Best HBCUs in Georgia | BestColleges

Spelman College began as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary in 1881. The school now enrolls more than 2,100 undergraduate students in over 35 liberal arts and sciences programs. The college has a design and innovation lab, a museum of fine art, and interdisciplinary centers for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and women’s research. 

As one of the country’s most selective women’s colleges, Spelman reports having the highest graduation rate among HBCUs at 76%. Students enjoy an intimate classroom environment with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1.

With over 85 clubs and organizations, Spelman offers students plenty of extracurricular opportunities. Learners can also participate in numerous leadership and networking groups, plus service and volunteer opportunities throughout Atlanta.

Albany State University (ASU) was established as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute in 1903 in Albany, Georgia. Since 1943, the school has been a member of the University System of Georgia. As of fall 2022, ASU offers over 50 programs and a student-to-faculty ratio of 21-to-1. 

Over the years, ASU has fostered relationships with community organizations and industries to improve opportunities for its students and graduates. The school’s foundation creates and funds numerous programs and scholarships across campus. 

ASU students can join community service projects, student clubs and organizations, leadership development programs, and intramural sports and recreation.

Beginning in an Augusta, Georgia, church basement in 1867, Morehouse College was founded to educate Black men in theology and education. The school moved to Atlanta in 1879.  Morehouse College now enrolls more than 2,200 students. The men’s college has over 30 majors and classrooms with a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. 

The Morehouse campus hosts a center for global leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, and Black men’s research, plus a renowned Martin Luther King Jr. collection. Students have access to over 50 clubs and organizations, athletic activities, and Atlanta’s vibrant West End community.

Morehouse offers its students leadership development opportunities, culturally relevant activities and events, and support resources.

The oldest public HBCU in Georgia, Savannah State University (SSU), was established in 1890. The school enrolls more than 3,500 students in over 35 programs. 

Students enjoy a serene 201-acre campus with marshes, rich architecture, and a diverse population. Off campus, SSU learners can explore the charming coastal Southern city of Savannah. 

SSU has over 75 student clubs and organizations, plus a marine sciences laboratory, a deep water dock, and engineering technology and chemistry laboratories. The school offers scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Founded in 1895, Fort Valley State University (FVSU) enrolls nearly 3,000 students in around 30 programs. FVSU provides its students with the second-largest campus in the state, more than 50 clubs and organizations, and multiple research programs and facilities. 

FVSU students have access to many scholarships and funding opportunities. Learners who want to give back can join one of the school’s many volunteer and community engagement initiatives.  

Set in the peach capital of Georgia, FVSU puts students close to Fort Valley’s scenic countryside and booming culinary scene.

The history of Clark Atlanta University (CAU) dates back to 1865 when the American Missionary Association founded Atlanta University. It was the first school to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Clark College, established in 1869, was the first four-year liberal arts school to have a majority African American student body. The two schools merged in 1988.

CAU, the largest school in the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), enrolls more than 4,000 students in over 40 study areas. Learners can get involved in campus life through student organizations, volunteer efforts, and leadership programs. The school also has a bustling arts scene, with a museum and theater. 

CAU helps its students with various financial aid plans, scholarships, and financial literacy programs. 

In addition to CAU, the AUCC consists of Spelman College, Morehouse College, and the Morehouse School of Medicine. The consortium allows these institutions to cross-list courses as well as participate in joint community engagement, programs, and resources.

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) was founded in 1958 and celebrates the African American religious experience. The HBCU in Atlanta offers only four programs: a master of divinity, a master of arts (MA) in liturgical arts and culture, an MA in religion and education, and a doctorate of ministry. ITC also runs more than 160 courses, which may allow undergraduate students to complete their degrees.  

The school prepares students to pursue leadership roles in one of the Christian denominations. With fewer than 1,000 students, ITC gives learners personalized support. Students also have access to various student clubs and organizations and outreach opportunities. 

ITC offers a flat rate tuition for students taking more than nine credits, which can lead to significant tuition discounts for full-time students.

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta was founded in 1975 to lead Morehouse College’s medical education program. 

The school then became independent and developed leading medical institutions, including the National Center for Primary Care, the Cardiovascular Research Institute, the Center of Excellence on Health Disparities, and the Neuroscience Institute.

The HBCU runs some of the nation’s top medical programs across 13 departments. With just over 500 students and nearly 300 faculty members, MSM offers a 2-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Along with clinical and research opportunities, students can take part in over 30 clubs and organizations.

Paine College began in 1882 when leaders of the United Methodist Church developed a school for African American teachers. More than a century later, the private liberal arts HBCU enrolls fewer than 400 students in seven major programs, including business, humanities, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. 

The Augusta school offers students access to several clubs and organizations, campus activities, and a competitive athletics program. The historical city surrounding the campus has something for everyone, including arts, food, and technology. 

Paine College has over 50 full-time faculty members, which keeps student-to-faculty ratios at about 8-to-1. The school offers scholarships and funding options, and more than 95% of students receive financial aid.

In 1881, the African Methodist Episcopal Church founded Morris Brown College (MBC). The Atlanta school seeks to develop the next generation of leaders by surrounding them with a “positive and nurturing” environment and Christian values. MBC runs more than 10 programs for about 300 students. 

MBC students enjoy a tight-knit campus community, along with several student organizations and outreach and community involvement opportunities. MBC works closely with students to ensure they have the appropriate funding and academic support to be successful. 

At MBC, students can participate in worship, counseling, and co-curricular student activities. With more than 30 faculty members, MBC classrooms typically have student-to-faculty ratios of 10-to-1.