Georgia Private Colleges and Universities
Looking for Private Colleges and Universities in Georgia
Georgia private colleges have a reputation to uphold, given that it is the "Empire State of the South." With numerous metropolises spread throughout the state, students have a range of academic options when it comes to selecting schools and universities. Atlanta alone has more schools than the average prospective student knows what to do with. The rest of the region is not so different. For many, Georgia is the unprecedented academic leader when it comes to the south (although residents of North Carolina might disagree).
Private Colleges in Georgia
Georgia private colleges and universities offer a wide range of education programs with degrees and certificates up to the doctoral level, as well as professional degrees such as law and medicine. There are 98 colleges in Georgia, 62 public and 35 private, offering a wide range of programs and majors.
These Georgia private colleges are diverse in character, academic emphasis, and origins. Most colleges and universities in Georgia are located in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, a higher education hub that is home to more than 250,000 students each year. Some of Georgia private colleges or schools have a religious affiliation; others are secular. Georgia private colleges and universities may be profit or non-profit institutions. Typically, Georgia independent schools or private schools give weight to personal characteristics and activities in addition to considering GPA and test scores.
Private Colleges and Universities in Georgia includes:
- Emory University (Emory)
- Emory University in Atlanta, GA
- Berry College (Rome)
- Covenant College (Lookout Mountain)
- Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah)
- Clark Atlanta University (CAU) in Atlanta, GA
- Brenau University in Gainesville, GA
- Mercer University in Macon, GA
- Piedmont College in Demorest, GA
The largest being Emory University with 12,773 full time students. Emory University is the most expensive with an in-state tuition of $42,400.
Applying to a Georgia private colleges is easier than you think.
Most of these colleges allow their applications to be completed through the Common App. The Common App is a college admission application that allows students to apply to multiple colleges with a single application. Colleges may also require a supplement which can also be submitted through the Common App web site. The application will require you to submit an essay, list your classes, activities, clubs and community service. These colleges also have the option of completing and submitting their application online.
Admission to these colleges varies. Private schools in general tend to be much smaller than public schools and usually have smaller applicant pools. Competiveness among them also ranges.
The small size of the colleges offers several advantages to potential students. You are easily able to call or email a college representative and ask questions or schedule an interview. Keep in mind that colleges consider interest when viewing applicant's files. Private colleges also tend to be more specialized. Many of the above specialize in fields such as medicine or liberal arts.
Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges (GFIC)
The Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges (GFIC) represents Georgia's 25 fully accredited, private liberal arts colleges and universities. GFIC represents its member institutions in public policy initiatives; seeks to increase student assistance from state and federal agencies and the private sector; provides fundraising and scholarship administration; develops and implements marketing and public relations activities for the association and private postsecondary education sector. GFIC is 1 of 37 state and regional associations affiliated with the Foundation for Independent Higher Education and with the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
