I'm a 20 year old male college student living in Kennesaw, Georgia. I
have never had any previous training in martial arts, but have a
desire to start. I'm interested learning how I can start receiving
training at a beginning level, at my age. I'm also concerned about the
efficacy of the trainers. I hate to be a generalizer, but it seems
like a lot of different training centers I've seen in places I've
lived looked... like they were just trying to capitalize on the
popularity of martial arts in the media. How can I tell which ones are
serious about training? 
Also, I don't know which type of martial arts to
train in. I know different school of it focus on different
things, like kicking and punching, or throwing and grappling. I would
like a recommendation on what is available to me. I would be
interested in training in punching and kicking, as well as weapons
training, such as swords, staves or nunchaku. Please limit my options
to within a 30 minute drive. If you could give me an idea of the
pricing for training as well, if not for the specific places, then in
general, that would be great. If this question is out of the scope of
the price range, I would be glad to arrange a suitable tip. Thanks
very much in advance.

Even within the same marital art, different instructors will teach
differently and will emphasize different aspects of the art.  I think
the best advice would be to check out all of the instructors in your
area.  Ask if you can sit in on a class, or get some kind of
short-term introductory rate.  Like buying a car, I recommend checking
several before you make a decision.  Finding an instructor you enjoy
working with is probably more important than which martial art you
choose.

There is some really good information here:
http://www.natkd.com/selecting_a_school.htm

Go to KarateforChrist.com that might be something you will interested
in. the classed are usually inexpensive. The quality of instruction
should be better than comercial dojo's