Atlanta, GA, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Emory University has achieved the 24th position in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings, solidifying its leadership in Georgia’s higher education landscape. Georgia Tech improved to 32nd, while UGA remains 46th. Spelman College is recognized as the top liberal arts college in Georgia at 37th overall, also acknowledged as the best HBCU nationwide. The rankings, based on a comprehensive evaluation of over 1,700 institutions, impact how universities market themselves, although there are criticisms regarding their methodology.
Atlanta, GA – Emory University has secured the 24th position in the latest U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings, reaffirming its status as a leader in higher education in Georgia. Georgia Institute of Technology, known as Georgia Tech, climbed to 32nd place, reflecting a one-spot improvement from last year. Meanwhile, the University of Georgia (UGA) maintained its position at 46th in the rankings.
Other institutions in Georgia include Mercer University, ranked 169th, Georgia State University at 198th, and Augusta University at 273rd. The premier spot in the U.S. rankings is held by Princeton University.
Notably, Spelman College stands out as the highest-ranked Georgia school among national liberal arts colleges, positioned at 37th overall. Other liberal arts colleges in Georgia include Agnes Scott College at 67th, Morehouse College at 95th, and Oglethorpe University at 156th.
In addition to its national ranking, Spelman College has earned the distinction of being the top historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the nation. A comprehensive evaluation process involved over 1,700 colleges and universities, utilizing up to 17 factors to gauge academic quality and graduate success.
The U.S. News rankings significantly influence how universities market themselves to prospective students and families, although 70% of college admissions officers believe that these rankings have lost some prestige in recent years. The methodology underpinning these rankings can be a source of controversy; critics argue that they may rely on subjective data and encourage schools to present misleading information.
Financially, students at UGA and Emory University graduate with an average debt of less than $19,000, while Georgia Tech’s graduates carry a higher average debt of over $21,000. The U.S. News rankings serve as a starting point for families exploring colleges, but should not be the sole basis for decision-making.
Critics of college rankings point out that they may convey a false sense of certainty, particularly since minor distinctions in rankings might not substantially affect the quality of education offered. Although rankings aim to simplify information, they should not exclusively dictate a college choice. Additionally, institutions may manipulate data reporting to enhance their ranking metrics, such as the student-faculty ratios reported. The methodology for these rankings changes from year to year, which can lead to shifting positions for colleges in the rankings.
Overview of Georgia College Rankings
- Emory University – 24th nationally
- Georgia Tech – 32nd nationally
- UGA – 46th nationally
- Mercer University – 169th nationally
- Georgia State University – 198th nationally
- Augusta University – 273rd nationally
- Spelman College – 37th among national liberal arts colleges and top HBCU in the nation
- Agnes Scott College – 67th
- Morehouse College – 95th
- Oglethorpe University – 156th
FAQs about U.S. News College Rankings
What is the rank of Emory University in the U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings?
Emory University is ranked 24th in the latest U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings.
Which college is the highest-ranked among national liberal arts colleges in Georgia?
Spelman College is the highest-ranked Georgia school among national liberal arts colleges, ranking 37th.
Which college has the highest average student debt in Georgia?
Georgia Tech’s average debt is more than $21,000, making it the college with the highest average student debt among the listed institutions.
Key Features of Georgia College Rankings
| College/University | National Rank | Average Student Debt |
|---|---|---|
| Emory University | 24th | Less than $19,000 |
| Georgia Tech | 32nd | More than $21,000 |
| UGA | 46th | Less than $19,000 |
| Spelman College | 37th (Liberal Arts) | N/A |
| Agnes Scott College | 67th | N/A |
| Morehouse College | 95th | N/A |
| Oglethorpe University | 156th | N/A |
| Mercer University | 169th | N/A |
| Georgia State University | 198th | N/A |
| Augusta University | 273rd | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- Axios: Emory Leads Georgia in College Rankings
- Wikipedia: College Ranking
- AJC: Three Georgia Schools Crack Top 100 of U.S. News College Rankings
- Google Search: U.S. News College Rankings
- Emory Wheel: Fire Gives Emory D Rating in 2026 College Free Speech Rankings
- Google Scholar: College Rankings
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Newest U.S. News College Rankings Released
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Online Athens: UGA, Georgia Tech, Emory Placed Among Top Schools
- Google News: Georgia Colleges Rankings
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
