Did you ever think of Atlanta as a college town – or maybe a university city?

If not, think again. The Atlanta region enjoys a concentration of higher education matched by few U.S. metropolitan areas. It consistently ranks among the top U.S. metros for higher education in number of college students enrolled, university research spending and degrees earned, for instance. Local colleges and universities are a big reason Atlanta has become a “brain gain” region. And collectively, they make up a major sector of the state’s economy.

From small liberal arts colleges to internationally renowned research institutions, from comprehensive universities to specialized schools of art, medicine and theology – whatever you’re looking for in higher education, you’re sure to find it in the Atlanta region. And colleges and universities here collaborate through joint degree programs and research initiatives. Libraries share specialized books and materials. Students may even “cross-register” for courses at other institutions.

Starting today, Atlanta Daybook brings you news from many of the region’s colleges and universities that are members of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE). Take a moment to click below and explore the wealth of institutions nearby that collectively make the Atlanta region one vast and diverse campus.

Agnes Scott Reaches Out to Workers
Agnes Scott College facilities and food services employees learned basic computer skills in classes at the college this summer and want to explore further. Agnes Scott in Decatur is an independent liberal arts college for women with 1,000 students from 40 states and 30 countries.

Brenau University Sets Record Numbers
“Move-in day” at Brenau saw record enrollment, a new curriculum that broadens the scope of liberal arts education, improved admissions scores and grade averages among first-year students, and improved rankings among the best higher education institutions in the South.

Clark Atlanta Listed Among Best
Clark Atlanta was listed as one of the Princeton Review’s “Best Southeastern Colleges” this fall. CAU is seeing higher enrollment this year and in recent months celebrated a reaffirmation of its SACS accreditation, an upgraded bond rating and several major grants.

Clayton State Offers Three New Master’s Degrees
Clayton Sate University offers three new graduate programs this year – an MBA, master of science in nursing and master of health administration. Clayton State also broke ground last month on its first on-campus student housing and an accompanying student activities center.

Emory Leads with Courageous Scholarship, Service
Emory’s strategic plan commits resources to some of the world’s toughest challenges and greatest opportunities. New this fall are Emory’s most select and diverse freshman class, debt relief for families, a visit from the Dalai Lama, and a Global Health Institute.

Georgia State University Combats Wildfires with Keystrokes
A Georgia State researcher has developed software to predict the path and speed of a wildfire. Georgia State, which recently opened University Commons downtown to house 2,000 students, offers more than 250 fields of study in 52 accredited degree programs, day or evening, full or part time.

ITC Offers New Evening, Weekend Seminary Programs
The Interdenominational Theological Center, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has broadened access to an ITC degree with an evening and weekend track. Located in the Atlanta University Center, ITC is a consortium of six denominational seminaries.

Mercer University in Atlanta Offers Vast Opportunities
Mercer University continues to expand academic programs in the Atlanta area at its Atlanta campus, in Henry and Douglas counties, and with Piedmont Healthcare. Three examples: a Ph.D. in educational leadership, Ph.D. in pharmaceutics and an expanded master’s in marriage and family therapy.

Oglethorpe University Builds for the Future
With two new residence halls and a new Center for Civic Engagement, Oglethorpe University helps its students learn to make a life, make a living and make a difference. On its historic campus north of Buckhead, Oglethorpe enrolls about 1,100 students in five degree programs and 30 majors.

What’s Happening at SCAD-Atlanta Fall 2007 and Beyond
Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta opened classes yesterday with enrollment up 25% since last spring to 1,233 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The SCAD-Atlanta experience is enlivened by a full calendar of exhibitions, lectures, festivals and performances.

Southern Poly Attracts a Unique Student Body
Southern Polytechnic State University attracts its unique students in unique ways, including viral and online marketing campaigns. SPSU in Marietta enrolls 4,400 students in bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science, engineering, technology, architecture and related fields.

Spelman Prepares Women to Change the World
Spelman College empowers women to excel intellectually, think creatively, serve wholeheartedly, act globally and lead boldly. Spelman, a historically Black college, is launching an innovative informatics education and research initiative with a grant from the National Science Foundation.

University of West Georgia Makes a Lasting Impact
Now listed in the robust tier of doctorate-granting comprehensive universities in the University System of Georgia, the University of West Georgia makes a lasting impact on the region and the state. UWG enrolls 10,600 students on a 400-acre campus in Carrollton, 45 minutes west of Atlanta.

Key Facts About Higher Ed in the Atlanta Region
The Atlanta region is a smart place. More than 50 colleges and universities. Over 1,000 programs of study. More than 200,000 students. 6th in annual degrees granted among U.S. large urban areas. A $10.8 billion impact on Georgia. 4th among U.S. metros in university research spending.

The Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE - http://www.atlantahighered.org) brings together the Atlanta region’s public and private colleges and universities. ARCHE builds awareness of the size, scope, impact and value of higher education and helps its members share strengths through cooperative programs. Founded in 1938, ARCHE’s membership also includes six affiliated libraries and 10 corporate and nonprofit community partners.

Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education | Publish Date: 09.11.07
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