Universities in Atlanta, USA
- Rankings & Reviews -

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Atlanta, USA

Latest ranking updates related to universities in Atlanta
  • 09 Oct, 2024: Publication of THE World University Rankings. Georgia Institute of Technology with highest ranking among universities in Atlanta ranked #40.
  • 23 Sep, 2024: Us News published most recent results of US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. Includes 3 universities from Atlanta.
  • 23 Sep, 2024: Us News published most recent results of US News Best National Universities. Includes 4 universities from Atlanta.
  • 20 Sep, 2024: NICHE Best Value Colleges in America updated with Georgia Institute of Technology ranked highest among 2 listed universities in Atlanta.

Home to around 6 million inhabitants, Atlanta, Georgia is known for being a major destination for migrants from other parts of the United States, as well as immigrants from outside the country. Without a doubt one major reason for this is Atlanta’s relatively stable job market.

That’s not all though, as Atlanta also makes great contributions to art and culture, with their opera and ballet companies, and their busy year-round schedule for music festivals in the city.

Newcomers to Atlanta will find affordable housing, plenty of activities to take part in, and a reasonably healthy job market.


Rankings of universities in Atlanta, USA 2024

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (based on 3726 student ratings)

  • #37 
  • #98 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 09 October, 2024]
  • #37 
  • #196 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024]
  • #32 
  • #86 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
Show 30 more rankings of Emory University and subject specific rankings for 10 subjects

  • #106 
  • #501 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 09 October, 2024]
  • #119 
  • #851 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024]
  • #120 
  • #519 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
Show 19 more rankings of Georgia State University and subject specific rankings for 11 subjects


  • #342 
  • #2482 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #257 
  • #1524 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
  • #316 
  • #2778 
URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance
[Published 19 December, 2023]
Show 1 more rankings of Morehouse School of Medicine

  • #238 
  • #241 
Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only)
[Published 04 September, 2024]
  • #588 
  • #3125 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
  • #360 
  • #367 
Forbes: America's Top Colleges
[Published 27 August, 2024]
Show 4 more rankings of Morehouse College and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects

  • #428 
  • #3311 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #940 
  • #976 
Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only)
[Published 04 September, 2024]
  • #553 
  • #3044 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
Show 5 more rankings of Clark Atlanta University and subject specific rankings for 3 subjects

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (based on 558 student ratings)
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  • #780 
  • #812 
Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only)
[Published 04 September, 2024]
  • #454 
  • #2742 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
  • #352 
  • #358 
Forbes: America's Top Colleges
[Published 27 August, 2024]
Show 4 more rankings of Spelman College

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (based on 64 student ratings)
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  • #448 
  • #458 
Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only)
[Published 04 September, 2024]
  • #153 
  • #153 
US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges
[Published 23 September, 2024]
  • #419 
  • #433 
Payscale College Salary Report (All Alumni)
[Published 04 September, 2024]
Show 1 more rankings of Oglethorpe University and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects

#9
USA

University System of Georgia

Student satisfaction: 3.1 / 5.0 (based on 10 student ratings)
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  • #812 
  • #5673 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#10
USA

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

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  • #1598 
  • #10568 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#11
USA

Beulah Heights University

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (based on 134 student ratings)
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Highest subject rankings of universities in Atlanta

Engineering MONEY: Best Colleges for Engineering Majors
#1 
Georgia Institute of Technology
Art Payscale: Best Schools for Majors by Salary Potential
#12 
Georgia Institute of Technology
Computer Science NTU Rankings by Subject
#13 
Georgia Institute of Technology
Entrepreneurship The Princeton Review: Top 50 Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship
#17 
Georgia Institute of Technology
Chemistry GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#17 
Georgia Institute of Technology
Education Payscale: Best Schools for Majors by Salary Potential
#21 
Georgia State University
Mathematics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#26 
Georgia Institute of Technology
Medical Technology GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#40 
Emory University
Law US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#42 
Emory University
Psychology GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#51 
Emory University

Student Opinions About Studying in Atlanta

“The northern suburbs of Atlanta definitely give the best of what the city has to offer if you ask me. There are more schools, less crime, and so many activities to enjoy. Being in the north, you still have easy access to the city, but also you’ll have a quick escape to the North Georgia Mountains whenever you need a touch of nature.”

“If nightlife is what you’re into, Atlanta has a lot of that so you’ll never have to look far, whether it be bars, nightclubs, music or dance performances, it’s all here. If you want something more low-key, you can go camping, kayaking, or rock climbing, and much more.”

“Speaking practically, you need a car to live properly here. The MARTA light rail system only makes a cross through the middle of the city; it doesn’t have routes the same way another cities’ rail system might. The buses are a bit more flexible, but they’re not enough to remedy this issue with the city’s infrastructure.”

Atlanta Key Facts for International Students

PROS

  • This is a city with a job market that offers opportunities to work for major employers like airline companies, delivery companies, and similar. These are the kinds of jobs that are accessible for young people looking for a part-time job to pair with their studies, but there are also plenty of positions available for those looking for full-time work.

  • Apartment rental prices in Atlanta are more affordable compared to many major US cities. The average rental price for a 2-bedroom apartment comes to around $1,800, but if you look around you can find something significantly more affordable than that.

  • The city’s public transport system, MARTA, offers special student travel passes for $14.40. Students should consult their university staff to confirm whether their institution is participating in the program.

CONS

  • Atlanta’s distribution is fairly spread out, which makes it difficult to get around on foot. Additionally, the public transport network is not particularly developed, but the city’s BeltLine streetcar project may improve this in the future. You may need a car to get the most out of living in Atlanta.

  • Almost anybody from Atlanta will tell you that the worst thing about living there is the traffic. Many criticise the city’s infrastructure as being poorly planned out, so newcomers are recommended to find an apartment close to where they need to be on a daily basis, to cut out lost hours stuck in traffic jams.

  • Unfortunately, the city has high rates of violent crime, significantly more than the national average.


10 out of 11 Universities in Atlanta Ranked in at least one ranking

39 Different Rankings list Universities in Atlanta (27 institution and 12 subject rankings)

30 Global Rankings rank Universities in Atlanta Among TOP 200

Population: 464000

Elevation: 320 m. above sea level

Time: GMT -5

District/province: Georgia, Fulton County

Living costs for students in Atlanta:

* 100 = prices in London

  • Living costs without accommodation 88* (12% cheaper than London)
  • All costs including accommodation 77* (23% cheaper than London)
  • Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 83* (17% cheaper than London)
  • Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
  • Plug Type A
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Plug Type B
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz

Map with location of universities in Atlanta

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FAQ

Georgia Institute of Technology ranks #1 in Atlanta in our meta ranking composed of 101 university rankings.

Among all universities in Atlanta Georgia Institute of Technology is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 48 rankings where Georgia Institute of Technology is listed.

Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked best in Atlanta for Engineering (Engineering). See all rankings for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked best in Atlanta for Arts Visual & Performing (Art). See all rankings for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked best in Atlanta for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked best in Atlanta for Business (Entrepreneurship). See all rankings for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked best in Atlanta for Natural Sciences (Chemistry). See all rankings for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Georgia State University is ranked best in Atlanta for Education (Education). See all rankings for the Georgia State University.

Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked best in Atlanta for Mathematics (Mathematics). See all rankings for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Emory University is ranked best in Atlanta for Medicine & Health (Medical Technology). See all rankings for the Emory University.

Emory University is ranked best in Atlanta for Law (Law). See all rankings for the Emory University.

Emory University is ranked best in Atlanta for Social Studies & Humanities (Psychology). See all rankings for the Emory University.

Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked best in Atlanta for Architecture, Building & Planning (Architecture). See all rankings for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked best in Atlanta for Agriculture (Earth Sciences). See all rankings for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Georgia State University is ranked best in Atlanta for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). See all rankings for the Georgia State University.

Ranking publishers

4icu

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British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:

Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%

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CWUR Center for World University Rankings

Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:

Research Performance: 40%

  • Research Output: 10%
  • High-Quality Publications: 10%
  • Influence: 10%
  • Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

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Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

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Forbes

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MONEY

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Public Colleges:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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NICHE

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NTU ranking

Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:

Research Productivity: 25%

  • # Articles last 11 years: 10%
  • # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

  • # Citations last 11 years: 15%
  • # Citations last 2 years: 10%
  • Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

  • H-index last 2 years: 10%
  • # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
  • # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

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Nature Index

Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector:

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

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Payscale

Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only):

Ranking is based on ROI

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RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:

Teaching: 40%

  • Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

  • Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
  • Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
  • Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

  • International Faculty: 2%
  • International Students: 2%
  • International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
  • Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
  • International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

  • Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
  • Institutional Income per Student: 2%
  • Papers per Research Income: 2%
  • Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
  • Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

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Scimago Institutions

Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:

Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%

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ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:

Quality of Education 10%

  • Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

  • Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
  • Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

  • Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
  • Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

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StuDocu

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THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

  • Reputation survey: 15%
  • Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
  • Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
  • Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
  • Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

  • Reputation survey: 18%
  • Research income: 6%
  • Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

  • Proportion of international students: 2.5%
  • Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
  • International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:

Employability (survey) 100%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:

Proportion of international students 25% Proportion of international staff 25% Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25% University’s international reputation 25%

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The Princeton Review

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Urap

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Us News

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Wall Street Journal

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Washington Monthly

Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:

Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%

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Webometrics

Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

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