Universities in State of Georgia

Every year, tens of thousands of international students choose colleges and universities in Georgia to obtain a diploma or postgraduate education. Let's talk about some of the reasons that motivate them to make this choice.

• Global Recognition

Most public and some private universities in the state are internationally recognized, with some being noted as the best in certain areas, such as research or new universities, while others are considered the best in specific programs. All are ranked by QS or Times.

• Affordable Prices

Most universities in Georgia, especially public ones, charge significantly less for tuition compared to institutions in other states and Europe. The reputation of the United States as a country with very expensive higher education is largely a stereotype that arose due to the dominance of Ivy League universities, Californian, Florida, and New York universities in the information field.

• High-Quality Education

Higher education in Georgia meets all the highest international standards, with many universities included in prestigious rankings and actively conducting research. For example, the annual fund of research projects at the University of Georgia in Atlanta exceeds $3.7 billion USD, among its investors and beneficiaries are 117 companies from the Forbes 500 list (2022), the Georgia Institute of Technology has $170 million, and Mercer University has $43 million.

• Wide Range of Programs

Students and graduate students have access to several hundred bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, including unique ones in terms of level and subject matter. This wide choice allows you to find a program that best corresponds to the goals, tasks, and financial capabilities of the applicant.

• World-Class Campuses

While university campuses in Europe are generally constrained by the small size of historical cities, students have to live wherever they can, American ones are different! The average "age" of university residences at public universities in Georgia is 18.7 years: these are modern, equipped with the latest technology, spacious and comfortable housing. Student towns are equipped with laboratories, rich book collections, magnificent stadiums and other facilities, which gives every reason to talk about the highest quality of life and study in Georgia.

• Career Prospects

92% of graduates from universities in the state of Georgia find high-paying jobs within one year of graduation. Universities provide assistance in all aspects of employment - from career counseling and psychological support at the exam stage to recommendations and internships in the largest high-tech companies in the state and beyond.

• International Community

Universities in the state of Georgia are attractive to foreigners, so multicultural and diverse communities have formed within them, which contributes to establishing cross-border connections, sharing experiences and cultural traditions better than anything else.

Universities of the state have an impressive reputation, many are noted with high ratings in international comparisons. Take, for example, the University of Georgia, one of the oldest in the United States. It was founded in 1785, so the state can boast the oldest tradition of public higher education on the continent. According to QS, it ranks 72nd among American universities and 178th in the world, and in a number of areas the ratings are even higher — this is, for example, forestry and agriculture (47th place in the latest QS), physiology and medicine (101-105th place), finance and accounting (151-200).

Currently, there are 50 universities and technical colleges in the USA united into two systems, which train a total of over 480 thousand students — from technical certificates to postgraduate programs.

The main source of funding for higher education in Georgia is the state budget: a basic fund has been created here, funded by income tax and corporate taxes, as well as sales tax (VAT). In the 2023 budget, $4.2 billion was allocated to higher education, or 13% of all expenses, including $2.6 billion for the university system + authorities spend $300-400 million annually on capital expenditures and reconstruction.

In terms of per capita student spending, costs are small and decreasing: from $9.8 thousand in 2006 to $7829 in 2023, which allows us to talk about a certain decline. Despite this, universities in the state of Georgia still demonstrate high quality academic and sports infrastructure, many local teams take first places in national competitions, and the number of university professors is growing: from 10,251 FTEs in 1993 to 29,478 professors in 2023.

The amount that an international applicant will have to pay for tuition at one of the local universities depends on the program, level of study and university. For example, a bachelor's degree at the University of Georgia starts from $28,822, and a master's degree — from $12,590. Of course, these figures reflect only the amounts directly payable and do not include optional expenses: rent, transportation, purchase of literature and other materials, health insurance.

It is important to emphasize that universities have a number of scholarships available, including for international students. Among them:

• HOPE scholarships and grants, providing partial tuition payment for bachelor's degree programs at state universities and technical colleges respectively,
• Zell Miller scholarships and grants (addressed to students in technical specialties),
• HOPE career grants,
• a number of scholarships based on merit or need criteria.

In general, 17% of students at the Georgia Institute of Technology, 51% at the University of Georgia — and 42% at Mercer University receive various scholarships and grants.

Based on this list, you should be able to choose a university that best meets your needs.

• Georgia Institute of Technology

Established in 1888 the institution has held Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation since 1923 which enables it to offer bachelor's and master's degree programs. The institution achieved the 88th position in QS 2023 rankings. The university demonstrates its active approach to gender policy because it awards more engineering degrees to women than any other university in the United States. The main campus occupies more than 50 hectares of land in central Atlanta.

• Emory University

Founded in 1836, it is supported by the Methodist Church and is located in Atlanta. It ranks 155th in QS. More than 40,000 students study here in bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.

• University of Georgia

The oldest public university in the country has been a research institution since 1995 and has been actively expanding its program lists ever since (currently there are more than 400). According to Princeton Review, its law school is considered the best value for money in 2020, 2022 and 2023. US News & World Report ranks it first in the "Best Teaching" indicator, noting its commitment to teaching.

• Spelman College

A private educational institution, one of the oldest women's colleges, was founded in 1881 for African Americans. Its strongest programs are in sociology, education, psychology and music.

• Mercer University

The University of Georgia became the first public university in the United States while Mercer University established itself as Georgia's first private university. The Macon-based institution unites 12 colleges and schools to provide 130 academic programs which include master's and doctoral degrees. 92% of professors have a master's or doctoral degree in their specialty, and 19% have two or more degrees. It is considered one of the best universities in the South for expats.