Best
Private Colleges in Atlanta in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Atlanta, Georgia, combines foundational business theory with the city's thriving corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial scene. Typical courses include accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business analytics, and organizational behavior. Popular local options include Georgia State University, Emory University, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as financial or marketing analyst, human resources specialist, sales manager, operations coordinator, and business consultant, with opportunities across Atlanta's diverse industries and beyond.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Atlanta offers a mix of classroom learning, research, and community experience. Typical courses include developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, social psychology, and research methods. Popular local options include Georgia State University, Emory University, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College. Graduates may pursue roles in human resources, market research, case management, behavioral health support, or community services. Clinical and counseling careers typically require graduate study, licensure, and supervised practice in Georgia.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Atlanta, Georgia, connects programming foundations with opportunities across Atlanta's technology sector. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Graduates often pursue careers as software developers, data analysts, systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants. Popular Atlanta colleges include Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Emory University, and Clark Atlanta University. Programs often encourage research, internships, practical projects, and collaboration with local employers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Atlanta, GA can prepare you to support people through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Courses typically include counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural counseling, and group therapy, with supervised clinical practice. Atlanta-area options include Georgia State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Mercer University's Atlanta campus. Graduates may pursue roles such as licensed professional counselor, school counselor, substance use counselor, career counselor, or community mental health counselor, subject to licensure.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Atlanta, Georgia, combines learning, simulation, and clinical placements in hospitals and clinics. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and community health. Popular options include Emory University, Georgia State University, and Atlanta Technical College, offering pathways from practical nursing through bachelor's and graduate study. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, or public health nurses, depending on degree, licensure, and experience.

Best Colleges in Atlanta, GA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $25,128, compared with $50,424 at schools in the top 10% - more than twice as much.
• Financial aid is received by an average of 100% of students across the schools, compared with 54.33% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 54.33%, and schools receive an average of 13,457.83 applicants. Schools in the top 10% receive an average of 30,347.5 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 3,253, while the median number of female applicants is 6,660.5.
• Average test scores are 1,204 on the SAT and 25.5 on the ACT.
• Schools have an average of 3,170.89 enrolled students, including averages of 329.8 enrolled men and 426.83 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 47.11%, compared with 80.6% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 47.5% for men and 38% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, nine offer bachelor's degrees, nine offer master's degrees, and five offer doctor's degrees. Seven schools are coeducational; none are schools for men or women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher costs and applicant numbers, while their financial-aid average is lower and their graduation rate is higher, so consider which factors best fit your priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Atlanta, GA cost?

The average reported cost of studying in Atlanta, GA, is $26,026.44. Treat this as a planning benchmark: your degree costs depend on school, program, and living arrangements.

• Average total cost of studying: $26,026.44
• Average tuition and fees: $28,843.67
• Average room and board: $15,192.17
• Average books and supplies: $1,202.40

Atlanta offers strong choices, from Georgia State University and Georgia Tech to Emory University and Clark Atlanta University. Costs vary by degree, residency, housing, and financial aid. These are separate averages, so do not add them together as one student's bill. Tuition varies by program; room and board depends on whether you live on campus, rent nearby, or stay at home. Check each college's current estimate and ask about scholarships, grants, and payment plans. Budget for transportation and personal expenses, too. With planning, you can focus on classes, campus life, and Atlanta's rewarding opportunities, and find the best fit for you.

How long does it take to finish college in Atlanta, GA?

In Atlanta, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two. Some students need longer if they attend part time, change majors, or balance classes with work and family responsibilities. Graduate study generally adds one or more years, depending on the program.

Local options such as Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Emory University, and Clark Atlanta University offer different degree paths, so check each program's required credits and course schedule. The average graduation rate is 47.11%, compared with 80.6% among the top 10% of schools; reported averages are 44.75% for men and 40.38% for women. These figures suggest finishing on time can be challenging, making advising and a realistic course load valuable.

Ask about AP or IB credits, transfer credits, summer classes, and accelerated schedules; verify eligibility with admissions, then choose a sustainable course load that supports steady progress and your wellbeing.

Salary

Graduates in Atlanta, GA, can use a median alumni salary of about $44,790 per year as a general benchmark. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is about $59,002 per year - a promising indication of the earning potential a degree may offer.

Your salary will depend on your field, experience, and employer. Atlanta students attending institutions such as Georgia Tech, Emory University, Georgia State University, or Clark Atlanta University may pursue very different career paths, so compare programs with the jobs you hope to land.

• General alumni benchmark: $44,790 per year.
• Top-10%-school benchmark: approximately $59,002 per year.
• What to consider: Your major, internships, and chosen industry can all affect your starting pay and long-term earnings.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in Atlanta?

Beauty is subjective, but Emory University is a strong choice. Its Atlanta campus pairs historic architecture and tree-lined paths with green spaces that feel like a peaceful retreat from the city. If you're exploring colleges locally, a campus visit is a lovely way to see whether its atmosphere feels right to you.

What is the most selective college in Atlanta?

Emory University is generally among Atlanta's most selective colleges, though admissions rates change from year to year and depend on the applicant pool. Its competitive admissions make strong grades, challenging coursework, and thoughtful application materials especially important. For current figures, check Emory's latest admissions information before comparing schools.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in Atlanta, GA Ranking in 2026-2027

Emory University offers Atlanta-area students a private research university with 15,500 enrolled students. Its 91% graduation rate and 11% acceptance rate reflect high completion and selectivity. Total study cost is $63,400, while median alumni salary is $62,052. Located in the Atlanta metro area, Emory gives students access to the city's cultural life, internships, healthcare institutions, and employers, while campus life remains centered in a campus setting. For Atlanta-based students comparing value, outcomes and costs merit careful financial planning before enrollment.

Spelman College is a private historically Black liberal arts college for women in Atlanta. It enrolls 2,597 students, with a 78% graduation rate and a 25% acceptance rate. Annual total study cost is $28,207, and median alumni salary is $43,731. Its focused campus community and Atlanta location can appeal to students seeking close engagement, leadership opportunities, and access to the city's museums, organizations, and internships. For an Atlanta-based applicant, compare aid and living expenses with the total cost before choosing.

Clark Atlanta University is a private historically Black university in Atlanta, offering students an urban campus and a broad academic community. It enrolls 4,191 students; its graduation rate is 49% and acceptance rate is 64%. Total study cost is $25,128, and median alumni salary is $37,309. Students based locally can explore internships, cultural institutions, and professional networks across the city. Consider how program offerings, financial aid, and individual career goals align with these outcome figures when assessing the university closely.

Morehouse College, a private historically Black men's college in Atlanta, enrolls 2,847 students. Its graduation rate is 59%, and its acceptance rate is 44%. Total study cost is $28,964; median alumni salary is $47,660. The college's location connects students with Atlanta's civic, cultural, and business communities, while its identity centers on educating men and developing leadership. For local applicants, review program fit, aid options, and housing expenses alongside these figures to understand the full investment and likely opportunities after graduation.

Oglethorpe University, a private liberal arts university in Atlanta, enrolls 1,364 students. Its 54% graduation rate and 88% acceptance rate offer context for applicants considering fit and selectivity. Total study cost is $47,180, while median alumni salary is $39,529. The campus provides an alternative to larger urban institutions while keeping students close to Atlanta's cultural venues, employers, and internship options. Local students should compare financial aid, programs, and commuting or housing costs with these figures before making an enrollment decision.