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.
Quality Inn Ashburn

Quality Inn Ashburn

2.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $266, price is now $196 per person
$196
per person
Mar 7 - Mar 12
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Baltimore (BWI) to Albany (ABY)
7.8/10 Good! (944 reviews)
Clean rooms, good breakfast and price.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Hampton Inn Adel

Hampton Inn Adel

2.5 out of 5
Price was $654, price is now $642 per person
$642
per person
Mar 5 - Mar 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to Albany (ABY)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Hotel was very nice. Wonderful having a dog park there. Dog fee is ridiculous. Won’t stay again because of that.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

Rodeway Inn

Rodeway Inn

2 out of 5
Price was $582, price is now $574 per person
$574
per person
Mar 5 - Mar 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to Albany (ABY)
7.2/10 Good! (140 reviews)
Clean very nice staff

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025

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

4/5(38 reviews)

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

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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

3.5/5(10 reviews)

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

4/5(8 reviews)

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

3.5/5(19 reviews)

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

Hilton Garden Inn Albany

Hilton Garden Inn Albany

3 out of 5
101 S Front St Albany GA
Hilton Garden Inn Albany
Merry Acres Inn

Merry Acres Inn

2.5 out of 5
1500 Dawson Rd Albany GA
Merry Acres Inn
Noble Suites

Noble Suites

2 out of 5
911 E Oglethorpe Blvd Albany GA
Noble Suites
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
Hotel Inn Albany

Hotel Inn Albany

2.5 out of 5
406 W Oglethorpe Blvd Albany GA
Hotel Inn Albany
Motel 6 Albany, GA

Motel 6 Albany, GA

2 out of 5
2719 Pointe North Blvd Albany GA
Motel 6 Albany, GA
Regent Motel

Regent Motel

2 out of 5
840 W Oglethorpe Blvd Albany GA
Regent Motel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Albany GA

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Albany GA

3 out of 5
2735 Dawson Rd Albany GA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Albany GA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Albany, GA

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Albany, GA

2.5 out of 5
2809 Nottingham Way Albany GA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Albany, GA
See all 172 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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