Thinking about attending college down South? You’ll find beautiful weather, a dynamic culture, country and Western music around every corner, 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!
Alabama State University
Alabama State University is a public comprehensive Historically Black university in Montgomery, Alabama. The University boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and research centers, providing students with the resources to thrive academically in 50 undergraduate programs. Beyond academics, Alabama State offers a vibrant campus life and endless ways to get involved that fosters personal development, from community service opportunities, leadership workshops, and cultural events to football games and student organizations.
Angelo State University
Angelo State University is a public comprehensive university in San Angelo, Texas. ASU offers more than 100 majors and concentrations as well as 100+ campus organizations to 10,800+ students. The University also boasts small class sizes, expert faculty, and hands-on experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for their future careers or advanced study at graduate, medical, or professional school.
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.
Columbus State University
Columbus State University is a public university, part of the University System of Georgia, in Columbus, Georgia—94 miles from Atlanta. With over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students, a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 90+ majors and programs to choose from, the University offers an accessible, affordable, and creative academic experience down to the core curriculum. CSU offers additional high-value educational opportunities through the Honors College, Servant Leadership Center, and Study Abroad program.
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.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public comprehensive university in Lafayette, Louisiana—50 miles from Baton Rouge. The University offers its 19,000+ students more than 80 undergraduate majors—all professionally accredited—and 30+ graduate programs to choose from. UL Lafayette holds a Carnegie Classification elite R1 designation, ranking the University among the nation’s top public and private research institutions.
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville is a public comprehensive university in Louisville, Kentucky. UofL enrolls more than 23,000 students and offers undergraduate degrees in more than 50 fields of study, 75 master’s programs, and 35 doctoral disciplines. The University is one of only 79 universities in the US to earn Carnegie Foundation recognition for being both a Research 1 and a Community Engaged university—also ranking it among the nation's best institutions for African American and LGBTQ+ students.
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi is a public comprehensive land-grant 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 22,250 Old Miss students get involved on campus through 370+ organizations as well as exciting athletic events.
University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas is a public comprehensive university in Richardson, Texas—17 miles north of Dallas. The University draws over 30,000 students from 100+ countries who study in 147 academic programs across seven schools, including nationally ranked STEM, management, liberal arts, and social sciences majors. UT Dallas also offers 400+ campus organizations, 27 fraternities and sororities, 15 varsity athletic teams, and internship opportunities with 68 Dallas-area companies.
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.
Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University is a public comprehensive university in Valdosta, Georgia—approximately 79 miles northeast of Tallahassee, Florida. VSU offers nearly 200 academic programs to a student body of 11,200+ students from all 50 states, DC, three US territories, and more than 60 countries. More than 200 on-campus organizations, 19 active Greek chapters, 11 NCAA Division II athletic teams, a full-service Recreation Center, a climbing wall, a zipline challenge course, outdoor trips, and tons more mean you'll never be bored on our campus.
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