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Top 5 Reasons Why Graduate Students are Choosing Georgia

Ray Charles isn’t the only one who has Georgia on his mind. Also a fan of this charming and historic southern US state? Graduate students from all over the world, who are flocking to Georgia’s colleges and universities to take advantage of its many benefits. Here’s a closer look at five reasons to choose Georgia, along with one particularly exciting option.

Apr 26, 2017
  • Student Tips
Top 5 Reasons Why Graduate Students are Choosing Georgia

Ray Charles isn’t the only one who has Georgia on his mind. Also a fan of this charming and historic southern US state? Graduate students from all over the world, who are flocking to Georgia’s colleges and universities to take advantage of its many benefits. Here’s a closer look at five reasons to choose Georgia, along with one particularly exciting option: Kennesaw State University.

Savannah, Georgia, USA at Forsyth Park Fountain.

1. The cost of living is relatively affordable.

The high cost of studying in the US is often an unfortunate deterrent for aspiring international students. And while it’s true that popular states like New York, California, and Massachusetts may be exceedingly expensive, Georgia represents a refreshing alternative.

In fact, according to the Expatistan Cost of Living Index, which uses Prague as its central reference city, Atlanta -- Georgia’s capital and most populous city -- isn’t even in the top 20 US cities in terms of cost. While New York City, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Honolulu and San Jose take the top five spots with price indexes of 295, 273, 262, 239, and 235, respectively, Atlanta doesn’t even break 200.

In short: If you’re looking for a bargain price tag with no sacrifice of quality, Georgia is a well-kept secret on the higher education scene.

Historic District waterfront of Savannah, Georgia USA at twilight

2. Georgia has a fascinating history and culture.

Georgia was the 4th state recognized by the Articles of Confederation, and had a major presence throughout the nation’s history -- from the American Revolution to the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. But thousands of years before the English settlers arrived on American shores, the region was inhabited by Native American tribes.

Today, Georgia offers a fascinating glimpse of the past, present and future, including everything from sweeping rural areas to Victorian small towns to fast-paced cosmopolitan cities. Famously friendly people and rich traditions add to Georgia’s appeal as a unique cultural experience.

An image of Minnehaha Falls in Rabun County, Georgia.  The falls are on Falls Branch and are approximately 100 ft. high.  The falls are arguably the most beautiful waterfall in North Georgia.  It is easily accessible off Bear Gap Road near Lake Rabun.

3. Nature abounds in Georgia.

You won’t be hitting the books 24/7 and once in a while you’ll need to get away from it all. Enter Georgia’s breathtaking natural beauty. From the two-mile long, 1,000-foot deep Tallulah Gorge featuring six waterfalls, an 80-foot high suspension bridge, and plenty of hiking and biking space to Arabia Mountain, of which Thrillist said, “If a more serene place exists, we haven’t found it yet,” there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the great outdoors in Georgia.

And then there’s remarkable Cumberland Island. Says Thrillist, “Step off the ferry on Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island and you’ll immediately feel like you’re on your own private beach, where you can swim, take quiet strolls, fish, birdwatch, and more… all amidst ancient, twisted trees, lush vegetation, similarly ancient turtles, and beautiful roaming wild horses. The best part, especially for anyone who’s sick of Atlanta traffic? Cumberland Island is a car-free zone.”

And you’ll have plenty of gorgeous weather to do it in: Georgia routinely claims a spot on the list of states with the country’s best year-round weather.

Atlanta, Georgia, USA Piedmont Park skyline in autumn.

4. Atlanta is in a category of its own.

The Huffington Post recently hailed Atlanta as “the big American city you’ve been missing out on.” From amazing attractions and top-notch arts and culture to the world’s largest drive-in theater and extraordinary Living Walls campaign, Atlanta delivers a quintessential American -- and yet wholly distinctive -- experience. (Not sure where to start when it comes to planning your time in Atlanta? Check out Thrillist’s “ATL Bucket List: 41 Things You Need to do Before You Die.”)

Atlanta is also a major transportation hub and home to one of the world’s busiest international airports making it easy to hop on a plane to visit other US destinations.

5. It’s home to Kennesaw State University.

So you’ve been won over by everything Georgia has to offer, but you’re not sure where to take it from here? We’ve got three words for you: Kennesaw State University (KSAU).

As the state’s third-largest academic institution and recognized by US News and World Report for its innovation in the areas of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities, KSU currently plays host to 780 international students representing 85 different nationalities.

In addition to its eminence in STEM studies diversity in cooperation with Southern Polytechnic State University, KSU is also a leader in the field of cybersecurity thanks to its Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development. Said KSU president Sam Olens of a soon-to-debut interdisciplinary debut program in information technology and business administration in information security and assurance, “By combining the strengths from each program, this interdisciplinary degree will solidify the University as a leader in producing cyber security professionals who are much-needed in the Southeast and across the country,”

All this, and Atlanta is only 30 minutes away!

The takeaway for international students in search of an off-the-beaten-path American study destination? The US is much more than New York, LA, Washington, DC, and other common contenders. If you’re looking for a different taste of life in America (and we do mean taste -- did we happen to mention its killer cuisine?) look no further than Georgia and Kennesaw State University.

Joanna Hughes

Author

Joanna worked in higher education administration for many years at a leading research institution before becoming a full-time freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful White Mountains region of New Hampshire with her family.