Thinking about attending college down South? You’ll find beautiful weather, a dynamic culture, the country music capital of the world, and some amazing higher education institutions—what’s not to love? Start exploring these comprehensive public colleges and universities that offer expansive opportunities and southern hospitality. If you like what you read, you can request more information from each school by clicking the green “Connect me” buttons. We hope you find your dream academic home!
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a public comprehensive university in Boone, North Carolina—95 miles from Winston-Salem and 100 miles from Charlotte. Through the School of Music and the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Fine & Applied Arts, and Health Sciences, App State offers more than 150 bachelor’s degrees focused on research, creativity, innovation, and practice. Students can also get involved in more than 300 clubs and organizations, including 50 dedicated to culture and international students.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University is a public comprehensive university in Richmond, Kentucky—30 miles south of Lexington. EKU offers more than 100 diverse and in-demand degree programs housed in the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business & Technology, Education, Health Science, and Justice & Safety. Nearly 13,000 undergraduates take advantage of numerous merit-based scholarship opportunities and participate in 230+ student organizations as well as intramural and club sports teams.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University is a public comprehensive university in Atlanta, Georgia. GSU offers more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 100 fields of study through 12 colleges and schools. More than 54,000 students get involved in 400+ student organizations that cover a variety of interests and specialties, including leadership, activism, arts, politics, academics, religion, recreation, and more.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University is a public comprehensive university with two campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia—just north of metro Atlanta. One of the 50 largest public institutions in America, KSU offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide array of fields, including architecture, business, construction, education, nursing, STEM, and the arts. More than 38,000 undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in experiences such as internships, undergraduate research, and service learning.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University is a public comprehensive university in Starkville, Mississippi—24 miles west of Columbus. The University offers 170+ bachelor’s programs through the Colleges of Agriculture & Life Sciences; Arts & Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering; Forest Resources; Veterinary Medicine; and Architecture, Art & Design to 22,000 students from 80+ countries. MSU students also enjoy campus life with 340+ organizations to join and 20+ dining options to choose from.
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi is a public comprehensive university in Oxford, Mississippi—70 miles southeast of Memphis. The University’s 15 academic divisions include a major medical school; nationally recognized Schools of Accountancy, Law, and Pharmacy; and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, renowned for its academic rigor, experiential learning, and community action. More than 22,000 Old Miss students get involved on campus through 400+ organizations as well as exciting athletic events.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public comprehensive university in Athens, Georgia—70 miles northeast of Atlanta. UGA offers 125 undergraduate degrees concentrated in 98 major programs through 16 colleges and schools as well as the UGA/GRU Medical Partnership. From conducting research through the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) to serving the community through the UGA Campus Kitchen, experiential learning is one of many opportunities for students to pursue their passions on campus.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a public comprehensive university in Wilmington, North Carolina—just 10–15 miles from the Atlantic Coast. UNCW’s 58 undergraduate academic programs are housed in the Cameron School of Business, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Health & Human Services, and Watson College of Education. Outside the classroom, the University’s 18,000 students can get involved in 300+ campus organizations, cheer for 19 NCAA Division I athletic teams, and explore historic downtown Wilmington and nearby beaches.
University of South Carolina–Columbia
The University of South Carolina–Columbia is a public comprehensive university with a portion of campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Columbia, South Carolina. The University offer more than 300 majors, including over 60 that are nationally ranked for academics. UofSC is the state’s flagship university, a major center for global research, and home to the nation’s best first-year experience at a public school, according to U.S. News & World Report.
University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia is a public comprehensive university in Carrollton, Georgia—45 miles west of Atlanta. UWG’s more than 12,700 students are enrolled in 85+ programs through the Colleges of Arts & Humanities, Science & Mathematics, Social Sciences, Business, and Education as well as the School of Nursing. With over 150 organizations, Student Government, Greek life, and 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, students have plenty to do, see, and experience on campus.
Looking for schools that fulfill all your needs in other areas of the country? Check out all our featured comprehensive colleges to find your best fit.
