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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 and 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?
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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.
Explore Our Featured Online Programs
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.
Top 10 Online Colleges in Georgia
Read About Our Methodology Here
These rankings include
#1 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $185
Out of State | $185
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctoral
KSU, which began as a junior college in 1963, features 27 graduate degrees, 17 undergraduate degrees, and more than 80 virtual programs. You can also complete minors, certificates, and endorsements completely online.
Online learners can earn a doctor of education in teacher leadership, a master's in civil engineering, or a bachelor's in computer game design and development. KSU provides ample support for online students through orientation, financial aid, and academic advising.
During the first week of online studies, you can get career planning help from advisors who help with internships and job hunting.
#2 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $159
Out of State | $159
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctoral
UWG Online allows you to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees online, with the option to graduate faster by applying prior-learning credits for work experience or by testing out by exam.
Programs such as business, computer science, criminology, education, nursing, and sociology are available entirely or partially online. Based in Carrollton, UWG lets "transient students'' from other colleges take online courses.
Courses last 8-16 weeks, depending on whether you enroll part time or full time. Expect to complete individual and group activities and projects. Course schedules are flexible as long as you meet assignment and quiz deadlines.
#3 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Columbus State University
Columbus, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $182
Out of State | $642
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctoral
Columbus State is home to 39 online degrees and programs that offer personal collaboration with students, instructors, and potential employers through internships.
Online subject areas include applied computer science, business, criminal justice, nursing, and teacher leadership. Online courses also offer pathways to earn endorsements and certificates in fields such as business foundations and online teaching.
Online learners can expect to follow the campus schedule, beginning and ending at the same time as in-person courses.
#4 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Clayton State University
Morrow, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $159
Out of State | $159
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
At CSU, you can opt for self-paced study, choosing from among 22 online bachelor's and master's degrees in subjects like accounting, business administration, English, marketing, nursing, and supply chain management.
Accelerated courses take eight weeks, while other classes require a 16-week commitment. Studying online offers the same support services as on the university's Morrow campus, with access to tutors at the Center for Academic Success and writing help at the Writer's Studio. The Center for Advising and Retention also provides personal advisors for each student.
Online learning requires an up-to-date computer and software that meets technological standards. CSU offers a free Microsoft Office suite download to all students.
#5 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $869
Out of State | $869
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
SCADnow Online offers over 20 online art and design undergraduate and graduate degrees. You can major in subjects like advertising, animation, creative business leadership, design management, dramatic writing, fashion, painting, photography, and writing.
Online learning begins with a virtual orientation, through which you can explore the degree format and learn more about resources like the library, peer tutoring, and the Writers' Studio.
Online learners must meet all technological requirements. You can begin new courses every quarter. Courses generally have set times with asynchronous elements, such as discussions and recorded lectures.
#6 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Mercer University
Macon, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $1,314
Out of State | $1,314
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctoral
Mercer offers fully online bachelor's and master's degrees through the College of Professional Advancement, School of Business, and College of Education. You can also enroll in weekend and evening courses.
Online majors include accounting, elementary education, general business, health informatics, marketing, and software application development and human-computer interaction. Additionally, you can earn undergraduate and graduate certificates completely online.
The length of the program will vary depending on the major. For instance, a bachelor's in education features eight-week courses that blend synchronous and asynchronous coursework.
Interested online learners can attend a virtual open house. Prospective students must submit an online application and pay an application fee.
#7 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Thomas University
Thomasville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $450
Out of State | $450
Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor's, master's
At TU, busy students can pursue online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees without having to visit the campus in Thomasville.
You can earn a degree in business administration, computer systems management, homeland security, law enforcement, marketing, psychology, and nursing.
TU's transfer agreements with local two-year colleges and prior-credit learning policies allow students to graduate more quickly. You can earn up to 90 credits for military service, work experience, or credit by exam.
You need at least a 2.0 GPA to get admitted to an online degree program.
#8 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Georgia Southwestern State University
Americus, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $169
Out of State | $169
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
At GSW, you can study online to earn bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates. You can also complete an eCore course without transferring to GWS under an agreement with other SACSCOC-accredited institutions.
Fully online degrees include business administration, criminal justice, nursing, and nursing leadership. Courses may offer asynchronous learning or have some in-person requirements. For example, the 22-month master's in nursing degree requires 765 clinical hours.
Admission requirements vary. Certain programs, such as the bachelor of business administration with a concentration in marketing, may require you to live within 50 miles of campus and hold at least an associate degree to get admitted.
#9 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Albany State University
Albany, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $95-$300
Out of State | $359-$769
Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor's, master's
The Albany-based ASU features more than 60 online programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs.
You can pursue an online associate degree in subjects like computer science or psychology, or enroll in an online bachelor's program in criminal justice or nursing. Online master's programs focus on business administration, early childhood education, nursing, and social work, among other popular fields.
Studying online offers the chance to connect with advisors and support specialists — much like on-campus learning. You can also get help with academic writing through the Online Writing Center or virtually meet with a tutor.
#10 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia of 2023
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $1,033-$1,248
Out of State | $1,033-$1,248
Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral
Brenau, which has offered distance learning since 1998, has expanded its online catalog to more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, all of which you can complete without physically going to the campus in Gainesville.
Undergraduate majors include business administration, elementary education, liberal studies, and psychology. Graduate students can pursue a degree in accounting, education, and nursing. Most online courses last seven weeks, but exact formats vary by major.
Brenau uses a rolling admissions policy. Admission requirements differ depending on the degree and your level of education. Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA to get in.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Georgia
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, like active-duty military and employees of Georgia colleges.
Georgia features over 150 colleges and universities. The University System of Georgia has 30 schools alone. The majority of Georgia's schools also offer certificate programs and trade education.
Georgia offers free tuition to students preparing for jobs in in-demand fields through a program called HOPE. The list of eligible programs is nearly 17 pages long and includes disciplines like automotive technology, computer programming, nursing, plumbing, education, and health science. Interested students must complete the FAFSA and apply for a HOPE Career Grant.
The average cost of tuition and fees at a public college in Georgia was $7,525 for the 2020-2021 academic year. Tuition and fees in the state are 11.8% less in Georgia than at other colleges in the country. Gainesville State College provides the cheapest college education, costing just $3,248 in tuition and fees for Georgia residents.