Four Georgia Schools Named Among Nation’s Best in New Rankings

Georgia has once again proven its place as a leader in higher education, with three universities landing in the top 50 of U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings—and a fourth institution topping the list of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Emory University Leads the Way
Emory University in Atlanta ranked No. 24 overall, making it the highest-ranked school in the state. With an undergraduate enrollment of just over 7,400 students, Emory boasts a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and one of the lowest acceptance rates in the country at just 10%.

The university also made headlines earlier this month when it announced a major affordability initiative: beginning in Fall 2026, students whose parents earn less than $200,000 will pay no tuition.

Georgia Tech Among Top Public Universities
Coming in at No. 32 nationally, the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) remains one of the country’s premier research institutions. When narrowing the field to public universities only, Georgia Tech rises to No. 9, securing its place among the best in the nation. The school was also recognized as the third most innovative university in the U.S.

University of Georgia Cracks the Top 50
The University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens earned a spot at No. 46 nationwide. With an undergraduate enrollment of more than 32,000 students on its sprawling 767-acre campus, UGA maintains a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. Among public universities, UGA climbs even higher, ranking No. 19.

Spelman College Tops HBCU Rankings Again
In addition to the state’s top-50 contenders, Spelman College in Atlanta once again cemented its reputation as a powerhouse institution. For the 19th consecutive year, Spelman was named the No. 1 HBCU in the country. The college also ranked No. 2 for Social Mobility and placed No. 37 among all national liberal arts colleges.

Together, these rankings highlight Georgia’s growing role in shaping the future of higher education, innovation, and access.