Atlanta offers some of the best learning opportunities available in the southeast. A variety of public and private colleges, universities, technical schools, and learning centers offer diverse learning opportunities and encourage the healthy exchange of ideas. Among the top universities in Atlanta are Georgia Institute of Technology (a.k.a Georgia Tech), Georgia State University, Emory, and Kennesaw State University. These universities offer exceptional professors, state-of-the-art facilities, and learning and research opportunities that go beyond less rigorous standards of neighboring universities.
In downtown Atlanta, Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University represent the preeminent schools in the University System of Georgia. Mercer and Emory are among the city’s top private universities and are involved extensively in on-going research as they strive for academic excellence. Twenty-five minutes north of Atlanta is another fine university offering diverse programs and numerous learning opportunities is Kennesaw State University.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech is the university of choice for engineering students from all over the world. The university has rigorous standards for admittance and promises four to six years of arduous work. The payoff is that Georgia Tech commands respect for graduates. They graduate in excellent position to step into highly skilled and finely targeted jobs in engineering and technology. Georgia Tech consistently ranks among the top 3 engineering schools in the country. It is definitely among the best universities in Atlanta and an excellent option for students who are willing to put their shoulder to the grindstone and not look back.
On-campus housing is not easy to get and parking is scarce. There are opportunities for an active social life and Greek life. However, students who successfully complete Georgia Tech have found that success comes at a price, that is less socializing and more work.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University is a commuter school located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Students of Georgia State tend to be more mature than average college level students. That is probably because the majority of students are non-traditional with jobs and families. Professors are sensitive to the needs of their students, without slacking on academic requirements. Compared to Georgia Tech, however the curriculum is much more manageable for the average student.
Attending an older, downtown university means adjusting to life in the city. Homeless are numerous in the area of Georgia State. They like to approach students, but I have found them generally harmless. The facilities are not like those at Georgia Tech or Kennesaw State, but are adequate to achieve a dependable education that will help move you toward your goals in life.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University strives for excellence in education and student life. It is a unique university in that it is an interesting mix of resident students and commuters. Resident housing and new classroom facilities give Kennesaw State an edge over older universities in the Atlanta area, such as the University of West Georgia.
Kennesaw State University compels students to engage in cooperative learning, real-life experiential exercises, and culturally diverse activities. In so doing, Kennesaw prepares students to be able to immediately enter a competitive job market or pursue a graduate degree.
On campus housing is difficult to get. It is necessary to apply early and apply often. Sometimes it seems like the cogs of Kennesaw State run slowly, but it is always evident that the faculty and staff are concerned with student success. Bog downs and bottle necks in the registration process often occur due to the overwhelming growth rate of the university.
Emory University
Emory University offers a well respected, diverse, research driven education. Emory’s goals are lofty, yet student education makes their goals and ideals reasonably attainable. Emory is involved in teaching students to become well-rounded, ground-breaking members of their community and the world through education, social activism, solid research and outstanding scholarship.
Emory is well known for its strong liberal arts college and nurturing and facilitating one of the south’s premier health care systems, Emory Health Care. In addition to its own adult hospital, Emory partners with the Centers for Disease Control headquartered in Atlanta, Grady Hospital, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Emory is constantly working toward breakthrough’s in science and health.
The major disadvantages of Emory include the cost and the competitive entrance requirements. Nearby housing is adequate and affordable.
Atlanta’s top universities gives students a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive environment.
