If you've recently PCSed to Georgia, there's plenty to explore in the surrounding areas near Fort Benning, Fort Stewart, and Robins Air Force Base. There are several educational opportunities in your new Georgia hometown for your military family. The areas neighboring bases are college towns, so there's school spirit and entertainment both on and off campus for locals to enjoy.
With six campuses in Columbus, Macon, and Savannah, there are hundreds of things to do and see. The best way to keep track is to sign up for event newsletters and calendars from each campus, and regularly check their websites for unique offerings like concerts, art shows, sporting events, lectures, and performances.
If you want to pursue or continue higher education, there are online and in-person offerings for military members and their families.
Colleges Near Fort Benning, Georgia
1. Auburn University: Auburn, Alabama
Although the dual mascot situation is a bit unique, "War Eagle!" and "Go Tigers!", Auburn University is a quintessential example of a large university in the South. The school is steeped in tradition, including its powerful membership in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) athletics. Beyond sports, the campus has something for everyone, including visitors checking it out for the day.
Watch a variety of artistic events, from concerts to theater productions. If you’re in town, recommended restaurants include The Hound, Lucy’s, or The Depot. A tourist hotspot is the iconic Toomer’s Corner (and drugstore) on College Street and Magnolia Avenue.
For those who are military-connected, check out how the Military Reach program helps the DOW support military families with customized research and information to improve and create family-focused programming.
2. Georgia Southwestern State University: Americus, Georgia
Georgia Southwestern State stands out for a couple of reasons if you’re a military family. It's home to The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, which plays a tremendous role in how military families learn to cope with service members who need assistance with chronic illness and disabilities. Operation Family Caregiver and Operation Caregiver Support are world-class programs that military families can take advantage of for future use, volunteer opportunities, symposia, and on-campus programming.
Many military spouses choose the nursing profession while their spouse serves. GSW was ranked the #1 nursing school in Georgia by Nurse.org for multiple years. It's possible to enroll and take classes or update anything you need for graduation. The school offers an online RN-BSN program and several online graduate-level nursing programs.
Colleges Near Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia
3. Mercer University: Macon, Georgia
Mercer is the only private school in Georgia that competes in Division I athletics, so you’ll have plenty of games to watch, including football, lacrosse, tennis, softball, baseball, and volleyball. If you’re interested in online or part-time education, Mercer ranks highly for nursing and engineering. For those who live in Columbus, Georgia, the Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus Campus, might be a good fit.
Mercer is closely tied to Macon, so there's a bit of a college-town feel, complete with college nightlife, dining, and entertainment. Popular day trips include visiting sites like the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House. The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Tubman Museum are other big draws. The Tubman African American Museum is the largest museum in the Southeast devoted to African American art, history, and culture.
If your PCS has you heading to Robins AFB, our Robins AFB Relocation Information will make the transition so much easier. You’ll also find housing and BAH information.
4. Georgia College & State University: Milledgeville, Georgia
American literature enthusiasts know that Georgia College & State University’s most famous alumna is Flannery O'Connor. Visitors come to campus every day to explore Andalusia, her former home and current museum. You can also view O’Connor’s archives in the school’s special collections, and there are always lectures and reading series to attend.
Aside from American Lit, visitors and students can spend the rest of the day at GCSU exploring the greenhouse, which features more than 300 exotic plant species from across the globe. The Leland Gallery is another beautiful place to stroll through. If you have kids in tow, check out the Georgia College William P. Wall Museum of Natural History, the planetarium, and the observatory. They’re perfect locations to escape the Georgia heat.
Photo by Shutterstock
Colleges Near Fort Stewart, Georgia
5. The Savannah College of Art and Design: Savannah, Georgia
Known quite fondly as SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design is world-renowned as the University for Creative Careers, so there’s plenty to see, hear, and do on campus. Sign up for newsletters and event calendars to catch unique performances and art displays. You can spend hours touring the SCAD Museum of Art. It's also a Blue Star Museum, so active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their families get in free from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
If you're looking to do something outside, SCAD’s top-ranked equestrian team is a sight to see during the show season. SCAD is also home to lacrosse, soccer, swimming, track and field, and golf teams.
If you’re wondering, where is Fort Stewart? Learn about the area by reading our Relocation Guide to Fort Stewart, including Fort Stewart housing options (both Fort Stewart homes for rent and for sale).
6. Savannah State University: Savannah, Georgia
Savannah State University has many ties to Georgia's history. Established in 1890, it's the first public Historically Black College and University in Georgia. Even if you’re not interested in admission, it’s worth asking for a tour around the campus to learn about its unique heritage. The school prides itself on a gorgeous setting spread over a 201-acre campus, perfect for spending the day exploring marshland and immense moss-covered oak trees. Sprinkled in are historical campus buildings with distinctive architecture.
The Savannah State Tigers compete in team sports such as football, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, golf, and volleyball, so you can spend a Saturday or Sunday enjoying a sporting event in pleasant Savannah weather.
SSU is also home to the Military Outreach Center, which provides services and programs to support military students, veterans, and their families. The center provides audio and video equipment, tables, chairs, couches, computer workstations, and space to relax and study. The school’s Department of Military and Veteran Affairs is also available to answer questions and provide guidance on veteran benefits.
If you’re located near any of these colleges, try something new and entertaining. Enjoy college sports, art galleries, and museums, or explore continuing classes and the option to audit a course, likely for free. Sometimes, local campuses are also an untapped option for employment. There's something for everyone with both colleges and military bases nearby.
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