Atlanta, Georgia, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Georgia’s academic institutions have been recognized in the latest U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, with Emory University leading as the highest-ranked school in the state. Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia also secured spots in the top 50 national universities, while various liberal arts colleges like Spelman College and Agnes Scott College received notable accolades. The rankings reflect Georgia’s commitment to providing quality education and its diverse range of educational offerings to students.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia institutions have received high marks in the latest U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, showcasing the state’s commitment to quality education amidst a competitive national landscape. Emory University once again leads the pack as the highest-ranked school in Georgia, coming in at No. 24 among national universities. Following closely, Georgia Tech improved its position by one spot to rank No. 32, while the University of Georgia held strong at No. 46, ensuring its place within the top 50.
Other noteworthy rankings for Georgia schools include Mercer University at No. 169, Georgia State University at No. 198, and Augusta University at No. 273. Also on the list are Clark Atlanta University at No. 329 and Georgia Southern University at No. 343. These rankings reflect the diverse educational offerings and environments available to students across the state.
Highlighting Liberal Arts Colleges
In the realm of liberal arts colleges, Spelman College has earned notable recognition, ranking No. 37 among national liberal arts colleges. It has also been distinguished as the best historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation. Additionally, Agnes Scott College continues to impress, being named the most innovative national liberal arts college for the eighth year in a row. Agnes Scott ranks No. 4 for social mobility and No. 2 for first-year experiences among liberal arts colleges. Spelman College also ranks No. 2 for social mobility among national liberal arts colleges.
Regional Performance and Value
Berry College stands out at the regional level, ranking No. 4 among regional universities in the South and clinching the No. 1 spot for best value. The college also ranks No. 2 in most innovative and No. 1 for undergraduate teaching programs among regional universities. Georgia College & State University ranks No. 12 among regional universities in the South and No. 5 among public schools in the region. Georgia State University has notably secured its designation as the top public university for undergraduate teaching for six consecutive years.
Noteworthy Rankings
LaGrange College appears at No. 9 among regional colleges in the South and is ranked No. 22 for best value. Morehouse College ranks third among HBCUs nationwide and No. 96 among national liberal arts colleges. Oglethorpe University ranks No. 56 in social mobility among liberal arts colleges, emphasizing its support for Pell grant-eligible students.
Methodology and Considerations
The rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of over 1,700 institutions, measuring factors such as academic performance, graduation outcomes, and student debt levels. However, some critics have raised concerns that the rankings may rely on self-reported data and subjective criteria, potentially misrepresenting the true educational experience across various institutions.
Conclusion
The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight the impressive performance of Georgia colleges and universities. With a mix of nationally recognized institutions and a strong emphasis on innovative and supportive educational environments, Georgia continues to emerge as a favorable location for students seeking quality higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Emory University’s ranking?
Emory University is ranked No. 24 among national universities, maintaining its position as the highest-ranked school in Georgia.
How does Georgia Tech rank compared to last year?
Georgia Tech moved up one spot to No. 32.
What is Spelman College known for?
Spelman College is ranked No. 37 among national liberal arts colleges and is recognized as the best historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation.
Which Georgia institutions are in the top 50?
The University of Georgia is ranked No. 46, remaining in the top 50.
How many institutions are evaluated in the rankings?
The rankings evaluate over 1,700 institutions based on various measures including academic performance, graduation outcomes, and student debt levels.
Key Features of Georgia Institutions in College Rankings
| Institution | National Ranking | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Emory University | No. 24 | Highest-ranked school in Georgia |
| Georgia Tech | No. 32 | Moved up by 1 spot |
| University of Georgia | No. 46 | Remained in the top 50 |
| Spelman College | No. 37 | Best HBCU in the nation |
| Agnes Scott College | Various Rankings | Most innovative national liberal arts college for the eighth year |
| Berry College | No. 4 (Regional South) | No. 1 in best value |
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Georgia Colleges Rankings
- Fox 5 Atlanta: US News College Rankings
- Axios: Emory Leads Georgia in College Rankings
- Savannah Now: Georgia Colleges and Student Debt
- 11 Alive: US News College Rankings
- Wikipedia: College Rankings
- Google Search: US News College Rankings
- Google Scholar: College Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Rankings
- Google News: College 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.


