Higher Education in Georgia
Georgia experiences rapid growth in international
students
Georgia, one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., offers an incredible array of educational, professional, and cultural opportunities for college students. The University System of Georgia (USG) is composed of 35 colleges and universities, each offering a variety of opportunities and experiences. In fact, Georgia has one of the largest public university systems in the country, including two-year colleges, state colleges and universities, regional universities, and major research universities. With all of these choices, it is easy to find the undergraduate or graduate program that meets international students' needs. The University System also is home to two of the top 20 public research institutions in the entire country (the University of Georgia and Georgia Institute of Technology), as well as many private colleges. Georgia clearly has a lot to offer to international students.
More than 19,344 international students were enrolled in University System of Georgia institutions in the fall of 2007. The international student body accounts for nearly seven percent of the more than 270,000 University System of Georgia students. International student enrollment is highest at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Perimeter College, Kennesaw State University, and Southern Polytechnic State University.
These and other USG institutions are home to students from more than 194 countries, ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. More students come from India, South Korea, and China than any other countries. We also host large numbers of students from Mexico, Nigeria, Vietnam, Canada, Columbia, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom.
What Do They Study?
The University System of Georgia offers a wide range of first-rate academic programs leading to associate, baccalaureate, master’s, professional, and doctorate degrees. Programs of study are available in virtually any field, including specializations in engineering, agriculture, technology, business administration, law, medicine, and the health sciences. Many institutions also offer special courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) and provide special support services for international students.
Why Study in Georgia?
There are many reasons why so many international students choose to pursue their higher education in Georgia. Georgia offers a lower cost of living than that found in other regions of the U.S., which means that students' housing and living costs are dramatically lower than in other states. Tuition in the University System is quite reasonable compared to many other public institutions, making high quality higher education options an even better deal. In addition, qualified international students may be eligible for partial tuition waivers or other financial assistance at some institutions.
Georgia has four distinct seasons, from mild winters to beautiful springs, balmy summers and crisp autumns. Its geographic riches are abundant, with mountains for hiking and exploring, as well as the ocean and lakes for swimming and sunbathing. Savannah – Georgia's first city – is one of the most scenic and historic cities in the southeast and serves as home to two University System of Georgia institutions. Athens, home of the University of Georgia, is a classic college town known for its alternative music scene (the B-52s and REM hail from Athens).
Georgia ranks third nationally in the number of public-supported higher education institutions. In addition to the University System, Georgia also supports a system of 33 public technical colleges and institutes. There also are more than 40 private colleges, universities and institutes in Georgia, including Emory University.
Georgia's capital city of Atlanta is the transportation, commerce, retail and cultural hub of the entire southeast. With nearly 5 million people in the 38 counties surrounding the city, fast-growing Atlanta is home to many of America's biggest and most well-respected companies, from international news powerhouse CNN to Coca-Cola, from international shipping giant UPS to Delta Airlines. With this corporate presence, internships and job opportunities can be plentiful. Hartsfield International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, making international travel to and from other countries far easier than in other states. In addition, cultural and entertainment opportunities abound, from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to baseball champions the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta is also the home of the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest such facility.
As host of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Atlanta gained an international reputation as a great city that is friendly to all cultures. For decades, Atlanta has been referred to as "the city too busy to hate," reflecting a positive attitude toward diversity. Atlanta is home to The King Center, the memorial to civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta also has the largest African-American middle class population in the country. In fact, the city’s racial diversity is greater than the nation’s as a whole.
Atlanta is also younger than the U.S. population, and educationally, the city is a nucleus of collegiate activity, including public and private institutions. Three University System institutions in metro Atlanta are especially noteworthy. Georgia State University is a truly urban university and a vital part of downtown Atlanta. Georgia Tech ranks as the ninth best public university in the country and also ranks 12th among best values in public universities. Southern Polytechnic State University is ranked No. 1 in the nation in graduating African-Americans with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering technology. Southern Poly is also No. 4 in the nation in graduating women with bachelor’s degrees in engineering technology.
With its outstanding universities, low cost of living, civic and cultural attractions, easy transportation, and great climate, it's no wonder that more and more international students are choosing to study in Georgia each year.
