stock image: Deposit photos
Atlanta is a city where students from all over the world come to study and further their education. There are over 50 colleges, universities, and technical schools in the extended metro Atlanta area. This is a thriving education hub, and you’ll find the area has plenty to offer you as a student, no matter what your area of study.
You can get a high-quality education
Not every degree from every university is created equal, and different universities’ programs have strengths and weaknesses. Many regard Georgia Tech as being one of the best schools in the city because of its superior programs in engineering, design, science, liberal arts, and business. It has a robust sports program, so if you love athletics, you could try for one of the many scholarships offered.
Students looking for a top liberal arts degree might consider attending Spelman College or Oglethorpe University. While these are smaller schools, the curriculums are robust and they are excellent choices for those looking to master an area like psychology, English, or philosophy.
On the other hand, if you are hoping to pursue medicine, look to the Morehouse School of Medicine, which is a top choice for medical students.
Getting your degree can give you the credentials and skills that will help you pursue the career of your choice. However, many students struggle to cover the cost of books, tuition, and living expenses while they are in school. One option to help with the financial aspect is to get a student loan to help pay for your education.
Statue of Benjamin Elijah Mays on the Morehouse College Campus in front of Sale Hall. Photo is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and is in the public domain.
You can explore new things
Attending college in a big, multicultural city like Atlanta gives you the chance to broaden your horizons. You will meet other people in your classes and around campus. You will experience new activities and scenarios. Going somewhere new means you will likely face new challenges, which can make you more resilient and prepare you for other obstacles in your career and life. Being able to explore new cultures, backgrounds, and situations allows you to be more open minded and see things from a broader point of view.
The Bradley Observatory at Agnes Scott College in Decatur. Photo credit: Hilda Brucker
There are plenty of jobs here
Atlanta is one of the top business hubs in the Southeast, meaning there are plenty of job opportunities. The 28-county metro area is home to over 6 million people and there are more than 150,000 businesses here, according to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
This is an attractive place for Fortune 500 and 1000 companies because of the region’s low cost of doing business, ease of global travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and its reputation as a logistics hub.
Organizations headquartered in Atlanta include the Centers for Disease Control, Delta Airlines, CNN, Coca-Cola, UPS, Home Depot, and more. It can be easier to find a job or manage a career change in a city where you already live, even if you are only there during the school year. In Atlanta, you will also likely have the opportunity to get an internship at a top-rated company.
Atlanta is a multi-cultural city
Because of how popular Atlanta is for education, students come from around the world to study in this city. Recently, Atlanta ranked as the 44th most diverse city in the nation, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. You will be able to meet people from all kinds of cultures on your campus alone. This can broaden your vision and interact easily with a broad range of people.
The city can claim a rich mix of cultures, including African American, Hispanic, Asian, and European communities. Music is also significant to Atlanta’s cultural identity, and is home to many hip-hop, R&B, and soul musicians.
A traditional Lion Dance, part of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration. Photo credit: Chinatown Mall
You can take advantage of all Atlanta offers
Atlanta is a major metroplex, which means there are many things to do in this large area. The city has hosted the Olympics and is home to Major League Sports, including baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and more. The Gwinnett Stripers are a minor league baseball team in the area.
This is also a city rich in history. As a student, you can see many cultural and historic landmarks and museums at a lower cost with your student discount. Getting your degree in this area means you will likely spend at least three to four years there, giving you a chance to really settle in and get to know your surroundings. You will have a much richer experience than tourists have.
The mild winters in Georgia also give you a chance to enjoy many outdoor activities, including walking, hiking, biking, river rafting, and more. There are plenty of green spaces in the metro area, and you’ll find both state parks and national parks just a short drive away.
Daffodils and the iconic ATL playground at Woodruff Park, an inviting green space in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
The cost of living is reasonable
The cost of living in Georgia is a little lower than other parts of the United States. Yet while that’s true for most of the state, the cost of living in Atlanta is 2% higher than the national average. You may find apartments here are more expensive than you’re used to, especially in the city — so you may need to share the cost with roommates. However, Atlanta has grocery prices that are 7% lower than the national average.
If you live within the city of Atlanta, you may be able to forego the cost of a car and get around using the MARTA train and bus system. MARTA offers a University Pass (UPASS) that currently runs $68 plus fees for a month of unlimited rides, for students at participating colleges.
Be forewarned that MARTA does not cover the city adequately. You’ll likely do much better using Uber or Lyft for certain destinations. Students often choose to get around town with app-based rentals of scooters, e-bikes, or ZipCar.
Georgia Tech campus. Stock image: Deposit Photos
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