Georgia has 104 public and private universities and colleges, public technical colleges and special-purpose schools located throughout the state.

Two-year colleges offer study programs leading to an associate degree. Graduates of four-year universities and colleges are awarded the baccalaureate, or bachelor's, degree, which is required for admission to many graduate or professional schools.

Technical colleges offer programs of study that lead directly to employment in more than 85 fields. The programs can last from six weeks to two years, and graduates receive a certificate or a diploma. Technical colleges also offer associate degrees.

To compare schools in Georgia, visit Georgia College 411.

The application process varies by college. Most schools offer both paper and online applications, and an application fee is typical. Applying online usually expedites the process.

Some examples of what a college may require as part of its application are:

• Official SAT or ACT scores
• Official transcripts from the high school last attended
• Immunization records from your doctor
• Letters of recommendation
• Essays

For more information on the application process, visit Georgia College 411.

• Living on campus is a great way for your child to have the true college experience. He or she will have the opportunity to develop friendships and gain skills about living alone. Students at CSU are not required to live on campus.
• Some schools offer traditional style dorms. These usually consist of a small, shared bedroom and a community bath. Some schools, including CSU, offer apartments where students can choose between a shared or private bedroom and-or bathroom. All apartments have a common area, including a fully equipped kitchen.

To help you make a well-informed decision when choosing a college:

• Visit several college Web sites and make a list of your top five colleges. Consider location, size, degree options, cost, admission requirements and academic reputation.
• Schedule a campus visit to all five schools.
• After your visit, make a list of pros and cons for each.
• Narrow your choices to three.
• Apply to all three schools. Acceptance will help you determine your final choices.
• Visit with your guidance counselor for advice on which schools meet your needs.
• After acceptance, re-visit each school.
• Make your final decision, and apply for scholarships right away.

Resources for helping students in their career exploration process:

• The college course catalog, generally found on college Web sites, contains information about courses and specialized majors.
• Students are advised to check out the list of undergraduate majors that best fit their interests or career goals.
• Once a major is selected, it is good idea to research tentative majors, as well as admission and graduation requirements.
• College professors are the perfect resource for advice on choosing a major. Most of them have worked in the field in which they teach, and most are experts about career-related opportunities.
• Students are encouraged to seek career counseling at college counseling centers. Career counselors can assist students with self-exploration, career assessment and decision making. Services are free and confidential.

Visit Georgia College 411 for more helpful information on choosing a career.

You may want to start with scholarships and grants:

• Scholarships and grants are aid that do not have to be repaid. Some scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, and some are based on community involvement. A solid high school resume will play a key factor in determining these awards.
• Most scholarships require an essay as part of the application. An interview may also be part of the process. Review your child’s application for content and grammar before he or she submits it, and role play an interview situation to brush up on your child's presentation and communication skills.
• Pay close attention to scholarship application deadlines. These will vary according to school and program.  

CSU requires a completed application as well as a $30 fee. To view our online application, visit our Future Students Web site and follow the "How do I apply?" link.

CSU awards more than $1 million in scholarships each year. To view your options, go to the Future Students Web site and follow the "What about financial aid?" link.

• CSU offers apartments on main campus, within walking distance of main campus and at our CSU RiverPark campus in downtown Columbus. A shuttle bus service transports students between main campus, the RiverPark campus and CSU apartments, including:
  • Main campus housing operated by Residence Life, including Courtyard I (for freshmen), Courtyard II (for upperclassmen) and nearby Maryland Circle.
  • RiverPark campus housing
• Private and shared bedrooms are offered. If your child doesn't have a roommate preference, Residence Life staff will pair him or her with other students in the same situation. CSU apartments are not co-ed.
• Freshmen living on main campus must purchase a meal plan. This is a pre-paid amount that is paid at registration that will allow your child to eat at our campus dining areas. RiverPark campus residents and upperclassmen also may purchase meal plans.
• Courtyard housing and RiverPark campus housing are the only true University-operated apartments in Columbus.
• New Freshman Requirement:  Beginning fall 2009 all traditional entering freshmen must reside in on-campus housing operated by the University.  For more information and a list of exemptions, please click here.