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.
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.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University is a comprehensive public institution in Johnson City, offering over 180 academic programs, with notable strengths in the health sciences, business, and education. Known for its world-renowned Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program, the University deeply connects students to Appalachian culture. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail, ETSU offers a supportive community, affordable tuition, and a vibrant Division I athletic scene.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive public research institution in Kennesaw, Georgia. As an R2 university and the third-largest higher education institution in the state, KSU offers a wide range of academic degree programs alongside a vibrant campus culture. Students thrive with access to more than 400 student organizations, award-winning campus dining, and early undergraduate research through the First-Year Scholars Program. Kennesaw State blends rigorous academics with an engaging, supportive environment.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University is a premier public land-grant research institution located in Starkville, Mississippi. Offering over 170 undergraduate degree programs, MSU combines top-tier academics with small-town charm and SEC athletic tradition. Ranked among the nation's top 100 research universities, it features world-class programs in Agricultural Sciences, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Business. Students benefit from extensive hands-on research opportunities, dynamic campus life with 340+ organizations, and dedicated financial aid options that keep education accessible and affordable.
Morehead State University
Morehead State University is a comprehensive public institution in Morehead, Kentucky, nestled in the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The University offers a supportive academic environment where students can choose from a wide array of undergraduate programs tailored to professional success. Through its unique Level UP program, Morehead State emphasizes career skill development—such as critical thinking and professionalism—and provides high-impact hands-on experiences, including undergraduate research and conference presentations. Students also enjoy a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Technological University is a public comprehensive institution in Cookeville, Tennessee, offering a small-town feel combined with high-impact learning. Renowned for top programs in engineering, computer science, business, and nursing, Tech emphasizes a practical "learning by doing" approach backed by a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Undergraduates can engage with over 200 campus organizations, 14 NCAA Division I sports teams, and nearby outdoor adventures, all while benefiting from affordable tuition and exceptional career return on investment.
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University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a public comprehensive research institution with 3,326 acres spread across campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. With over 20,000 undergraduates, OU offers 170+ majors through several colleges and schools, as well as experiential learning opportunities and first-class facilities for all majors. Students can also take advantage of study abroad through programs in 200+ cities and 80+ countries, more than 680 student organizations, and athletics that include the winningest program in the modern era of college football.
University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler is a public comprehensive university in Tyler, Texas—100 miles west of Dallas. UT Tyler enrolls 10,000+ students and offers more than 80 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs through five colleges and three schools. Students at the University also benefit from access to 80+ student organizations and clubs for academics, culture, hobbies, and more; eight national fraternities and sororities; eight on-campus dining spots for food and socializing; and 17 NCAA Division II athletic teams.
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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Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is a public comprehensive university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Enrolling over 9,000 undergraduates, WCU offers more than 115 majors and concentrations alongside a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Undergraduates participate in hands-on experiential learning, research, and over 200 student clubs. Through the NC Promise tuition plan, WCU delivers an exceptionally affordable education, charging just $500 per semester for in-state tuition and $2,500 for out-of-state students.
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.
