Georgia is home to a diverse and vibrant higher education landscape, including a wide variety of private colleges and universities. These institutions range from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities, providing students with unique academic opportunities, personalized education, and close-knit campus environments. Many of these private institutions are deeply rooted in religious traditions, while others emphasize research, business, or the arts.
Emory University
Emory University is one of the most prestigious private research universities in Georgia and the southeastern United States. Located in Atlanta, Emory is known for its outstanding programs in medicine, business, law, and the liberal arts. Emory combines rigorous academics with a strong commitment to community engagement and ethical leadership.
Overview
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Founded: 1836
- Enrollment: Approximately 15,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: Historically Methodist, now non-denominational
Academic Programs
Emory University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its nine schools and colleges. It is particularly known for its medical and law schools, but it also excels in liberal arts education.
- Undergraduate Programs:
- Biology
- Business Administration (Goizueta Business School)
- English
- Psychology
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
- Graduate and Professional Schools:
- Emory School of Medicine
- Emory Law School
- Rollins School of Public Health
- Goizueta Business School (MBA)
Research and Community Engagement
Emory University is a top-tier research institution with strong partnerships in healthcare, public health, and business.
- Research Centers: Emory has numerous research centers, including the Winship Cancer Institute, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, and the Carter Center, which focus on global health and human rights issues.
- Community Engagement: Emory is committed to service and community involvement, with programs like Emory’s Community Building and Social Change Fellowship that encourage students to work on real-world problems in Atlanta.
Campus Life
Emory University offers a vibrant and diverse campus life with numerous extracurricular activities and student organizations.
- Greek Life: Emory has an active Greek system, with approximately 30% of students participating in fraternities and sororities.
- Student Organizations: With over 300 student organizations, Emory offers clubs and activities focused on academics, culture, social justice, and recreation.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, University Athletic Association (UAA), with teams in sports like basketball, swimming, and tennis.
Notable Alumni
- Alben W. Barkley: 35th Vice President of the United States.
- Jimmy Carter: 39th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Mercer University
Mercer University is one of Georgia’s oldest and most respected private universities. With campuses in Macon, Atlanta, and Savannah, Mercer is known for its strong programs in law, medicine, business, and liberal arts. The university maintains a strong emphasis on service and leadership.
Overview
- Location: Macon, GA (main campus), with additional campuses in Atlanta and Savannah
- Founded: 1833
- Enrollment: Approximately 9,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: Historically Baptist, now non-denominational
Academic Programs
Mercer offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 12 colleges and schools, including a prestigious law school and medical school.
- Undergraduate Programs:
- Engineering
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Political Science
- Music
- Graduate and Professional Schools:
- Walter F. George School of Law
- Mercer School of Medicine
- Stetson-Hatcher School of Business (MBA)
- College of Pharmacy
Service and Leadership
Mercer is deeply committed to preparing students for leadership roles in their communities and professions.
- Mercer On Mission: This unique program combines study abroad with service, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings around the globe, addressing challenges such as poverty, healthcare, and education.
- Leadership Programs: Mercer offers numerous leadership development opportunities, including the Mercer Leadership Program, which focuses on ethical leadership and community service.
Campus Life
Mercer provides a close-knit and engaging campus community, with a variety of extracurricular activities and student services.
- Greek Life: About 30% of students are involved in Greek life, which emphasizes community service, leadership, and philanthropy.
- Student Organizations: There are more than 130 student-run organizations, including academic clubs, service organizations, and recreational groups.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I, Southern Conference, with strong programs in basketball, football, and baseball.
Notable Alumni
- Nathan Deal: Former Governor of Georgia.
- Nancy Grace: Legal commentator and television host.
Spelman College
Spelman College is a private, historically black liberal arts college for women located in Atlanta. As one of the nation’s leading HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Spelman has a long tradition of academic excellence, social activism, and leadership development.
Overview
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Founded: 1881
- Enrollment: Approximately 2,100 students
- Religious Affiliation: None (formerly affiliated with the Baptist Church)
Academic Programs
Spelman offers a range of undergraduate majors with a strong focus on liberal arts education and leadership development.
- Popular Majors:
- Biology
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Economics
- Computer Science
Social Justice and Leadership
Spelman emphasizes leadership development and social justice, preparing students to be leaders in their communities and careers.
- Social Justice Fellows Program: This program encourages students to engage in social justice work both on campus and in the wider community, focusing on issues like racial equality, gender rights, and economic justice.
- Leadership Development: Spelman offers leadership training through its Women’s Research and Resource Center, which fosters intellectual inquiry and leadership in the global community.
Campus Life
Spelman offers a close-knit, supportive campus community where students are encouraged to develop academically, personally, and socially.
- Sisterhood and Tradition: Spelman fosters a strong sense of sisterhood and community among its students, with traditions like Founders Day and SpelHouse Homecoming (shared with Morehouse College).
- Student Organizations: Spelman has more than 70 student clubs and organizations, focusing on academic interests, service, culture, and the arts.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, Great South Athletic Conference, with sports like basketball, cross country, and volleyball.
Notable Alumni
- Stacey Abrams: Political leader and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate.
- Alice Walker: Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple.
Morehouse College
Morehouse College is a private, historically black liberal arts college for men, located in Atlanta. Morehouse is known for producing leaders, particularly in politics, education, business, and civil rights. It is one of the most respected HBCUs in the country and has a long history of fostering leadership, scholarship, and social justice.
Overview
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Founded: 1867
- Enrollment: Approximately 2,200 students
- Religious Affiliation: None (historically Baptist)
Academic Programs
Morehouse offers a liberal arts curriculum that prepares students for leadership roles in a variety of fields.
- Popular Majors:
- Business Administration
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Biology
- Sociology
Leadership and Social Justice Focus
Morehouse emphasizes leadership, service, and social justice, producing graduates who are equipped to lead change in their communities and professions.
- Morehouse Men: The concept of the “Morehouse Man” is central to the college’s identity, emphasizing character, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.
- Social Justice Fellows: This program provides students with the tools and knowledge to become advocates for social justice, focusing on areas like criminal justice reform, economic inequality, and civil rights.
Campus Life
Morehouse offers a strong sense of brotherhood and community, with traditions that encourage academic achievement, leadership, and service.
- Brotherhood and Mentorship: Morehouse fosters strong bonds between students, faculty, and alumni, creating a network of support and mentorship.
- Student Organizations: There are more than 60 student-run clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural groups, and leadership organizations.
- Athletics: NCAA Division II, Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, with teams in football, basketball, and track and field.
Notable Alumni
- Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
- Spike Lee: Acclaimed filmmaker and director.
Agnes Scott College
Agnes Scott College is a private women’s liberal arts college located in Decatur, Georgia, known for its strong academic programs, commitment to global learning, and focus on women’s leadership. Agnes Scott fosters an inclusive and empowering environment, preparing women to become global leaders and changemakers.
Overview
- Location: Decatur, GA
- Founded: 1889
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
- Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Academic Programs
Agnes Scott offers a rigorous liberal arts education with a focus on leadership, global learning, and critical thinking.
- Popular Majors:
- Public Health
- English Literature
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Global Learning and Leadership
Agnes Scott emphasizes global awareness and leadership development in its academic and co-curricular programming.
- SUMMIT Program: Every Agnes Scott student participates in the SUMMIT program, which focuses on global learning and leadership development. Students complete leadership courses and study abroad to develop skills in cross-cultural understanding and communication.
- Global Journeys: As part of the SUMMIT program, students take a global journey during their first year, traveling to destinations around the world to gain firsthand experience of different cultures.
Campus Life
Agnes Scott fosters a supportive and close-knit campus environment where students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and engage in meaningful intellectual pursuits.
- Student Organizations: There are more than 50 student clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural clubs, and advocacy groups focused on social justice and gender equality.
- Traditions: Agnes Scott has many cherished traditions, such as Black Cat, a week-long celebration of campus life and class unity.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, USA South Athletic Conference, with sports like soccer, softball, and tennis.
Notable Alumni
- Jennifer Nettles: Grammy-winning country singer.
- Marsha Norman: Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.
Oglethorpe University
Oglethorpe University is a small, private liberal arts college located in Atlanta, known for its unique academic programs, intimate learning environment, and Gothic-inspired campus architecture. Oglethorpe offers a highly personalized education, with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement.
Overview
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Founded: 1835
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,300 students
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
Oglethorpe offers a variety of undergraduate majors, with a focus on liberal arts education and interdisciplinary studies.
- Popular Majors:
- Business Administration
- Biology
- Psychology
- English
- Communication
Core Curriculum and Experiential Learning
Oglethorpe’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning and real-world experience.
- Core Curriculum: All students complete a core curriculum that integrates multiple disciplines, such as philosophy, history, literature, and the arts, fostering critical thinking and a well-rounded education.
- Experiential Learning: Oglethorpe emphasizes internships, study abroad programs, and service learning, ensuring that students have opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings.
Campus Life
Oglethorpe offers a vibrant campus environment where students can engage in a wide range of activities, from academics to cultural events.
- Student Organizations: The university has more than 60 student clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, Greek life, and cultural groups.
- Greek Life: Greek life is active at Oglethorpe, offering opportunities for leadership, service, and social engagement.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, Southern Athletic Association, with strong programs in basketball, soccer, and golf.
Notable Alumni
- Talmadge Ragan: Award-winning actress and filmmaker.
- Luke Appling: Hall of Fame baseball player.
Reinhardt University
Reinhardt University is a private liberal arts institution located in Waleska, Georgia, offering a close-knit campus community and a strong emphasis on professional development. Reinhardt provides a wide range of academic programs, including popular majors in business, education, and performing arts.
Overview
- Location: Waleska, GA
- Founded: 1883
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,500 students
- Religious Affiliation: United Methodist Church
Academic Programs
Reinhardt offers both liberal arts and professional degree programs, with an emphasis on career readiness and leadership development.
- Popular Majors:
- Business Administration
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Sport Studies
- Musical Theatre
Personalized Learning Environment
Reinhardt’s small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide a personalized learning experience for students, fostering close student-professor relationships.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Faculty members serve as mentors to students, helping them navigate academic challenges and career preparation.
- Internships and Career Services: Reinhardt provides strong support for career development, offering internship placements, career counseling, and networking opportunities.
Campus Life
Reinhardt offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, athletics, and service projects.
- Student Organizations: Reinhardt has over 30 student clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural clubs, and faith-based groups.
- Performing Arts: Reinhardt has a strong focus on the arts, particularly musical theatre and performance, offering students numerous opportunities to participate in theatre productions and music ensembles.
- Athletics: NAIA, Appalachian Athletic Conference, with teams in football, basketball, and lacrosse.
Notable Alumni
- Johnny Hunt: Prominent pastor and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
- Jay Howell: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.