very small college and is on top of a mountain, so location and size in particular can be an issue.... Read 381 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $25,536

• SAT range 1070-1300

• 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

• 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

• Americus, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  458 reviews

Other: The campus is absolutely stunning. It's clean, has an amazing walkway as well as amazing photographic viewings during the mornings and evenings. The teachers and faculty are all so fun and have so much passion for their subjects. They love interacting with the students and getting to know and understand them as people. The campus is so full of light, friendship, and connection. If you're a student who desires more social connection, GSW is one of the best places.... Read 458 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $12,698

• SAT range 990-1170

• Lawrenceville, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,845 reviews

Freshman: I love the small school atmosphere of GGC. I have the opportunity to connect with my professors in ways that some other colleges don’t. For instance, my professors know my handwriting! The small town atmosphere created here at GGC is helpful when learning. I can easily access my teachers knowledge on and off the clock. I also the appreciate the look of the campus. Aside from building A, the campus looks modern and welcoming. I wish that the parking situation would be improved and i believe other students think so as well. The gravel lots are inconvenient. If they could be replaced with asphalt that would be nice. A new parking lot near buildings W, C, and B would be nice for students who aren’t staying in the dorms. The walk from A to W can be roughly 10 minutes which can cut into class time. Overall GGC is a highly recommended college, and I am loving my college experience so far!... Read 1,845 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $10,939

• SAT range 940-1170

• Columbus, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,508 reviews

Sophomore: Me being a CSU has been overall a great experience. Also a great learning experience. I've met new people, made some friends, lost some friends, made the dance team, and become a captain in my second year of dancing which was amazing. I got to see and do things that I could not do at home! At CSU it's like we are all one big family went is amazing. Students are always coming together, having fun, and making sure one other is ok and I would recommend anyone to come to Columbus state university.... Read 1,508 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $13,571

• SAT range 870-1130

• 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

• Dalton, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  673 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 673 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,760

• SAT range —

• 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•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  645 reviews

Junior: Georgia Highlands is an amazing college with so many professors who want to do everything they can to help you succeed. I take online, asynchronous classes so I can work full time and do school in my spare time. It make my schedule very flexible, and although some people don’t do as well online, there are so many different options to help you personally succeed. There are so many resources aside from your own professors office hours that can help you in so many ways if you are struggling including online zoom/tutoring sessions if you have questions about school work and other issues. I don’t know what it is like on campus for classes but I have had a great experience with my college online. I was able to finish my associate in business administration within 2 years and am now proceeding with a bachelor starting over this summer. On top of all of this, the school is very affordable as well so it is definitely a great place to start!... Read 645 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,823

• SAT range —