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Choosing a small college has numerous advantages, including personalized attention from faculty, a close-knit community, and often, lower tuition costs. As student debt continues to be a pressing concern, many prospective students are reconsidering the value of their educational investments. This begs the question: which small college in Georgia stands out as the best option for students today?
At Zippia, we examined data from 20 higher education institutions across the Peach State to identify which programs provide the most rewarding experiences for students. Focusing on schools with enrollments under 2,000, we analyzed various factors to create an updated ranking for 2026.
Here are the top small colleges and universities in Georgia:
- Life University
- Thomas University
- Young Harris College
- Toccoa Falls College
- LaGrange College
- Oglethorpe University
- Piedmont College
- Spelman College
- Covenant College
- College of Coastal Georgia
For students attending these institutions, this recognition is likely no surprise. For those exploring options, let’s delve deeper into why these colleges offer some of the best educational experiences in Georgia.
For more insights on Georgia, explore:
How We Determined the Best Small Colleges in Georgia
Identifying the best small colleges involves a data-driven approach, similar to the analysis done in economics. By evaluating how different schools perform across various metrics, we can better inform potential students about their options.
To optimize your decision, we gathered data from the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and College Scorecard from ED.gov to assess the small schools in terms of:
- Career Results
- Mean Earnings After 6 Years
- Mean Earnings After 10 Years
- Employment Ratio After 10 Years
- School Performance
- Admissions Rate (More selective is better)
- Graduation Rate
- Average Cost of Attendance (Lower is better)
- Average Amount of Debt
A selective institution that provides strong career prospects is invaluable. After analyzing these metrics for 20 colleges in Georgia with enrollments below 2,000, we ranked each school based on these criteria.
The final rankings were calculated by averaging the scores across all criteria, resulting in a “Quality Index.” Life University emerged as the top contender for the title of ‘Best Small College’ in Georgia.
1. Life University
Enrollment: 314
Located in Marietta, GA, Life University ranks as the best small college in Georgia based on unbiased data. Graduates achieve the highest salaries among small colleges, even ten years post-graduation. Its 57% admission rate indicates selectivity, and it boasts the 8th lowest cost of attendance, providing excellent value.
2. Thomas University
Enrollment: 546
Situated in Thomasville, Thomas University is a notable private college. It features the 5th lowest tuition among small colleges in Georgia, with a low admission rate and minimal student debt.
3. Young Harris College
Enrollment: 620
Young Harris College is well-regarded for its programs and offers a commendable graduation rate of 46%, the 10th highest in Georgia, along with an admission rate of 50%.
4. Toccoa Falls College
Enrollment: 900
Toccoa Falls College scores high with a low admission rate and a strong graduation rate. Additionally, its graduates boast the second-best employment rate after 10 years.
5. LaGrange College
Enrollment: 876
LaGrange College offers personalized attention in a private setting, achieving high marks across multiple categories and boasting a strong graduation rate.
6. Oglethorpe University
Enrollment: 1,169
Located in Atlanta, Oglethorpe University excels in graduate employment rates (7th best among small colleges in Georgia) and post-graduation earnings, ranking 5th in the state.
7. Piedmont College
Enrollment: 1,026
Piedmont College has a competitive acceptance rate of 57%, indicating high demand. Graduates achieve the 9th highest salaries and the 8th highest graduation rate among small colleges in Georgia. This private institution is situated in Demorest.
8. Spelman College
Enrollment: 1,888
Spelman College, located in a picturesque area of Georgia, boasts the highest graduation rate among small colleges and graduates command the 6th highest salaries in the state.
9. Covenant College
Enrollment: 1,074
Covenant College, nestled in Lookout Mountain, offers a high graduation rate, lower-than-average costs, and competitive salaries for its graduates.
10. College of Coastal Georgia
Enrollment: 1,912
The College of Coastal Georgia is a public institution that graduates students with the least amount of debt among the small colleges reviewed, likely due to its competitive tuition rates.
As you explore your options for higher education, consider the strong potential these small colleges in Georgia have to offer. Not only do they provide quality education, but they also support students in achieving their career goals and minimizing debt.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
