Private liberal arts university in Georgia's Blue Ridge foothills, founded 1897, emphasizing small classes and personalized education.
Piedmont offers 80+ programs of study including 50+ undergraduate majors and graduate degrees (MBA, MA, MAT, EdS, EdD). The university is accredited by SACS, with specific programs accredited by NLNAC and ACBSP. Four colleges deliver instruction: Arts & Sciences (nine departments including art, humanities, mass communications, music, natural sciences, social sciences, theatre); Harry W. Walker College of Business (BA in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting, finance, management, marketing; MBA); College of Education (bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood, middle grades, secondary, and Spanish education; EdS and EdD); and R.H. Daniel College of Nursing & Health Sciences (BSN for initial licensure and RN/LPN bridge tracks). The 10:1 undergraduate student-faculty ratio and average class size of 10 enable personalized instruction. 94% of alumni rate their academic experience as good or excellent.
The Demorest campus spans 300 acres in Habersham County's Blue Ridge foothills and houses 750+ students across ten residence halls and apartment-style living. Key facilities include the Swanson Center for Performing Arts & Communications (2007, $14 million), Arrendale Library, Stewart Hall (math/science), Daniel Hall (nursing/humanities), Smith-Williams Art Studios, Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, Johnny Mize Athletic Center, and the 2015 Student Commons (58,000 sq ft with dining, fitness center, bookstore, Starbucks). The Athens campus occupies seven buildings near downtown on Prince Avenue, offering four-year undergraduate and graduate programs. Student life includes 50+ clubs and organizations, 22 intercollegiate sports teams in NCAA Division III, and robust arts programming: 100-voice Piedmont Chorale, 50-member Piedmont Singers, a cappella groups, chamber ensembles, and theater productions. 20% of undergraduates participate in music and ensemble performances.
Piedmont is test-optional for admissions. In 2023, the university accepted 64.4% of applicants. Admitted students averaged a 3.54 GPA; of the ~22% submitting test scores, the average SAT was 990–1200 or ACT 19–25. High school grades are emphasized in the admissions process. 99% of first-time, full-time students receive financial aid, with an average scholarship and grant award of $27,000. The university awards $18.4 million in institutional scholarships and grants annually.
For 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Piedmont #52 out of 136 Regional Universities South, #20 in Best Value Schools, and #31 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Additional recognitions include #2 Best Value in Georgia (2025, U.S. News), #3 Best Small Colleges in Georgia (2024, Niche), #3 Safest Campus in Georgia (2024, Niche), and #1 in Teacher Placement in Georgia (Governor's Office on Student Achievement). Piedmont athletics have earned 33 NCAA Division III postseason appearances and 92 conference championships since 2003. Graduates pursue careers with major employers including Bank of America, Eversheds Sutherland, and the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, and many advance to graduate programs at University of Georgia, Emory, Duke, and Vanderbilt.