Residents and out-of-state students can apply to online colleges in Georgia. Online colleges provide a flexible path to a degree. Learners can choose a major based on one of the state's fastest-growing industries, including financial technology and cybersecurity. Online programs in Georgia prepare graduates for various in-demand careers, such as nurse practitioner, physical therapist, or medical assistant.
The following article helps prospective students navigate Georgia online colleges. Read on for answers to common questions and information on how much Georgia colleges cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Georgia
How long do you have to live in Georgia to get in-state tuition?
Georgia public colleges define a resident as someone who has lived in the state for 12 consecutive months. Exemptions apply for some dependent students and members of other groups.
How many colleges and universities are in Georgia?
Georgia features dozens of colleges and universities. The University System of Georgia has 30 schools. Learners interested in private institutions can select from 31 colleges and universities.
Do Georgia residents go to college for free?
Georgia offers free tuition to degree-seekers preparing for jobs in in-demand fields. Relevant majors include computer programming, nursing, and health science. Interested students can apply for a HOPE Career Grant.
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Why Earn an Online Degree in Georgia?
Georgia residents with a college degree earn an average of about $850,000 more over their lifetime compared to residents with only a high school diploma. Professionals with a master's or doctorate make even more. Online colleges in Georgia can help students qualify for well-paying positions in one or more growing industries.
Many online programs in Georgia feature academic flexibility. Some programs let degree-seekers start classes immediately. Others run asynchronously, allowing learners to continue working while earning a degree.
How Much Does College Degree Cost in Georgia?
College in Georgia costs 11.8% less than the national average, according to EducationData.org. Many factors affect how much students pay for a degree, including program length and whether they attend a public or private school. Some online colleges in Georgia charge the same tuition to on-campus and online learners. Students pursuing a degree online benefit by not paying for campus housing or meals.
In-State Tuition in Georgia
In 2019-20, the typical Georgia resident attending a public school paid $7,457 in tuition and fees. Active-duty military personnel stationed on a Georgia base pay in-state tuition, regardless of residency.Out-of-State Tuition in Georgia
Out-of-state students spend an average of $23,167 annually in tuition and fees. However, these degree-seekers still saved money by not attending a private school. Out-of-state students can lower their expenses by researching schools that charge online learners in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency.State College Tuition
Georgia's 13 state colleges charge less than the state's private universities. In the 2021-22 school year, Atlanta Metropolitan State College charged residents $101 per credit. On-campus out-of-state enrollees paid $377. However, the school waives out-of-state tuition for online learners. Other Georgia state colleges may offer prospective enrollees the same benefit.Private College Tuition
In 2019-20, tuition and fees at private colleges in Georgia cost an average of $29,752. Some schools may charge much more. In 2021-22, Emory University in Atlanta charged full-time undergraduates $54,660 in tuition.
Additional Online Student Fees in Georgia
Online learners should plan for extra expenses, like materials, books, and graduation fees. Online colleges in Georgia may charge per-class or per-semester technology fees. These fees help fund online education services. Online students may need to buy a new computer to meet their school's technology requirements. Learners can save money by exploring student discounts.
Some graduates pursue professional certification. Students should budget for exam fees. Career advisors can provide information about certifications and how they affect career potential.
Top Careers in Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree
Online programs in Georgia prepare degree-seekers for various careers. The positions below pay salaries that exceed the national median salary for all occupations. Please note that these and related jobs may require additional education or training.
| Career | 2019 Edition - Georgia Wage Estimates | 2018-28 Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Managers | $133,400 | 1,620 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $115,000 | 610 |
| Marketing Managers | $136,100 | 850 |
| Human Resources Managers | $120,000 | 570 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $136,300 | 1,310 |
Georgia's Hot Careers in 2028, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Sales Managers
These professionals lead teams, resolve customer complaints, and research sales trends. They also create business plans and assign sales territories to staff. Sales managers specialize in either business-to-business or business-to-consumer sales. They often work in wholesale trade, retail trade, or the professional services industry.
Personal Financial Advisors
These advisors help clients make wise investment choices. They meet with clients, suggest investments, and monitor accounts. These professionals also research new investments and market themselves to prospective customers. Employers hire advisors with developed analytical, interpersonal, and sales skills. Personal financial advisors may qualify for management-level positions by earning an MBA or a similar degree.
Marketing Managers
These managers often work for advertising, public relations, or information firms. They create advertising media, plan promotional campaigns, and make their employer's website more attractive to clients. They also meet with clients and hire entry-level staff. Aspiring marketing managers may need professional experience and a degree.
Human Resource Managers
These workers develop plans to attract and retain employees. They handle staffing issues, interview applicants, and develop benefits plans. Experienced professionals may specialize in labor relations, payroll, or staffing. Many industries require these managers' expertise. Employers may reserve management positions for applicants with a master's or significant experience.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
These managers often work in the computer systems, finance, and insurance fields. They analyze their employer's computer needs, oversee hardware and software installation, and research new technologies. Job titles for managers include chief information officer, chief technology officer, and IT director. Professionals can enhance their career with a graduate degree.
Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2022
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Kennesaw State UniversityLocation
Kennesaw, GA
Tuition$17618
Graduation Rate43%
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).
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University of West GeorgiaLocation
Carrollton, GA
Tuition$15392
Graduation Rate42%
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).
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Clayton State UniversityLocation
Morrow, GA
Tuition$10326
Graduation Rate30%
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).
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Georgia Southern UniversityLocation
Statesboro, GA
Tuition$15435
Graduation Rate50%
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).
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Savannah College of Art and DesignLocation
Savannah, GA
Graduation Rate68%
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).