Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
Thinking about going to college in Georgia? If you want to attend college in the Peach State, here’s the good news: You’ll probably pay less than you would in most other states. The average tuition at a public four-year college in Georgia costs nearly $2,000 less than the national average tuition rate.
Top-ranked colleges have campuses in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and throughout the state. Discover why you should choose online colleges in Georgia, learn what they cost, and what careers are available to graduates.
Why Consider Online Colleges in Georgia?
- In Georgia, there are many high-quality colleges and universities that offer online programs.
- An online program can give you the flexibility to balance work and other obligations.
- Online college is often more affordable than an on-campus program.
- Tuition and fees in Georgia run an average of $7,525 — well below the national average of $9,375.
- Compared to the national average, Georgia has a low unemployment rate.
- The University of Georgia System offers a huge catalog of online degrees.
Did You Know…
- With an estimated cost of $28,536 per year for in-state students, Georgia Institute of Technology ranks as the most expensive public four-year college.
- Georgia’s civil labor force is 5.2 million people strong as of October 2022.
- Orthopedic surgeons (not pediatric) rake in the most money in Georgia, with an average annual salary of $381,830.
- Atlanta ranks as the city with the largest workforce in the state.
- Workers in Georgia make an average annual salary of $53,940.
Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $185
Out-of-State | $185
Credits to Graduate: 120
Kennesaw State University offers 15 online bachelor's degree programs. You can choose from fully online programs like marketing, computer game design, or industrial engineering technology.
Kennesaw State is among just 6% of U.S. colleges to receive a Carnegie doctoral R2 research institution designation.
To meet admission requirements, you must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 with qualifying SAT or ACT scores. Test scores are optional if you have a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- In-State$4,450
- Out-of-state$15,704
- In-State$5,238
- Out-of-state$19,188
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled42,899
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $185
Out-of-State | $654
Credits to Graduate: 120
Georgia State University is an Atlanta-based public research university. The average salary for alumni within five years of graduation is $55,300.
The school offers online associate and bachelor's degree programs in anthropology, homeland security, and political science. It also offers several online degree completion programs.
To apply, simply send transcripts along with your Georgia State application. Optionally, you can also submit test scores, a 250-650-word essay, and letters of recommendation.
- In-State$7,158
- Out-of-state$22,389
- In-State$7,164
- Out-of-state$22,662
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled36,973
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of West Georgia
- Carrollton, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $182
Out-of-State | $182
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of West Georgia offers a number of partially and fully online programs in accounting, economics, and political science.
UWG also partners with the University System of Georgia public institutions, offering additional online eMajors like organizational leadership, criminal justice, and financial technology. To take an eMajor, you must first be accepted to the school and take an eMajor introduction quiz.
An eMajor comes with online tutoring and personal success coaching. Tuition rates for eMajors are $199 per credit hour. You must submit transcripts and test scores along with your application.
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,426
- In-State$4,338
- Out-of-state$16,830
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled12,687
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Clayton State University
- Morrow, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $170
Out-of-State | $170
Credits to Graduate: 120
At Clayton State University, you can major in supply chain management, psychology and human services, and government and law. While CSU offers most courses in a standard 16-week format, some courses follow a condensed 8-week format.
Online courses at CSU also vary in flexibility. Some will require you to attend scheduled online meetings, while others are asynchronous and allow you to complete them independently.
You don't need to submit standardized test scores with your application if you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- In-State$4,064
- Out-of-state$14,786
- In-State$5,513
- Out-of-state$11,232
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled6,817
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Savannah College of Art and Design
- Savannah, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $914
Out-of-State | $914
Credits to Graduate: 120
Savannah College of Art and Design is an option for you if you're interested in applying fine arts to an increasingly digital world. There are 8 undergraduate majors available online. You can choose to study motion media design, game development, or dramatic writing.
Courses at SCAD are taught on a quarter system, and a normal academic year will have three quarters. You can transfer up to two years of college credits from another institution.
- In-State$38,340
- Out-of-state$38,340
- In-State$39,240
- Out-of-state$39,240
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled15,636
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $299
Out-of-State | $299
Credits to Graduate: 120
First founded in 1906 as a women's college, Valdosta State University got its current name in 1950 after becoming a coeducational institution.
The school offers 12 fully online undergraduate degrees. With an 8-week course format, you can finish your degree in less time, even with a part-time course load. Majors options include workforce education, criminal justice, and world languages like Spanish or French.
If you have a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher, you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,426
- In-State$4,572
- Out-of-state$16,470
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled11,557
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Mercer University
- Macon, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 120
As a graduate of Mercer University, you'll join the ranks of Pulitzer Prize winners, New York Times best-selling authors, Hollywood screenwriters, and other notable alumni such as Nancy Grace.
At Mercer University, you can choose from a number of fully online bachelor's degrees, completion programs, and certificate programs such as database design, nursing, and supply chain management.
Some courses are available in an 8-week format. Bachelor's in education programs are available in a blended format, mixing synchronous and asynchronous online courses with some limited in-person attendance.
- In-State$29,024
- Out-of-state$29,024
- In-State$15,244
- Out-of-state$15,244
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled9,009
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Columbus State University
- Columbus, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $182
Out-of-State | $643
Credits to Graduate: 120
Columbus State University boasts a $247 million economic impact. For Georgia residents, there are 13 bachelor's programs to choose from, including finance, international business, and management information systems. Five of these programs are available in all U.S. states and territories.
To meet admissions requirements, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA for high school and meet SAT and ACT requirements. If you have a 3.0 or higher, the test score requirement is waived.
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,425
- In-State$6,300
- Out-of-state$11,394
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled7,898
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Albany State University
- Albany, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $169
Out-of-State | $169
Credits to Graduate: 120
Albany State University offers 5 online bachelor's programs in subjects like management, nursing, and criminal justice. It also offers a number of associate and certificate programs that can be completed in less than one year. All students have the option to complete the first two years of their college experience online, thanks to ASU's eCore program.
To meet admission requirements, you must have a high school GPA of at least 2.0. Submit official test scores and transcripts with your application. If you don't submit test scores, you can be admitted to the school's access to pathway program.
- In-State$4,064
- Out-of-state$14,786
- In-State$3,438
- Out-of-state$13,716
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled6,297
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Middle Georgia State University
- Macon, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $114
Out-of-State | $114
Credits to Graduate: 120
Middle Georgia State University offers online certificate, associate, and bachelor's programs in aviation science, criminal justice, health services administration, and more. MGA Online offers most of its courses in an 8-week format, allowing you to complete your degree quickly even if you can't attend full-time.
To apply, you must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 and meet reading and math proficiency requirements through ACT, SAT, or other standardized tests.
- In-State$2,728
- Out-of-state$10,075
- In-State$3,582
- Out-of-state$12,492
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled7,843
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
How Does Accreditation Work for Online Schools in Georgia?
Accreditation helps to set reputable online schools in Georgia apart from the rest. When it comes to accreditation, there is institutional and programmatic accreditation, and both are voluntary processes.
Nationally accredited schools have been evaluated by independent accrediting associations, which measure education outcomes and curriculum quality. This process gives you confidence in the value of your education. Employers and other postsecondary institutions also recognize accreditation as important.
In Georgia, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional accreditor that certifies institutions to award degrees.
How Much Do Online Universities in Georgia Cost?
Georgia offers cheaper college tuition than the national average. In the 2020-2021 school year, students at public four-year colleges paid an average of $7,525 for tuition and fees and $11,186 for room and board. For private institutions, students paid $30,380 in tuition and fees.
Your residency status can affect how much tuition you’ll pay. Out-of-state residents at public institutions paid an average of $23,430 in the 2020-2021 school year for tuition and fees —$15,905 more than in-state students.
Some online colleges in Georgia waive residency requirements if you study online. Studying online saves money on campus fees, parking, and gas.
You can help pay for your education by submitting the FAFSA. The information you submit determines how much you qualify for federal loans and grants.
6 Popular Cities for Accredited Online Colleges in Georgia
You can narrow your search for a college by city. Perhaps you want a college in the heart of Atlanta or a quieter campus in Marietta. Georgia’s cities offer benefits for each student, even if you plan to study online.
Depending on your major, you may need to commute to campus for labs, occasional classes, or social events.
- 1
Athens
This city is home to the Georgia Bulldogs from the University of Georgia, which was founded in 1785. Other major employers are headquartered in Athens, including Athens Regional Health System and Caterpillar Inc. - 2
Atlanta
The capital of Georgia hosts top universities and colleges that draw students from across the country and internationally, like Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Spelman College. Atlanta has more than 30 public and private four- and two-year colleges. - 3
Columbus
From Fort Benning to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus offers much in the way of sightseeing. Students come to Columbus to major in nursing, criminal justice and safety studies, and business. - 4
Marietta
With a workforce of 36,140, Marietta’s top industries include Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, the Cobb County government, and WellStar Health System. Marietta also boasts one of Georgia’s most famous museums: the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. - 5
Savannah
Savannah’s history dates back to 1789, making it the oldest city in Georgia. Major industries in Savannah include retail and wholesale, business services, manufacturing, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality. - 6
Valdosta
This town, established in 1825, is home to Valdosta State University. Valdosta also features six historic districts. Students come to Valdosta to study arts, business, education, health professions, humanities, science and technology, and trades and personal services.
On-Campus Programs in Georgia
Online colleges in Georgia offer convenience and flexibility — a major advantage if you have family or career obligations. That said, in-person programs offer benefits as well.
Going to college as a traditional on-campus student gives you a more personal education, social opportunities, and direct access to campus events and resources. The campus experience is especially important if you learn best through personal interaction in a physical classroom.
Institutions like Georgia Southern University and Kennesaw State University have countless clubs, fraternities, and sororities to connect you with other students. The University of Georgia also offers a vibrant community of 40,118 students and a beautiful 767-acre campus within walking distance of downtown Athens.
Popular Degree Programs in Georgia
What Are the Fastest-Growing Jobs in Georgia?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average job growth rate in the United States is 7.7%, with employers projected to add about 11.9 million positions from 2020-2031.
In Georgia, employment for nurse practitioners and flight attendants will soar past the national average. Other fast-growing occupations include occupational therapy assistants, physical therapist assistants, and sound engineering technicians.
| Job | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 79% | $123,780 |
| Flight Attendants | 72% | $61,640 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | 65% | $26,390 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 64% | $85,570 |
| Restaurant Cooks | 61% | $27,770 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 58% | $59,510 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 49% | $205,610 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports Professionals | 46% | $51,710 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | 46% | $81,370 |
| Massage Therapists | 45% | $40,080 |
Sources: Projections Central, BLS
