Best Value Colleges And Universities In Georgia

If you're looking for a large, urban university with a strong reputation for academics, research, and athletics, you've already found it. With 20,500 students, 120+ undergraduate and graduate degrees, and 15 NCAA Division I teams, Georgia Southern hits every item on even the longest wish list. And since it's located just south of Atlanta, it's easy to travel into the city for internship and work experiences - plus nightlife and entertainment, of course! On that note, GSU is also an easy drive from Savannah, Hilton Head, and the Atlantic coast, so you'll have no excuse to claim boredom (when you're not studying, that is). Combine all this with 200+ student organizations and more than two-dozen research centers and labs, and it's easy to see why so many GSU grads excel; in fact, the 20-year net ROI is nearly $250k.

Even a cursory glance at Fort Valley State's 100 year-long history reveals a clear commitment to African American culture and deep intellectual growth. What started as a humble land-grant university has grown into one of the best Georgia colleges for biology, chemistry, and agriculture. What's more, FVSU sends more African American students to medical and dental graduate programs than any other state school in Georgia. But don't worry, FVSU has plenty to offer non-scientists as well. For example, the College of Education offers CAEP-accredited programs that are dedicated to producing proficient educators in every subject. FVSU even supports an initiative called Real Men Teach, which recruits African American males for in-demand careers in education.

Driven by the motto, "God with Us," Emmanuel College is a "Christ-centered liberal arts institution" with Evangelical, Pentacostal roots. Only 800 students attend this small school, but they have plenty of room to spread out on serene campus of 150 acres. Above all, EC scores high on keeping costs low and has a tuition rate well below the national average. Just as important, its financial aid programs are incredibly generous, with 90% of students receiving some type of aid! But Emmanuel has plenty more to offer than just budget-saving prices; it's a top university in Georgia for its service-oriented programs. You'll join your fellow students in trips to hospitals and homeless shelters, tutoring centers and prisons, and even summer mission trips abroad!

Young Harris College describes itself as "a classroom unlike any other." This tagline emphasizes YHC's love of experiential learning opportunities, and you'll have plenty! Students particularly love the immersive learning experiences, which include Rhetorica, a focused program to improve your written and oral communication abilities; Bonner Leaders, in which you can step outside your comfort zone and make a difference on campus; and Ethics across the Curriculum, a set of workshops that will help you learn how to uphold traditional YHC morals across campus. Of course if these on-campus activities aren't enough for you, try traveling abroad - options include trips to France, South Korea, Morocco, Turkey, and even Fiji!

If you'e an in-state resident looking for a cheap Georgia college, Valdosta State University just might the bill (literally and figuratively!). With its low tuition for locals, it's no surprise nearly 90% of those enrolled come from within Georgia. Degrees are available in just about every area imaginable, from Applied Mathematics to Speech Communication - and everything in between. Valdosta State also sports an Honors College and a special Air Force ROTC program - plus plenty of transition programs for incoming freshmen. This includes unique first-year learning communities, so you can easily connect with others over your shared love of sports, education, the military, leadership, and other popular interests.

Spelman Colege isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for the select group of students to which it caters. Originally founded as a female seminary, Spelman continues to support women's education - but now as a contemporary college for African Americans. The HBC sports a 76% graduation rate (one of the best in the nation) and a fairly selective admissions rate (54%). Spelman offers 27 majors in all the typical liberal arts topics, but what it lacks in academic breadth it more than makes up for in creativity and interdisciplinary study. For example, the Gordon-Zeto Center for Global Education provides opportunities for study abroad, on-campus international programming, and even G-STEM - which gives Spelman students the opportunity to conduct research and complete scientific field experiences abroad!

As the designated liberal arts college for the state, GC is one o the best universities in Georgia if you're looking for a traditional, well-rounded education. And yet Georgia College seeks to push students beyond the typical bounds of a liberal arts experience, encouraging you to move past simple memorization to understand your major on a deeper level. And if you're a fan of the outdoors, Georgia College will more than satisfy your need for nature. Walking around campus you'll find your fellow students doing yoga on the lawn or heading out to hang with the wildlife around the nearby walking trials. GC is also home to The Outdoor Center, a technical training hub that offers education in outdoor recreation and leadership.

A private, historicaly black college in Augusta, Paine College's central mission is to prepare students to become spiritual role models and effective leaders in the African American community. The liberal arts curriculum is split between two divisions: the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Professional Studies, the latter of which offers career-oriented degrees in business, education, communications, and nursing. Paine is surprisingly selective, with an admissions rate of just 22%, but if you are one of the few admitted you'll benefit from a litany of special programs, including the Center for Advanced Professional Studies and the Academic Center for Excellence and Success.

U.S. News and World Repor names Mercer University the #1 best value in the South, and for good reason. The midsize school works to keep classes small and intimate while offering the resources and connections of a much larger college. Although founded by Baptists, Mercer doesn't officially align itself with the church today. However it continues to espouse Baptist-held values, such as intellectual drive and religious freedom, and emphasizes discovery, community, and service above all. Students who embrace this love of learning and genuine pursuit of knowledge do well for themselves after graduation; the 20-year net ROI approaches $200,000.

Point University gves new meaning to flexibility and personalization on college campuses. You can choose from three different tracks at Point - traditional, access/adult, and online - depending on what fits your age, goals, and budget. The university is also Christ-centered, meaning its mission focuses on the need to educate students to be moral, faithful servant leaders of the 21st century. Those who take the traditional route also enjoy spiritual opportunities outside the classroom; student groups like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and men's and women's Bible studies will provide a forum for you to ask questions and bond with other Christian students.

Gordon State is an emerging leade in Georgia's public school system that has spent more than 150 years evolving and growing to meet the demands of Central Georgians. From state-of-the-art classrooms to a vibrant athletic program with NJCAA sports teams, GSC offers everything you'd get at a larger state school - but on a smaller scale. Many of its programs are associate's degrees, so it doesn't maintain quite the same graduation rate as a school with more terminal four-year options, but GSC nonetheless stands on its own as a top, cheap college in Georgia. The vast majority of its bachelor's degrees are aimed at future teachers, but newer additions in management, nursing, and the health sciences seek to attract a broader group of learners.

LaGrange is another top Georga college that heralds a liberal arts education as essential for producing well-rounded students. Small class sizes and an idyllic campus put LaGrange in the same category as many of the state's other top liberal arts colleges, but there's plenty that distinguishes it as well. You can earn a traditional degree in Art, Biology, English, or the like, or opt for one of LC's nine pre-professional programs. But despite the school's challenging academic life, campus leaves plenty of room for fun and frivolity. For instance, you can take a turn painting "The Rocks," on the school's central quad - two massive boulders that change design almost weekly as different student groups advertise events and express themselves through color.

Piedmont College seeks to appeal to students from all walks of lie. Whether you're a young student seeking a traditional campus experience or you're a working adult looking to commute. Between its two campuses (one in Demorest and the other in Athens), Piedmont offers a combination of liberal arts and career-oriented classes to help students fulfill their aspirations, whether it's to become an art therapist or an athletic trainer. The travel study program is also popular amongst students; you can journey with a group of your closest friends and favorite faculty to Germany, Ecuador, Japan, or numerous other countries as you absorb other cultures and learn on the go.

Despite only enrolling 1,00 students at a time, Oglethorpe University is dense with diversity. Students from nearly 30 different countries travel to Atlanta each year to attend OU, one of the premier liberal arts institutions in Georgia. It is a member of the prestigious Annapolis Group - an organization of selective liberal arts schools - and frequently makes Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The campus is rich in culture and opportunity, from the regal Gothic architecture to its nationally recognized art museum. OU also channels substantial resources into unique programs that aren't available elsewhere, namely the Urban Ecology degree and the Urban Leadership Program, which will train you to succeed in positions of responsibility at the community and national levels.

One of the best colleges in Georgia for women, Agnes Scott has a proud historyof offering the highest caliber liberal arts education in a supportive environment. Young women learn to think critically, gain an appreciation for other cultures, and grow into assertive leaders who can take charge in their field. ASC limits its campus to just 900 students, allowing those who are admitted to form strong bonds with faculty and classmates alike - and get to know many people by name. Agnes Scott College also takes environmental causes very seriously and is known for its "urban tree forest." Combining the close-knit feeling of this community with the stately scenery, it's no wonder Princeton Review ranks ASC 8th in the nation for "best quality of life."

A Christan liberal arts institution, Berry College is intimately focused on students' intellectual and spiritual growth. Notably, Berry also boasts one of the most spacious campuses in the nation. Although there are only about 2,000 students who attend, the campus encompasses an incredible 27,000 acres! Located about 70 miles northwest of Georgia, the scenic grounds are surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains that provide a picturesque setting for nature-loving students. And Berry has come a long way from its beginning as a school for rural boys; the now co-ed institution sports a respectable 61% acceptance rate and a highly praised work experience initiative. This program provides opportunities for student employment, community work, and student-operated enterprises to ensure that everyone leaves Berry with an industrious attitude and a marketable work ethic.

Brenau University is all about making connections, andnot just with other people on campus. The focus here is on interdisciplinary programs, so you can practice your Spanish skills by translating research for your science experiment; immerse yourself in the ecology of the Yucatan forest while studying another culture; or combine your love of business, art, and computers by getting a degree in Digital Technology. And although Brenau is officially co-ed, it's one of the top colleges in Georgia for empowering women. The school's Women's College offers tailored personal and professional support to female students, with special learning experiences and leadership initiatives to prepare women for successful careers.

Students who are looking for the traditional ollege combination of strong athletics and interesting academics should consider Middle Georgia State, a midsized institution and one of the most affordable colleges in Georgia. The student body is spread out across five campuses (in order of population): Macon, Cochran, Warner Robins, Dublin, and Eastman. Macon sports the main campus, complete with a residence hall and numerous academic buildings, while Eastman hosts the aviation programs and Warner Robins is in close proximity to an air force base. MGA also supports a sizeable online segment and special programs for adult learners, ambitious high schoolers, and high achieving freshmen.

Although t costs less than $8,000 a year to attend, Georgia Regents University is a $1 billion enterprise with some of the best academic programs in the state. It's home to the Medical College of Georgia - the 9th largest in the nation - as well as the only dental school in Georgia. GRU is one of the country's leaders in healthcare education, and its high-tech simulation labs, focus on patient care, and world-class research will more than prepare you for work in hospitals and clinics. But if you're not destined to wield a stethoscope, fear not; the Hull College of Business, Pamplin College of Arts, and other academic units at this affordable Georgia college have plenty to offer as well.

Over the past few years, the University of North Georgia has grown stronger than ever. North Georgia College and State University merged with Gainesville State College, creating a new, top-performing school in one of Georgia's fastest growing regions. UNG is also Georgia's military college and puts a strong emphasis on leadership, integrity, and service. Both men and women who attend the university adopt "cadet" status when they first arrive, and they follow a rigorous daily schedule. From uniform inspections to physical fitness tests to afternoon drills, your time on campus will be perfectly planned. Of course you will take time to attend class as well, some of which have a specific focus on military history and strategy.