Georgia has many universities with top-ranking science and engineering programs. These schools provide both in-state and out-of-state students with opportunities to study in STEM bachelor's degree programs that can prepare them for some of the most in-demand fields in a world that relies heavily on technology, especially information technology and computer science.
Independent rankings can help you figure out the best STEM colleges with engineering, science, and technology degree programs. Still, there are several factors you can use to evaluate schools on your own. This will help you find not only the best school but the best school for you.
Top STEM Colleges in Georgia
There are multiple criteria that you can use to review science, technology, mathematics, and engineering schools. Start by identifying schools with your program. Just because a school is a STEM-focused university doesn't mean it will have degrees in all STEM-related fields. Some of the best engineering schools might offer programs like mechanical engineering and computer engineering, but not aerospace engineering or biomedical engineering. You also should consider if your school only offers bachelor's degrees or if you can earn a master's degree.
Once you've narrowed down the schools, consider enrollment criteria and other factors. Acceptance rate is the percentage of students admitted into a school; it is influenced by many factors, including on-campus limitations and faculty size. Finding schools with higher acceptance rates can increase your chances of being admitted to your dream program.
Finally, look at factors like graduation rate and the student support services offered, which often indicate a higher chance of success in your degree program. You'll also need to understand your financial aid eligibility to help figure out how you'll pay for your degree or whether you can obtain a free online STEM degree.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta and is considered one of the best colleges in Georgia and America. Admission to the university is highly competitive and only 17% of applicants are accepted — about 56% of all students complete their four-year degree. The school's commitment to STEM majors is reflected in the fact that 73% of all graduates earn a degree in engineering or computer science.
Emory University
Emory is a private university that is considered a top 25 school in the country by U.S. News & World Report, regardless of school type. Even though STEM programs aren't their main focus, the school offers multiple science and technology-related degree programs like architecture, biochemistry, and environmental sciences.
Georgia State University
STEM students at Georgia State University primarily focus on biology and biomedical science degree programs. GSU has a 61% acceptance rate and a 34% graduation rate. Students at Georgia State can also pursue double degrees where they earn an undergrad and graduate degree at the same time, which allows for additional specialization.
University of Georgia (UGA)
The University of Georgia is a public university located in Athens, GA. The school has a 43% acceptance rate and an impressive 71% graduation rate. The school's College of Engineering offers aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, and electrical engineering. UGA also has diverse financial aid programs available to new and transferring students.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University's main campus is located in Statesboro, but they also offer online master's degrees for computer science and software engineering students. This public institution has an 89% acceptance rate and a 31% graduation rate.
Mercer University
Mercer University has a 75% acceptance rate and a 67% graduation rate for four-year degrees, with over 20% of all graduates completing an engineering, computer science, or biology-based degree program. Students can complete STEM degree programs either at the Macon campus or online.
Kennesaw State University
Engineering students at Kennesaw State University make up 12% of graduates, but computer and biomedical sciences are also popular STEM degree types at KSU. Kennesaw State has a 68% acceptance rate and offers multiple financial aid programs to help students attend the school.
Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University is an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) with a liberal arts focus; however, it has expanded STEM offerings to help promote underrepresented minorities in the STEM fields. Clark Atlanta has a 56% acceptance rate, and STEM students graduate with biology and computer science degrees.
University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia admits 80% of applicants. STEM students can pursue biology, chemistry, environmental sustainability, geology, and physics. Students at UWG have access to multiple types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and federal work-study programs.
Oglethorpe University
Oglethorpe University is a private college in Atlanta with a 72% acceptance rate and a 48% graduation rate, just under the national average. Students at Oglethorpe will have access to small class sizes, with 73% of all classes having fewer than 20 students.
Students can participate in a dual degree program where they earn a physics degree from Oglethorpe University and a bachelor's engineering degree from a partner university.
FAQs About the Best STEM Colleges in Georgia
Many students in Georgia have questions about the STEM programs available to them. These questions commonly include individual programs and which schools are the best for them.
Is Georgia a Good Place To Pursue an Engineering Degree?
There are many quality engineering colleges in Georgia that top national rankings. If you're in Georgia, you can pursue mechanical, electrical, biomedical, aerospace, and software engineering programs at various schools in the state. Different schools will be better than others for these individual programs, though.
What Is the Best University for Majoring in Engineering in Georgia?
The Georgia Institute of Technology called Georgia Tech for short, is most commonly considered the best engineering school in the state. The school has the most diverse engineering offerings and over 51% of all graduates are engineering students.
Is Georgia Tech a Good STEM School?
Georgia Tech is widely considered the best engineering school in Georgia, but it also has great offerings in other STEM fields like computer science, biology, biomedical, and physical science courses. Over 80% of all graduates are from STEM programs.
What College in Georgia Has the Best Biology Program?
Many schools in Georgia offer biology degrees, but Emory University offers some of the most respected general biology and biochemistry degrees. Students can also study bioethics, biophysics, and biomedical engineering degrees to go into further depth.
