Online colleges make earning a degree more obtainable for many learners. Schools that offer online programs often attract talented enrollees from across the U.S. and sometimes the world. A well-educated workforce benefits businesses and contributes significantly to the local, national, and global economy.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that bachelor's degree-holders earn higher median salaries ($1,250 per week) than associate-trained workers ($890 per week) or individuals with some college but no degree ($880 per week). Bachelor's degree-holders also benefit from a lower unemployment rate of only 2.2% versus 2.7% for associate-trained employees and 3.3% for workers with some college but no degree.
Online colleges in Georgia typically require distance and on-campus students to fulfill the same requirements. Read on to learn more about the best online colleges in Georgia.
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Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
FAQs
Yes. Online programs offered by regionally accredited institutions are covered under the school's accreditation.
Several factors impact the cost of an online or on-campus degree. Online enrollees generally save on added living and transportation costs and onsite fees.
The HOPE Career Grant (formerly Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant) offers free tuition for Georgia residents enrolling in one of the approved programs of study. Approved programs include early childhood care, health science, and practical nursing.
Yes. Colleges and universities offering online versions of on-campus degrees typically follow only one curriculum for both programs, so the rigor and education quality remain the same.
Top Colleges in Georgia
Recognized as the second-largest school in the University of Georgia System, KSU offers online degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels through its campus in Kennesaw, Georgia.
KSU's online programs include bachelor's degrees in business administration, criminal justice, geography, information technology, integrative studies, political science, psychology, and sociology. The university also offers online master's degrees in education, arts, and science, and online doctoral degrees in instructional technology, and teacher leadership. KSU provides online students with the same courses and support services offered to campus-based students.
KSU accepts up to 30 semester hours or 50 quarter hours transferred from other institutions. Applicants must submit all transcripts of records, plus scores on the ACT or SAT. KSU requires a minimum 2.5 GPA as well. Kennesaw State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Located in Carrollton, Georgia, UWG offers online and hybrid degrees in the undergraduate, master's, specialist, certification, and doctoral programs.
UWG's online programs consist of undergraduate and master's degrees in accounting, criminology, economics, education, management, marketing, nursing, political science, and sociology. UWG also offers fully online doctoral programs in higher education administration, nursing education, professional counseling and supervision, and school improvement. Students may study online or in a hybrid format.
Requirements for transfer students vary depending on how many credits they want to transfer. All applicants must mail their official transcripts of records to UWG's Office of Admissions and pay a $40 application fee. The University of West Georgia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Based in Morrow, Georgia, CSU offers online degree programs providing the same quality and rigor as the school's on-campus programs.
CSU offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting, administrative management, archival studies, general business, homeland security, liberal studies, management, marketing, nursing, political science and government studies, and supply chain management. CSU's online programs entail more affordable tuition rates and individualized technical support from the school's communications and technology services.
Interested applicants must fill out an online application form or download a paper application. They must also pay a $40 application fee. All applicants should submit official ACT or SAT scores, along with their high school transcripts or GED scores. Clayton State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
A public university based in Statesboro, Georgia, Georgia Southern offers flexible online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, providing students with the opportunity to earn their degrees anywhere in the world.
Georgia Southern's online programs include bachelor's degrees in modern languages, interdisciplinary studies, information technology, criminal justice and criminology, and nursing. Georgia Southern's graduate studies department also offers online master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certification programs in the areas of accounting, business administration, computer science, education, engineering, public health, and sports management.
Transfer students should have earned at least 30 transferable credits from regionally accredited postsecondary institutions. Georgia Southern does not require ACT or SAT scores from applicants. Prospective students must complete an application form and submit all transcripts of records. Georgia Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
An art and design college located in Savannah, Georgia, SCAD offers online learning programs and degrees at both the bachelor's and master's levels.
SCAD offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in advertising, animation, creative business leadership, design management, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interactive design and game development, interior design, motion media design, painting, photography, and writing. SCAD's online courses require no specific meeting times, allowing students to access the lessons anytime.
Interested applicants to SCAD's online degrees must first meet the technical requirements for online classes. Applicants should submit all official transcripts of records and reports of ACT or SAT scores, along with evidence of English proficiency and a $60 application fee. Savannah College of Art and Design is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
What Are the Goals of an Online Degree?
Like online colleges in other states, online colleges in Georgia maintain the same standards of quality and rigor as brick-and-mortar schools. A diploma for an online program does not mention the mode of delivery. Some educators observe that online students often need greater discipline and determination since they are responsible for more aspects of the learning process on their own.
Several colleges and universities offer online programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students looking for short certification programs to refresh their skills or meet licensure or job requirements can discover many such programs available online.
Why Get an Online Degree?
Online enrollees often cite affordability and flexibility as the two main reasons for pursuing a degree off campus. See below for a few benefits of enrolling in an online program.
- Multiple Starting Dates
- Many online colleges in Georgia follow a rolling admission policy and offer multiple starting dates, enabling learners to enroll as soon as they receive admission to a program.
- Accelerated Pace
- Many online programs follow eight-week delivery schedules rather than the traditional 16-week schedule. Students can enroll in twice as many units in the same amount of time, completing their program and entering the workforce sooner.
- Flexible Schedule
- Online classes sometimes run asynchronously, allowing enrollees to access course materials and complete assignments at their convenience.
- Increased Degree Options
- The opportunity to pursue a degree not offered at a local college or university increases a student's professional options after graduation.
- More Affordability
- Even if schools maintain the same tuition for their off-campus and on-campus programs, online enrollees still save on additional living and transportation costs. Additionally, they often gain access to many of the financial aid programs available to their onsite counterparts.
What Are the Requirements for an Online School?
Most Georgia online colleges require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters. STEM programs often require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Schools offering programs in specialized fields, such as the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), also require applicants to submit a portfolio of their work.
Culminating activities for many online colleges in Georgia include passing a comprehensive exam or completing a capstone project. SCAD requires students to submit a piece of artwork in their area of professional interest.
Scholarships for Online Students
Many online colleges make scholarship opportunities available to their off-campus and on-campus enrollees. In addition, online students can explore financial aid programs from state and local agencies, professional associations, and private nonprofit organizations. See below for some scholarship opportunities for students pursuing a degree at an online college in Georgia.
HOPE Grant Program
Who Can Apply: The Georgia Student Finance Commision (GSFC) welcomes applications from Georgia residents pursuing an undergraduate degree at an eligible two-year or four-year college in the state. Applicants must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA throughout their enrollment in the program. GSFC accepts applications from part-time and full-time students.
Amount: Varies
Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: More than 200 accredited colleges and universities throughout nine southern states (including Georgia) help administer this grant program specifically for female college students. The program maintains a special interest in the health education field, although applicants who meet other criteria and pursue a degree in a non-health arena can also apply. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Amount: Varies
NACME Scholars Program
Who Can Apply: The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering Scholars Program provides financial aid to minority students enrolled in an engineering or computer science program at a partner university. Applicants need a cumulative 2.8 GPA or higher and must be of African American, American Indian, or Latino descent.
Amount: Varies