Ranking the 12 best colleges in Georgia

Georgia has some of the most prestigious universities in the United State. In fact, the Peach State has three of the 50 best national universities according to U.S. News & World Report.

Our list is composed of the 12 national universities in Georgia. National liberal arts colleges (like Morehouse College) and regional universities (like Berry College) are not included.

What exactly is a national university? “Schools in the National Universities category … offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and doctoral programs,” U.S. News said. “These colleges also are committed to producing groundbreaking research.”

Graduation rates, peer assessment, financial resources, faculty per student and more are among the top factors in the rankings. Overall, Georgia has several great universities that all offer plenty of resources for students hoping to earn a college degree. The University of Georgia is no exception. UGA is the No. 19 public university in the country and has a competitive rate of tuition.

How does U.S. News rank the top 12 national universities in Georgia?

1. Emory University

National ranking: No. 24

Tuition and fees: $68,056

Enrollment: 7,406 (fall 2024)

Location: Atlanta

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

National ranking: No. 32

Tuition and fees: $35,092 (out of state), $12,008 (in-state)

Enrollment: 20,592 (fall 2024)

Location: Atlanta

3. University of Georgia

National ranking: No. 46 (tied)

Tuition and fees: $32,336 (out of state), $11,492 (in-state)

Enrollment: 32,399 (fall 2024)

Location: Athens

4. Mercer University

National ranking: No. 169

Tuition and fees: $43,570 (private)

Enrollment: 4,690 (fall 2024)

Location: Macon

5. Georgia State University

National ranking: No. 198 (tied)

Tuition and fees: $31,320 (out-of-state), $10,500 (in-state)

Enrollment: 27,4338 (fall 2024)

Location: Atlanta

6. Augusta University

National ranking: No. 273

Tuition and fees: $25,202 (out-of-state), $8,414 (in-state)

Enrollment: 6,078 (fall 2024)

Location: Augusta

7. Clark Atlanta University

National ranking: No. 329

Tuition and fees: $30,270 (private)

Enrollment: 3,618 (fall 2024)

Location: Atlanta

8. Georgia Southern University

National ranking: No. 343

Tuition and fees: $21,784 (out-of-state), $7,144 (in-state)

Enrollment: 23,618 (fall 2024)

Location: Statesboro

9. (tied) University of West Georgia

National ranking: No. 373 (tied)

Tuition and fees: $21,850 (out-of-state), $7,210 (in-state)

Enrollment: 9,157 (fall 2024)

Location: Carrollton

9. (tied) Kennesaw State University

National ranking: No. 373

Tuition and fees: $22,278 (out-of-state), $6,948 (in-state)

Enrollment: 42,840 (fall 2024)

Location: Kennesaw

11. (tied) Valdosta State University

National ranking: No. 395-434

Tuition and fees: $17,863 (out-of-state), $6,124 (in-state)

Enrollment: 7,206 (fall 2024)

Location: Valdosta

11. (tied) Brenau University

National ranking: No. 395-434

Tuition and fees: $35,520 (private)

Enrollment: 1,273 (fall 2023)

Location: Gainesville