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.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University is a public land-grant research 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.
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.
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 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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