Georgia Tech tops list of best colleges in Georgia, Emory and UGA follow

(FOX 5)
ATLANTA - Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a student can make, impacting not just their education, but their future career and personal growth. A new ranking from Niche is helping to make that choice easier by highlighting the best colleges in Georgia.
Niche considered factors such as acceptance rates, costs, and SAT score ranges in compiling its list. Taking the top spot is Georgia Institute of Technology, which also ranked No. 1 in a WalletHub survey last October. Georgia Tech’s mission to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition is reflected in its impressive stats:
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Annual cost: $17,402, slightly higher than the national average of $15,523
- Graduation rate: 93%
- Employment rate two years post-graduation: 95%
- Median earnings six years post-graduation: $79,100 (compared to the national average of $33,028)
Georgia Tech also earned high marks across the board, receiving A+ grades for academics, professors, and value, though it scored lower for dorms and campus food, with C ratings in both categories. The university is also ranked No. 4 out of 602 for Top Public Universities in America, No. 6 for Best Big Colleges, and No. 7 for Best Colleges for Engineering.
Emory University claimed the No. 2 spot on the list and is recognized nationally for its nursing and chemistry programs, ranked 5th and 7th in the U.S., respectively. The University of Georgia (UGA) followed at No. 3, unsurprisingly earning the top spot for Best Student Life in America and securing spots in the top 5 for Best Greek Life and Best Colleges for Sports Management.
Mercer University in Macon and Augusta University rounded out the top five, ranked 4th and 5th, respectively. Mercer is recognized for its public health program, ranking 41st in the country, while Augusta is 26th for information technology.
Here’s the full list of Niche's top 10 colleges in Georgia:
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Emory University
- University of Georgia
- Mercer University
- Augusta University
- Georgia State University
- Spelman College
- Kennesaw State University
- Thomas University
- Clayton State University
Georgia Tech’s strong national standing places it alongside top public universities like UCLA, the University of Michigan, and the University of Virginia. The University of Georgia also made the national list, ranking 11th among public universities.
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For students and families navigating the college selection process, these rankings offer valuable insight into schools that not only provide quality education but also set graduates up for long-term success.