Atlanta

1. Emory University

Overview:
Emory University is a private research university known for its rigorous academics, strong healthcare programs, and liberal arts education. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the U.S.

Programs:

• Undergraduate: Liberal Arts, Business, Nursing, Sciences, and more.
• Graduate: Medicine, Law, Business (Goizueta Business School), Public Health (Rollins School of Public Health), Theology, and more.
• Research: Strong emphasis on research, particularly in healthcare and biomedical sciences.

Tuition Costs (2023-2024):

• Undergraduate: Approximately $60,000 per year (excluding room and board).
• Graduate: Varies by program (e.g., MBA: ~$70,000/year; Law: ~$60,000/year).

Admission Procedures:

• Undergraduate: Common Application or Coalition Application, SAT/ACT (optional for some programs), essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts.
• Graduate: Program-specific requirements, GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT scores, personal statements, and interviews (for some programs).

Scholarships:

• Merit-based scholarships (e.g., Emory Scholars Program).
• Need-based financial aid.
• External scholarships and fellowships.

Campus Life:

• Beautiful campus in the Druid Hills neighborhood.
• Active student organizations, Greek life, and cultural events.
• Access to the Atlanta BeltLine and local attractions.

Notable Features:

• Affiliation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Strong emphasis on community service and global engagement.

Practical Advice:

• Housing is competitive; apply early for on-campus housing.
• Utilize the MARTA public transit system for easy access to downtown Atlanta.

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2. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Overview:
Georgia Tech is a top-tier public research university renowned for its engineering, technology, and business programs. It is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Programs:

• Undergraduate: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Architecture, Sciences, and more.
• Graduate: Advanced degrees in Engineering, Computing, Business (Scheller College of Business), and more.
• Research: Cutting-edge research in AI, robotics, sustainability, and more.

Tuition Costs (2023-2024):

• In-state: ~$10,000/year (undergraduate).
• Out-of-state: ~$33,000/year (undergraduate).
• Graduate: Varies by program (e.g., MBA: ~$30,000/year for in-state; ~$60,000/year for out-of-state).

Admission Procedures:

• Undergraduate: Common Application, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts.
• Graduate: GRE/GMAT scores, program-specific requirements, and personal statements.

Scholarships:

• HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships (for Georgia residents).
• President’s Scholarship Program (merit-based).
• Research assistantships and fellowships for graduate students.

Campus Life:

• Located in Midtown Atlanta, offering a mix of urban and campus life.
• Over 400 student organizations, including robotics clubs and cultural groups.
• Strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Notable Features:

• Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI).
• Co-op and internship opportunities with top tech companies.

Practical Advice:

• Be prepared for a rigorous academic workload.
• Take advantage of career fairs and networking events.

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3. Georgia State University (GSU)

Overview:
Georgia State University is a public research university located in downtown Atlanta. It is known for its diversity, accessibility, and strong business and law programs.

Programs:

• Undergraduate: Business, Arts, Sciences, Education, Public Health, and more.
• Graduate: Law, Business (Robinson College of Business), Public Policy, and more.
• Research: Focus on urban studies, public health, and social sciences.

Tuition Costs (2023-2024):

• In-state: ~$10,000/year (undergraduate).
• Out-of-state: ~$30,000/year (undergraduate).
• Graduate: Varies by program (e.g., MBA: ~$20,000/year for in-state; ~$40,000/year for out-of-state).

Admission Procedures:

• Undergraduate: Apply via the Common Application or GSU’s application portal, SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, and essays.
• Graduate: Program-specific requirements, GRE/GMAT scores, and personal statements.

Scholarships:

• Merit-based scholarships.
• Need-based financial aid.
• Work-study opportunities.

Campus Life:

• Urban campus integrated into downtown Atlanta.
• Active student organizations and cultural events.
• Access to Atlanta’s professional and cultural opportunities.

Notable Features:

• Strong focus on student success and career readiness.
• Diverse student body.

Practical Advice:

• Explore off-campus housing options in nearby neighborhoods.
• Take advantage of GSU’s connections with Atlanta’s business community.

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4. Spelman College

Overview:
Spelman College is a historically Black liberal arts college for women. It is highly regarded for its commitment to empowering women of African descent.

Programs:

• Undergraduate: Liberal Arts, Sciences, Arts, and more.
• Focus on leadership, social justice, and community engagement.

Tuition Costs (2023-2024):

• Approximately $30,000/year (excluding room and board).

Admission Procedures:

• Common Application, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts.

Scholarships:

• Merit-based scholarships.
• Need-based financial aid.
• External scholarships for HBCU students.

Campus Life:

• Close-knit community with a focus on sisterhood and empowerment.
• Active student organizations and cultural events.

Notable Features:

• Part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC), allowing cross-registration with Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.

Practical Advice:

• Engage with the AUC community for expanded academic and social opportunities.
• Explore Atlanta’s rich African American history and culture.

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5. Morehouse College

Overview:
Morehouse College is a historically Black liberal arts college for men, known for producing leaders in various fields.

Programs:

• Undergraduate: Liberal Arts, Business, Sciences, and more.
• Focus on leadership, social justice, and community engagement.

Tuition Costs (2023-2024):

• Approximately $30,000/year (excluding room and board).

Admission Procedures:

• Common Application, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts.

Scholarships:

• Merit-based scholarships.
• Need-based financial aid.
• External scholarships for HBCU students.

Campus Life:

• Strong emphasis on brotherhood and leadership.
• Active student organizations and cultural events.

Notable Features:

• Alumni include Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent leaders.
• Part of the AUC Consortium.

Practical Advice:

• Take advantage of leadership development programs.
• Engage with the AUC community.

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6. Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

Overview:
Clark Atlanta University is a historically Black university offering a wide range of programs and a strong focus on social justice.

Programs:

• Undergraduate: Business, Arts, Sciences, Education, and more.
• Graduate: Business, Social Work, Education, and more.

Tuition Costs (2023-2024):

• Approximately $24,000/year (undergraduate).

Admission Procedures:

• Common Application, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts.

Scholarships:

• Merit-based scholarships.
• Need-based financial aid.

Campus Life:

• Vibrant campus with a focus on community and culture.
• Access to AUC resources and events.

Notable Features:

• Strong alumni network.
• Focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Practical Advice:

• Explore Atlanta’s cultural and professional opportunities.
• Engage with the AUC community.

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Practical Tips for New Students in Atlanta

1. Transportation:

   • Use MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit system) for affordable and convenient travel.
   • Consider biking or walking in areas like Midtown and Downtown.

2. Housing:

   • On-campus housing is competitive; apply early.
   • Explore off-campus options in neighborhoods like Decatur, Midtown, and Buckhead.

3. Weather:

   • Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. Be prepared for hot summers and mild winters.

4. Cultural Considerations:

   • Atlanta is diverse and welcoming, with a rich history in civil rights and social justice.
   • Explore local attractions like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Atlanta BeltLine.

5. Networking Opportunities:

   • Atlanta is a hub for business, technology, and entertainment. Take advantage of internships and networking events.

6. Cost of Living:

   • While Atlanta is more affordable than cities like New York or San Francisco, budget for housing, transportation, and dining.

By choosing Atlanta for higher education, you’ll benefit from world-class institutions, a vibrant cultural scene, and abundant professional opportunities.