2024 Top Public Universities 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  5,695 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 5,695 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• 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

• 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

• 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  4,989 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 4,989 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

• 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

• 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  1,846 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 1,846 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

• 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 —

• Valdosta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  2,065 reviews

Alum: Valdosta State University is a great university with a beautiful campus that is nestled in the heart of south Georgia. It is the last university in the state of Georgia before crossing over into the state of Florida. You are located approximately about three and a half hours south of Atlanta, within an hour and a half of Tallahassee, Florida, and about 3-4 hours away from Panama City Beach and Destin. Valdosta State University is located right off I-75 with numerous delicious places to eat and grab coffee. You will will want to discover and visit this wonderful university and its championship athletic program!... Read 2,065 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $12,856

• SAT range 940-1140

• 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 —

• Brunswick, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  565 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 565 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $12,772

• SAT range 860-1050

• 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 —

• 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

• 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

• 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 —

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  343 reviews

Sophomore: Attending Atlanta Metropolitan State College as an adult learner has been a truly transformative and fulfilling experience. As someone who decided to pursue higher education later in life, I have discovered a multitude of reasons why this college is the perfect fit for adult learners like myself. Atlanta Metropolitan State College as an adult learner is the flexibility it offers. The college understands the unique challenges faced by adult learners, such as work and family commitments. To accommodate these responsibilities, the college provides a variety of learning options, including evening classes, online courses, and hybrid programs. The faculty and staff at Atlanta Metropolitan State College have been instrumental in my success as an adult learner. They understand the diverse needs and experiences of adult students .and are committed to providing the necessary support and guidance.... Read 343 reviews

• grade D+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,295

• SAT range —