2024 Best Value Colleges in Georgia

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  2,177 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 2,177 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $17,360

• SAT range 1310-1500

• Decatur, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  703 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 703 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $13,420

• SAT range —

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  5,717 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 5,717 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,595 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 1,595 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,367

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Augusta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  943 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 943 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $14,863

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Dalton, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  681 reviews

Freshman: The college offers a range of undergraduate degree programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs. It has a focus on providing affordable and accessible education to its students. Dalton State College is committed to academic excellence and provides students with opportunities for research, internships, and experiential learning. The college's campus features modern facilities, libraries, laboratories, and recreational amenities for students. I would like to see more flexible scheduling options, especially for courses that are in high demand.... Read 681 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,760

• SAT range —

• Morrow, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,245 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 1,245 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $10,088

• SAT range 860-1000

• Macon, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,593 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 1,593 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,164

• SAT range 1180-1400

• 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

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $12,698

• SAT range 990-1170

• Statesboro, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  4,182 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 4,182 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,830

• SAT range 990-1200

• Demorest, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  360 reviews

Freshman: All in all, my intellectual and personal lives were profoundly changed during my time at Piedmont University. I will always cherish the lessons I learned, the connections I made, and the experiences I had. I heartily recommend Piedmont University if you're looking for a supportive and intellectually interesting place to further your education. It's a place where ideas are honored, dreams are fostered, and achievement is attainable.... Read 360 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $19,803

• SAT range 1010-1220

• Mount Berry, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  780 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 780 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $24,741

• SAT range 1120-1320

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,238 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 1,238 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $28,527

• SAT range 1050-1200

• Lagrange, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  247 reviews

Freshman: It’s been exciting! I was part of the covid class in high school; my junior and senior years were robbed from me and I never got to experience and truly learn the concepts being taught. I had a two year gap between high school and college were I tried working in a few different fields to find what interested me and to fully mature myself. I came back to school this fall of 2023, and being back in a classroom for the first time in 4 years has been a slap in the face but thankfully I quickly adjusted and I’m maintaining my GPA.... Read 247 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,890

• SAT range 980-1130

• Milledgeville, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,323 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 1,323 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $20,443

• SAT range 1070-1260

• Tifton, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  683 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 683 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $7,744

• SAT range 940-1130

• Carrollton, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  2,770 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 2,770 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $15,296

• SAT range 940-1130

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  842 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 842 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $20,492

• SAT range 1020-1140

• Rome, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  647 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 647 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,823

• SAT range —

• Dahlonega, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  2,536 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 2,536 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $11,685

• SAT range 1040-1210

• Barnesville, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  579 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 579 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $8,365

• SAT range 900-1080

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  607 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 607 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $14,929

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Kennesaw, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,009 reviews

Freshman: I think Kennesaw State University is honestly amazing. They're all about creating a super inclusive and diverse environment where everyone can thrive. The professors and staff are incredibly supportive, and they really make sure we get the best education possible. Plus, there are plenty of clubs and activities on campus that make enhance and highlight college life. KSU's campus is gorgeous and the location is awesome too. I can't wait to be part of the KSU community and keep the tradition of academic excellence and fun times going strong!... Read 5,009 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $18,245

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  6,097 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 6,097 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,958

• SAT range 1050-1290

• Gainesville, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  748 reviews

Graduate Student: The professors want to see you succeed in and out of the classroom setting, which can make their classes challenging but rewarding. They are quick to respond to your questions and are very understanding when you are going through something. The dining hall has gotten much better and I enjoy meeting there for lunch. The downtown area is across the street and is so fun with the farmers market, live music, and cute shops! I enjoyed my experience at Brenau and have a great career because of how the school prepared me for success. You only get out what you put in to something!... Read 748 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $22,727

• SAT range 1000-1130