2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus	98	14.07	1,370 – 1,530	15918	89432	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA Also referred to as Georgia Tech, the Georgia Institute of Technology was founded in 1885 as part of the Reconstruction plans post-Civil War. At first, it only provided degrees in Mechanical Engineering. By 1901, it also offered Chemical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering....Read more First Year Retention Rate 98 % Acceptance Rate 14.1% SAT Score 1,370 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $15,918 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $89,432
2	Emory University	96	10.65	1,460 – 1,550	27303	74980	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Emory University Atlanta, GA Emory University is a private, doctoral/research college. It has a 96% first year retention rate, 83% four year graduation rate, and 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. There are nine academic divisions, including the Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Laney Graduate School, and Rollins School of Public Health, among others. First Year Retention Rate 96 % Acceptance Rate 10.7% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,550 Avg. Net Price $27,303 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $74,980
3	Spelman College	94	24.87	1,110 – 1,330	40354	45676	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Spelman College Atlanta, GA Spelman College is a women’s liberal arts college that was founded in 1881. 24% of those accepted go on to attend. Many students major in Psychology, General. Spelman has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 94% first year retention rate. First Year Retention Rate 94 % Acceptance Rate 24.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $40,354 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,676
4	University of Georgia	94	37.7	1,300 – 1,490	16662	57565	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia University of Georgia Athens, GA At the University of Georgia, many undergraduates will go on to major in Psychology, General. Founded in 1785, it’s a Public Ivy and one of the oldest public schools in the country. Over the years, UGA has produced many well known public figures, including football players, Pulitzer prize winners, and more. First Year Retention Rate 94 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 37.7% SAT Score 1,300 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $16,662 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,565
5	Covenant College	88	86.51	1,150 – 1,380	27926	39570	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Covenant College Lookout Mountain, GA Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America, Covenant College’s motto is “In All Things Christ Preeminent.” Courses are taught from a Reformed Christian perspective, and students can earn up to a Master's degree. It has a first year retention rate of 88% – 73% graduate in six years. First Year Retention Rate 88 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 86.5% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $27,926 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,570
6	Morehouse College	87	43.96	970 – 1,210	36292	38267	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Morehouse College Atlanta, GA A men’s HBCU, alumni of Morehouse College include Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s highly selective and about 27% of accepted students enroll....Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 44.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $36,292 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,267
7	Savannah College of Art and Design	86	82.98	1,060 – 1,290	50821	34110	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA Located in Savannah, Savannah College of Art and Design accepted 83% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $100 for undergraduate applications and $100 for graduate applications. About 97% of students attending Savannah College of Art and Design currently receive institutional grant aid to......Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $50,821 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,110
8	Berry College	84	64	1,120 – 1,320	25363	45014	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Berry College Mount Berry, GA Located in Mount Berry, Berry College accepted 64% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. At Berry College, there is a 84% first year retention rate and around 61%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 64.0% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $25,363 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,014
9	Georgia College & State University	82	78.23	1,090 – 1,240	21632	50644	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA Found in Milledgeville, Georgia College & State University accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 9% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Georgia......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $21,632 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,644
10	Mercer University	82	68.89	1,180 – 1,370	24364	50231	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Mercer University Macon, GA Based in Macon, Mercer University accepts 69% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 100% of students at Mercer University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 68.9% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $24,364 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,231
11	Agnes Scott College	81	62.15	1,180 – 1,360	27499	41382	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Agnes Scott College Decatur, GA One of the Seven Sisters, Agnes Scott College is a women’s undergraduate school but offers co-educational graduate programs as well. The school underwent many name changes since it was founded in 1889, starting with the Decatur Female Seminary....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 62.2% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $27,499 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,382
12	Georgia State University	80	55.44	960 – 1,200	16854	37844	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Georgia State University Atlanta, GA Based in Atlanta, Georgia State University’s acceptance rate is 55%. They request $60 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 28% of students attending Georgia State University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 80% and around 34% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 55.4% SAT Score 960 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $16,854 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,844
13	Albany State University	79	73.02	780 – 930	11484	35579	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Albany State University Albany, GA Found in Albany, Albany State University accepts 73% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 15% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 73.0% SAT Score 780 – 930 Avg. Net Price $11,484 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,579
14	Fort Valley State University	79	65.87	950 – 1,100	10047	28649	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, GA Found in Fort Valley, Fort Valley State University accepted 66% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and $20 for graduate applications. Approximately 24% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 8.2% Acceptance Rate 65.9% SAT Score 950 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $10,047 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,649
15	Georgia Southern University	78	87.89	990 – 1,140	15971	44423	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA Located in Statesboro, Georgia Southern University accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 30% of students attending Georgia Southern University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 87.9% SAT Score 990 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $15,971 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,423
16	University of West Georgia	78	51.61	950 – 1,130	12913	41000	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA Located in Carrollton, the University of West Georgia accepts 52% of applicants. They request $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 48% of students at the University of West Georgia currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 51.6% SAT Score 950 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $12,913 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,000
17	Kennesaw State University	77	69.19	1,010 – 1,230	15636	47863	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA Located in Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University’s acceptance rate is 69%. Undergraduates have to pay $40 to apply. Approximately 6% of students at Kennesaw State University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 77%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 69.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $15,636 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,863
18	Augusta University	76	86.41	970 – 1,160	13976	45037	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Augusta University Augusta, GA Found in Augusta, Augusta University’s acceptance rate is 86% and requests $60 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 15% of students attending Augusta University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 970 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $13,976 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,037
19	Wesleyan College	76	59.1	990 – 1,140	12837	35630	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Wesleyan College Macon, GA Found in Macon, Wesleyan College’s acceptance rate is 59% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Wesleyan College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 59.1% SAT Score 990 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $12,837 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,630
20	Savannah State University	75	46.14	850 – 1,000	7956	27494	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Savannah State University Savannah, GA Based in Savannah, Savannah State University’s acceptance rate is 46% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. About 29% of students attending Savannah State University will receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 75% and around 16% of students......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 7.1% Acceptance Rate 46.1% SAT Score 850 – 1,000 Avg. Net Price $7,956 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,494
21	Point University	74	44.26	920 – 1,200	19545	36410	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Point University West Point, GA Based in West Point, Point University accepted 44% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 97% of students at Point University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 4.2% Acceptance Rate 44.3% SAT Score 920 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $19,545 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,410
22	Oglethorpe University	73	88.45	1,100 – 1,340	20490	42691	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Oglethorpe University Atlanta, GA Based in Atlanta, Oglethorpe University accepts 88% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $50 to apply. Approximately 99% of students at Oglethorpe University currently receive institutional grant aid. They receive $32,484 on average. The first year retention rate is 73%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 88.5% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $20,490 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,691
23	University of North Georgia	73	67.94	990 – 1,210	11157	43085	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA Based in Dahlonega, the University of North Georgia’s acceptance rate is 68% and charges $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 19% of students attending the University of North Georgia currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % Acceptance Rate 67.9% SAT Score 990 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,157 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,085
24	Valdosta State University	72	72.29	920 – 1,110	11144	39416	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA Valdosta State University was originally an all women college when it opened in 1913. It became coeducational in 1950. Today, it’s a part of the University System of Georgia. 356 athletes compete as the Blazers, wearing red and black. VSU is a NCAA Division II with football school. First Year Retention Rate 72 % 7.5% Acceptance Rate 72.3% SAT Score 920 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $11,144 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,416
25	Clark Atlanta University	71	64.22	890 – 1,090	31223	28097	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, GA Clark Atlanta University was the first HBCU in the Southern United States. Originally called Atlanta University when it opened in 1865, it was founded by two former slaves. It received its current name when it merged with Clark College in 1988. CAU is fairly selective. First Year Retention Rate 71 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 64.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $31,223 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,097
26	Clayton State University	71	68.45	860 – 1,070	8192	41633	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Clayton State University Morrow, GA Located in Morrow, Clayton State University accepts 68% of applicants and requires $40 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 18% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 68.5% SAT Score 860 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $8,192 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,633
27	Dalton State College	71	43.43	830 – 1,070	5625	37491	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Dalton State College Dalton, GA Based in Dalton, Dalton State College accepted 43% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $30 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 5% of students attending Dalton State College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 18.3% Acceptance Rate 43.4% SAT Score 830 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $5,625 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,491
28	Emmanuel University	71	74	970 – 1,170	20445	37595	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Emmanuel University Franklin Springs, GA Based in Franklin Springs, Emmanuel University accepts 74% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 63% of students at Emmanuel University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Emmanuel University, there is a 71% first year retention rate and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 24.6% Acceptance Rate 74.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $20,445 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,595
29	Morris Brown College	71	49.53	730 – 900	23892	63721	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Morris Brown College Atlanta, GA Found in Atlanta, Morris Brown College’s acceptance rate is 50%. They require $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 20% of students attending Morris Brown College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. They are given $4,775 on average. The first year retention rate is 71%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 10.9% Acceptance Rate 49.5% SAT Score 730 – 900 Avg. Net Price $23,892 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
30	Columbus State University	70	99.12	850 – 1,090	12420	39190	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Columbus State University Columbus, GA Located in Columbus, Columbus State University accepted 99% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $40 for undergraduate applications. About 22% of students attending Columbus State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 99.1% SAT Score 850 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $12,420 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,190
31	Piedmont University	70	93.28	1,020 – 1,240	22252	43761	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Piedmont University Demorest, GA Found in Demorest, Piedmont University accepted 93% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 99% of students at Piedmont University will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 70%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 9.1% Acceptance Rate 93.3% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,252 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,761
32	Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College	69	75.72	890 – 1,090	7308	35495	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, GA Based in Tifton, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s acceptance rate is 76% and requests $20 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 43% of students attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % Acceptance Rate 75.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $7,308 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,495
33	LaGrange College	67	62.09	1,000 – 1,150	21139	46599	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia LaGrange College Lagrange, GA Found in Lagrange, LaGrange College accepts 62% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 99% of students attending LaGrange College will receive institutional grant aid. At LaGrange College, there is a 67% first year retention rate and around 45% of students will earn their degree......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 11.7% Acceptance Rate 62.1% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $21,139 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,599
34	Truett McConnell University	67	78.26	990 – 1,180	22179	39193	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Truett McConnell University Cleveland, GA Found in Cleveland, Truett McConnell University accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 67% and its four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 13.6% Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score 990 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $22,179 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,193
35	Brenau University	65	87.78	940 – 1,180	19743	41664	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Brenau University Gainesville, GA Based in Gainesville, Brenau University’s acceptance rate is 88% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 97% of students attending Brenau University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 65%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 4.8% Acceptance Rate 87.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $19,743 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,664
36	Middle Georgia State University	65	99.68	940 – 1,190	11883	39624	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Middle Georgia State University Macon, GA Located in Macon, Middle Georgia State University accepts 100% of applicants. They charge $30 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 13% of students attending Middle Georgia State University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 6.6% Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 940 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $11,883 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,624
37	Young Harris College	65	62.64	930 – 1,190	21969	36389	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Young Harris College Young Harris, GA Located in Young Harris, Young Harris College accepts 63% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 65%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 3.0% Acceptance Rate 62.6% SAT Score 930 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $21,969 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,389
38	Georgia Gwinnett College	63	95.5	940 – 1,170	15225	36756	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, GA Based in Lawrenceville, Georgia Gwinnett College’s acceptance rate is 96% and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 5% of students attending Georgia Gwinnett College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 8.7% Acceptance Rate 95.5% SAT Score 940 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $15,225 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,756
39	Life University	63	93.03	930 – 1,110	29111	37368	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Life University Marietta, GA Based in Marietta, Life University’s acceptance rate is 93% and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 72% of students attending Life University will receive grant aid from the school. The institution’s first year retention rate is 63% and its four year graduation rate is 21%. The......Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % Acceptance Rate 93.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $29,111 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,368
40	Toccoa Falls College	63	65.96	1,000 – 1,210	21955	33131	#40 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, GA Found in Toccoa Falls, Toccoa Falls College accepts 66% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 86% of students attending Toccoa Falls College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 10.5% Acceptance Rate 66.0% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $21,955 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,131
41	Reinhardt University	62	61.54	970 – 1,170	24550	40411	#41 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Reinhardt University Waleska, GA Based in Waleska, Reinhardt University accepts 62% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 99% of students at Reinhardt University will receive institutional grant aid. At Reinhardt University, there is a 62% first year retention rate and around 31% of students will earn a degree......Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 8.8% Acceptance Rate 61.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $24,550 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,411
42	East Georgia State College	61	100	760 – 930	9480	30593	#42 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia East Georgia State College Swainsboro, GA Located in Swainsboro, East Georgia State College’s acceptance rate is 100% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 14% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 760 – 930 Avg. Net Price $9,480 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,593
43	Shorter University	61	96.46	1,010 – 1,210	16821	41860	#43 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Shorter University Rome, GA Found in Rome, Shorter University accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 79% of students at Shorter University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 9.0% Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,821 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,860
44	College of Coastal Georgia	59	98.13	900 – 1,110	14941	35382	#44 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, GA Found in Brunswick, the College of Coastal Georgia accepted 98% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 24% of students attending the College of Coastal Georgia will receive grant aid from the school. At the College of Coastal Georgia,......Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 11.3% Acceptance Rate 98.1% SAT Score 900 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $14,941 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,382
45	Georgia Highlands College	59	67.02	830 – 1,010	6838	37516	#45 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Georgia Highlands College Rome, GA Found in Rome, Georgia Highlands College accepts 67% of applicants and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and . About 7% of students at Georgia Highlands College will receive institutional grant aid. At Georgia Highlands College, there is a 59% first year retention rate and 0% of students will graduate in four years......Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 11.9% Acceptance Rate 67.0% SAT Score 830 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $6,838 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,516
46	Georgia Southwestern State University	58	75.17	890 – 1,110	11769	42047	#46 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, GA Based in Americus, Georgia Southwestern State University’s acceptance rate is 75% and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 35% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 58% and its four year graduation rate is 20%. Elementary Education and Teaching,......Read more First Year Retention Rate 58 % 9.4% Acceptance Rate 75.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $11,769 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,047
47	Paine College	54	95.43	820 – 1,000	15935	25240	#47 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Paine College Augusta, GA Found in Augusta, Paine College accepts 95% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. About 99% of students at Paine College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 54 % Acceptance Rate 95.4% SAT Score 820 – 1,000 Avg. Net Price $15,935 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,240
48	Gordon State College	51	85.9	880 – 1,150	7807	33163	#48 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Gordon State College Barnesville, GA Found in Barnesville, Gordon State College accepted 86% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 12% of students at Gordon State College currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 51% and 5% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 51 % 6.3% Acceptance Rate 85.9% SAT Score 880 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $7,807 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,163
49	Thomas University	49	38.3	1,000 – 1,220	17823	45305	#49 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Thomas University Thomasville, GA Thomas University received 500 last admissions cycle and, out of the accepted students, 71% enrolled. Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration is the most popular area of study by far, followed by andLiberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. First Year Retention Rate 49 % 23.4% Acceptance Rate 38.3% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $17,823 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,305
50	Brewton-Parker Christian University	48	96.49	920 – 1,060	25613	35732	#50 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Brewton-Parker Christian University Mount Vernon, GA Based in Mount Vernon, Brewton-Parker Christian University accepts 96% of applicants and requests $35 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 97% of students at Brewton-Parker Christian University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 48 % 26.3% Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 920 – 1,060 Avg. Net Price $25,613 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,732
51	Atlanta Metropolitan State College	45	68.62	750 – 870	4630	26849	#51 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia Atlanta Metropolitan State College Atlanta, GA Located in Atlanta, Atlanta Metropolitan State College accepted 69% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $20 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 3% of students at Atlanta Metropolitan State College currently receive institutional grant......Read more First Year Retention Rate 45 % 21.6% Acceptance Rate 68.6% SAT Score 750 – 870 Avg. Net Price $4,630 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,849
52	South University-Savannah Online	34	54.82	--	27841	34115	#52 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Georgia South University-Savannah Online Savannah, GA Based in Savannah, South University-Savannah Online accepts 55% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 2% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 34% and its four year graduation rate is 4%. Three common......Read more First Year Retention Rate 34 % 41.7% Acceptance Rate 54.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $27,841 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,115