Albany State University Tours

Joseph Winthrop Holley, born in 1874 to former slaves in Winnsboro, South Carolina, founded the institution in 1903 as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute. W. E. B. Du Bois inspired Holley to return to the South after he read Du Bois's writings on the plight of Albany's blacks in The Souls of Black Folk. Holley relocated to Albany to start a school. With the help of a $2,600 gift from the Hazard family, Holley organized a board of trustees and purchased 50 acres (200,000 m2) of land for the campus, all within a year. The aim of the institution at the time was to provide elementary education and teacher training for the local Black population. It was turned over to the state of Georgia in 1917 as Georgia Normal and Agricultural College, a two-year agricultural and teacher-training institution. In 1932, the school became part of the University System of Georgia and in 1943 it was granted four-year status and renamed Albany State College. The transition to four-year status heavily increased the school's enrollment. In 1981 the college offered its first graduate program, a prelude to the school being upgraded to university status in 1996.
Joseph Winthrop Holley, born in 1874 to former slaves in Winnsboro, South Carolina, founded the institution in 1903 as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute. W. E. B. Du Bois inspired Holley to return to the South after he read Du Bois's writings on the plight of Albany's blacks in The Souls of Black Folk. Holley relocated to Albany to start a school. With the help of a $2,600 gift from the Hazard family, Holley organized a board of trustees and purchased 50 acres (200,000 m2) of land for the campus, all within a year. The aim of the institution at the time was to provide elementary education and teacher training for the local Black population. It was turned over to the state of Georgia in 1917 as Georgia Normal and Agricultural College, a two-year agricultural and teacher-training institution. In 1932, the school became part of the University System of Georgia and in 1943 it was granted four-year status and renamed Albany State College. The transition to four-year status heavily increased the school's enrollment. In 1981 the college offered its first graduate program, a prelude to the school being upgraded to university status in 1996.
Enjoy visiting the bustling campus of Albany State University. This institution of higher learning is valued by its students and the local community alike.

If you're spending a while in Albany, Albany State University is a fine place to kick off your sightseeing. This modern university is one of many attractions that'll keep you occupied here. Radium Springs Gardens, James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center, and Flint RiverQuarium are also waiting to be explored nearby.

Plan a trip to see Albany State University

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
8 Inn

8 Inn

2.5 out of 5
Price was $1,145, price is now $1,113 per person
$1,113
per person
Apr 11 - Apr 15
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Seattle (SEA) to Albany (ABY)
2/10 (1 review)
Motel 6 Americus, GA

Motel 6 Americus, GA

2 out of 5
Price was $1,177, price is now $1,125 per person
$1,125
per person
Apr 11 - Apr 15
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Seattle (SEA) to Albany (ABY)
5/10 (174 reviews)
The room was a bit outdated/rough, but everything worked fine. The bed was comfortable. The vending machines had prices more reasonable than most other motels.

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Windsor Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Windsor Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
Price was $1,284, price is now $1,259 per person
$1,259
per person
Apr 11 - Apr 15
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Seattle (SEA) to Albany (ABY)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
We went to the Rylander Theatre a couple of minutes walk nearby for a wonderful concert.

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

Reviews of Albany State University

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
22
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

My daughter off to college

Popular places to visit

Ray Charles Plaza which includes a statue or sculpture

Ray Charles Plaza

Appreciate a beautiful park that commemorates the revered musician Ray Charles. Listen to his music while enjoying fantastic river views in the background.

Ray Charles Plaza
Flint RiverQuarium which includes a fountain

Flint RiverQuarium

Have a fun and exciting day at this famous aquarium in Albany. Watch amazing sea creatures and learn about the world through interactive and entertaining exhibits.

Flint RiverQuarium
Thronateeska Heritage Center showing heritage elements and interior views

Thronateeska Heritage Center

In this cultural center learn about South Georgia’s history. All ages can have fun exploring science in a dynamic and entertaining way.

Thronateeska Heritage Center
Theater Albany which includes heritage elements and a house

Theatre Albany

Discover a landmark building and picturesque theater that is considered one of the most highly regarded cultural organizations in the city of Albany.

Theatre Albany
Radium Springs Gardens showing a bridge, a garden and a pond

Radium Springs Gardens

Explore a natural wonder in the state of Georgia that was once one of its most famous resort areas. Find out what a radium spring is.

Radium Springs Gardens

James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center

Catch an event at James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center during your trip to Albany. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its shops.

James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center

Best Lodging Options Near Albany State University

Merry Acres Inn

Merry Acres Inn

2.5 out of 5
1500 Dawson Rd Albany GA
Merry Acres Inn
Hilton Garden Inn Albany

Hilton Garden Inn Albany

3 out of 5
101 S Front St Albany GA
Hilton Garden Inn Albany
Red Roof Inn & Suites Albany, GA

Red Roof Inn & Suites Albany, GA

2 out of 5
1400 Dawson Road Albany GA
Red Roof Inn & Suites Albany, GA
Noble Suites

Noble Suites

2 out of 5
911 E Oglethorpe Blvd Albany GA
Noble Suites
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Albany by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Albany by IHG

2.5 out of 5
2713 Pointe North Blvd Albany GA
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Albany by IHG
Hotel Inn Albany

Hotel Inn Albany

2.5 out of 5
406 W Oglethorpe Blvd Albany GA
Hotel Inn Albany
Baymont by Wyndham Albany at Albany Mall

Baymont by Wyndham Albany at Albany Mall

2.5 out of 5
2720 Dawson Rd Albany GA
Baymont by Wyndham Albany at Albany Mall
Beautiful Private 3 Bedroom Home

Beautiful Private 3 Bedroom Home

Albany GA
Beautiful Private 3 Bedroom Home
Luxury Inn by OYO Albany

Luxury Inn by OYO Albany

2.5 out of 5
201 Thornton Dr Albany GA
Luxury Inn by OYO Albany
See all 174 properties in Albany State University
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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