Georgia, like many southern states, has led the charge in integrating and promoting online education at the postsecondary level. With initiatives like GeorgiaVIEW, GeorgiaONmyLINE, and a number of state-sponsored online degrees, the state has proven itself to be remarkably innovative when it comes to pushing the boundaries of distance learning. Add to that its sterling membership in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and you have perhaps the top state to pursue a college education remotely.
Before we look at the best online colleges in Georgia for 2023, let’s investigate higher education in Georgia overall, as well as the organizations shaping online education in the state.
Featured Online Programs
A Brief Overview of Higher Education in Georgia
Georgia offers 29 public four-year learning institutions, 24 public two-year institutions, 36 nonprofit four-year institutions, and 41 for-profit institutions. In 2020, there were 547,389 students enrolled at degree-granting postsecondary institutions, which is the highest enrollment in the nation. Georgia’s variety of programs allows students to narrow down their research and make a choice that aligns with their goals.
in 2013, Georgia had 130 degree-granting institutions
- 53 public
- 36 non-profit
- 41 for-profit
In-state and out-of-state tuition typically varies at universities across the United States. Out-of-state students often see double or triple the tuition rates of in-state students. Currently, the average tuition for four-year in-state students in Georgia is $8,850. Georgia’s flagship university, the University of Georgia, features in-state tuition fees of $11,830 and out-of-state tuition fees of $30,404.
The price difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition often deters out-of-state students from enrolling in programs outside their state of residency, but with the various financial aid opportunities available, students can often still afford the difference. In 2015, Georgia students received $687,345,388 in grant financial aid without a need component. After filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid programs, students can subtract this number from their tuition cost to determine if enrolling is affordable.
The State of Online Higher Education in Georgia
There are many different accredited online colleges in Georgia that students can consider for their education. Noting enrollment trends is a great way for students to understand the state’s available online programs. In 2019, Georgia saw 163,086 undergraduate students and 44,551 graduate students enrolled in at least one online course. Also in 2019, Georgia had 61,468 undergraduate and 31,883 graduate students enrolled in strictly online courses. Of the exclusively online students, 73% of them were Georgia residents, 19% were from a different state, and 8% lived in another country.
Georgia ONmyLINE is a database of online courses and programs offered through the 29 accredited higher learning institutions within Georgia’s university system. Students who are ready to begin their online degrees or courses can access Georgia ONmyLINE to review important information regarding credit hours, tuition rates, and technical requirements. Georgia ONmyLINE’s course database allows students to search through thousands of online courses based on term, subject area, institution, degree level, and enrollment status. The Georgia WebMBA is an MBA program jointly offered by six different schools in Georgia’s university system. Georgia WeBSIT allows students to earn an IT degree online through several higher learning institutions in the state.
Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students
Out-of-state students at accredited online colleges in Georgia often see higher tuition rates than in-state students. Many students look for affordable education when considering their enrollment opportunities. SREB works with Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia to improve public education at every level, beginning at early childhood education and ending with doctoral education. Headquartered in Atlanta, SREB is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that began in 1948 and maintains its original focus to this day: attending to critical issues that promise quality improvement of life by advancing public education.
SREB’s Academic Common Market Electronic Campus (ACM/EC) program is a tuition-savings program for college students in SREB states who want to pursue degrees that are not offered by their in-state learning institutions. This program allows students to enroll in out-of-state institutions offering their program of choice and pay that institution’s in-state rates. There are hundreds of graduate and undergraduate programs available through this initiative. The ACM/EC program recognizes that it may not be practical for an institution or state to maintain degree programs in every field and removes the unnecessary duplication of academic programs among the participating states.
Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Below, you will find our rankings of the best online four-year programs in Georgia. Our profiles observe how schools approach online education and then list the services for distance students and their popular, fully online degrees. After reviewing the best online schools in GA, explore our state resources, like a database of every college and university in Georgia, or our index of popular in-state scholarships.
Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | Cost | Address & Contact Info | School Links | Acclaim for Online Programs | School Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | $$$$$ | 1000 Chastain Rd Kennesaw, GA 30144 (470) 578-6000 | School Website | Based just outside of Atlanta in the city of Kennesaw, KSU is a proud member of the University System of Georgia. The public college originally opened its doors in 1964 as a junior college and saw rapid growth almost immediately, eventually taking its current form of Kennesaw State University in 1996. KSU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs and exhibits particular strength in fields such as criminal justice, nursing, information technology, and sports management. KSU holds the distinction of one of the largest universities in both the Peach State and the U.S. in terms of enrollment. KSU is one of the best online colleges in Georgia accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university offers a variety of online programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, along with continuing education programs and individual online courses. KSU provides undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as computer engineering, education, business, and social sciences. Continuing education offerings include certificates in fields such as paralegal studies, transcription, real estate, and medical billing. KSU also holds membership in the Southern Regional Education Board Electronic Campus, which allows students to take online courses in additional areas. In most cases, KSU delivers online coursework asynchronously and without any on-campus requirements. Nevertheless, delivery method and admission requirements vary from program to program, as some courses use videoconferencing and synchronous learning. KSU aims to support its distance learners as much as possible and maintains an online student resource page. The school provides academic advising, an orientation, and a tour of online courses for prospective students. | ||
2 | Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls | $$$$$ | 107 Kincaid Drive Toccoa Falls, GA 30598 (706) 886-6831 | School Profile | Toccoa Falls College sits on one of the most picturesque campuses in the U.S., bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest and housing a 186-foot-high waterfall. TFC is also one of the best online colleges in Georgia accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Online programs at TFC include education plans and associate, certificate, and bachelor's programs. The school features program offerings in subjects like business, criminal justice, nursing, secondary education, Bible studies, counseling psychology, and ministry leadership. TFC strives to provide its online students with a more personal experience than peer institutions. Students who live within 40 miles of the campus can try out for TFC's varsity sports teams. These students may also serve in TFC's student government or attend any on-campus service opportunity, chapel service, group meeting, or special event. TFC also caters to nonresident working professionals by delivering coursework asynchronously and eliminating on-campus requirements in many of its online programs. To apply for admission to any TFC online program, students must submit transcripts, a personal testimony, and standardized test scores -- although certain students can earn a waiver from this requirement. A Christian-affiliated liberal arts college, TFC originally opened at the turn of the 20th century as a theological school. Throughout its history, the school overcame disasters such as a dam break and a fire only to emerge stronger on the other side. The school now offers more than 30 majors and 30 minors, dividing its programs into three schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Christian Ministries, and the School of Professional Studies. | ||
3 | Brenau University | Gainesville | $$$$$ | 500 Washington Street SE Gainesville, GA 30501-3668 (770) 534-6299 | School Profile | A private university based in Gainesville, Georgia, Brenau originally opened in 1878 as a women's college. The school's name combines the German and Latin words for "burn" and "gold," leading to Brenau's motto: "As gold refined by fire." While the school stays true to its roots as a place for women to receive higher education, Brenau now offers both coeducational enrollment and distance learning. Brenau's competitive online programs place the school near the top of the list of online colleges in Georgia. Brenau's online programs feature associate, bachelor's, graduate certificate, and master's offerings. Brenau offers approximately 40 programs online, including degrees in fields such as business, education, nursing, interior design, and communications. In its online programs, Brenau primarily focuses on catering to working professionals. The university delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously through Canvas, allowing students to fit courses around professional or familial obligations. Brenau's online programs generally do not require students to complete any on-campus requirements to graduate. Most of Brenau's online programs also run on accelerated formats, with each class lasting for seven weeks. The school caps enrollment in online courses at 20 students, ensuring small student-to-faculty ratios and plenty of individualized attention for each online student. Additionally, no matter how many courses online students take at Brenau, the school considers them full-time students and allows them to pursue both state and federal financial aid opportunities. As a private university, Brenau charges all online students the same tuition rate no matter where they live. Brenau considers itself a leader in online education, as the school began offering distance learning programs in 1999. The school also commits to constant improvement of its current distance learning programs and continues to create new online options for students. | ||
4 | University of West Georgia | Carrollton | $$$$$ | 1601 Maple St Carrollton, GA 30118-0001 (678) 839-5000 | School Profile | Originally created at the turn of the 20th century to provide higher education to rural youth, UWG now offers degrees to over 13,000 students nationwide. The university features advanced degrees and maintains an extensive distance learning presence, delivering online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a result, UWG earns a spot among the best universities offering online college courses in Georgia. Standout online programs at UWG include Ed.D. degrees in nursing education, higher education administration, school improvement, and professional counseling and supervision. Students can choose from bachelor's and master's degrees in areas such as sport management, education, business, nursing, computer science, and real estate. UWG also features online certificates and endorsements in areas including STEM education, program evaluation, and advertising. UWG aims to make its online programs as accessible and flexible as possible. Consequently, many of the school's online programs -- including the standout bachelor of science program in organizational leadership -- function as completion degrees that accept transfer credits and UWG's Credit by Prior Learning (CPL). The school typically awards CPL to students who are at least 25 years old with learning experiences relevant to a program's curriculum. UWG also allows high school students to earn dual enrollment credit through online courses while still completing their high school education. Students receive grants for these dual enrollment courses through the school's Move On When Ready program. UWG also caters to working professionals by delivering coursework asynchronously and eliminating on-campus requirements in many of its online programs. Additionally, UWG offers significant discounts to out-of-state students who exclusively take online courses. | ||
5 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | $$$$$ | Brannen Hall, Room 2015, 2670 Southern Drive Statesboro, GA 30460-8126 (912) 478-5391 | School Profile | A public, research-focused university based out of Statesboro, Georgia Southern delivers online programs in education, business, and healthcare-related fields. The university currently offers online programs at the bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels. This strong variety of online programs earns Georgia Southern a place among the top regionally accredited online colleges in Georgia, as the school boasts a seal of approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Standout online programs at Georgia Southern include the master's in business administration, various master's in education degrees, and the registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing program. The school also provides individual online courses in several different departments that do not offer fully online degrees. As a proud member of the University System of Georgia, Georgia Southern also provides students access to the comprehensive Georgia ONmyLINE platform. The platform includes access to online courses and resources for working professionals, various libraries and technology stores, and the Southern Regional Education Board Electronic Campus. Georgia Southern caters to working professionals and military students through its distance learning programs. Most of Georgia Southern's online programs deliver coursework asynchronously and eliminate on-campus requirements, allowing working professionals to fit courses into their schedules at their convenience. Furthermore, Georgia Southern boasts the infrastructure to support military students, including active-duty military, returned veterans, and their family members. The school operates Military Resource Centers on each of its campuses and boasts the distinction of a Military Friendly School six years running. Georgia Southern also offers unique military scholarships and certain tuition waivers to military members and their families. As such, Georgia Southern holds a claim to the title of the best Georgia military college online. | ||
6 | University of Georgia | Athens | $$$$$ | Administration Building Athens, GA 30602 (706) 542-3000 | School Profile | Based in the town of Athens, the University of Georgia styles itself as the Peach State's flagship university. Founded less than a decade after the Revolutionary War in 1785, UGA often claims the title of oldest public university in the nation, sharing the distinction with the University of North Carolina and The College of William & Mary. The university currently offers approximately 140 different programs housed within 17 different colleges. UGA is also one of the best online colleges in Georgia accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university's collection of distance learning programs includes certificates, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and individual courses. Online degrees at UGA feature more popular areas like education and business in addition to specialized fields such as workforce education, foods and nutrition, avian health and medicine, food technology, and financial planning. UGA primarily delivers online coursework asynchronously through its proprietary eLearning Commons (eLC) platform. Prospective students can view a demonstration of eLC on the UGA website. The school strives to keep its online classroom intimate and hopes to foster plenty of student-faculty interaction. To achieve that goal, the school keeps online class sizes small. UGA also strives to make its online programs accessible to both working professionals and military students. Consequently, many of the school's online degrees eliminate in-person requirements, saving students trips to campus. Moreover, the school operates a Student Veterans Resource Center to meet the needs of military students. UGA also holds Top 10 Military Friendly School status. | ||
7 | Columbus State University | Columbus | $$$$$ | 4225 University Ave Columbus, GA 31907-5645 (706) 507-8800 | School Profile | Located on the western border of Georgia in the city of Columbus, Columbus State originally opened as a junior college in the mid-20th century on the site of a former hosiery mill. Since then, Columbus State expanded and rebranded, finding a new home in midtown Columbus and offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in nearly 100 different fields. The school also serves as a hub for internationals, welcoming students from all over the globe -- including countries such as Japan, Germany, and India. In recent years, Columbus State became one of the best online colleges in Georgia accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Columbus State's group of online programs currently includes endorsements, certificates, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. The school's distance learning programs include degrees in business, communications, nursing, computer science, education, and public administration. Realizing that many of its online students work full time, Columbus State delivers the majority of its online coursework asynchronously through CougarVIEW, a proprietary version of the Desire2Learn platform. Many of the school's asynchronous programs also eliminate on-campus requirements, allowing for maximum flexibility. Other online programs at Columbus State use hybrid or blended learning models, providing a better fit for online students who live locally. These programs range from 1-50% online to 51-94% online, with programs offering 95% or more of course materials through distance learning. Out-of-state students who want to enroll in a program at Columbus State should first check the school's state authorization page to make sure they can complete their chosen program in their home state. Columbus State openly admits that its ability to offer online programs to out-of-state students "may be limited." | ||
8 | Albany State University | Albany | $$$$$ | 504 College Drive Albany, GA 31705 (229) 430-4600 | School Profile | Albany State is one of the most historic universities in Georgia where students can take online college courses. The school holds the titles of largest historically black university in the Peach State and member school in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Joseph Winthrop Holley -- the son of two former slaves -- founded Albany State at the turn of the 20th century, inspired by the writings of W.E.B. Dubois in "The Souls of Black Folk." The school eventually became a part of the University System of Georgia and played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Currently, Albany State offers both undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on professional education and the liberal arts. The school also reaches students beyond the borders of Georgia through its collection of distance learning programs. Albany State features online certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. Degree fields include computer science, criminal justice, biology, addiction counseling, and dental hygiene. As a member of the University System of Georgia, Albany State also boasts access to the Southern Regional Education Board Electronic Campus and the Georgia ONmyLINE platform, both of which help round out the school's distance learning offerings. Many of the students who enroll in Albany State's online programs continue to work full time. As such, the school aims to maximize flexibility, delivering much of its online coursework asynchronously and eliminating on-campus requirements in many programs. The school also aims to support its distance learners through dedicated academic advising and a collection of resources that includes orientations, a writing center, and a math center. | ||
9 | Clayton State University | Morrow | $$$$$ | 2000 Clayton State Boulevard Morrow, GA 30260-0285 (678) 466-4000 | School Profile | Located less than 15 miles south of downtown Atlanta, Clayton State celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016. Statewide, the school is renown for Spivey Hall, an on-campus venue for chamber music. The school offers undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences, business, health, and information science in addition to various graduate programs. Clayton State also maintains an extensive online division that the school created to cater to the needs of working professionals. All of Clayton State's online programs deliver coursework asynchronously through BrightSpace, maximizing flexibility and allowing students to construct their own schedules. Online courses last either eight or 16 weeks. The university offers just under 20 online programs, including bachelor's degrees in business, nursing, dental hygiene, homeland security, and various liberal arts fields. Students can also complete master's programs in nursing, business administration, and archival studies online. As such, Clayton State is one of the best online colleges in Georgia accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Transfer students can earn admission to any of Clayton State's online programs if they submit evidence of 30 completed college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Non-transfer applicants need only submit proof of a high school diploma. All students who only take online courses receive a discounted eTuition rate. As Clayton State serves primarily the Peach State, out-of-state students should check the school's state authorizations page to find out program availability in their home state. Once accepted to Clayton State, distance learners gain access to several resources. The Center for Academic Success provides students with one-on-one tutoring by appointment. The Writer's Studio helps students revise and refine papers for courses. Additionally, the Center for Advising and Retention provides each Clayton State student with a personal adviser to help them navigate the rigors and challenges of college and distance learning. | ||
10 | Valdosta State University | Valdosta | $$$$$ | 1500 N Patterson St Valdosta, GA 31698 (229) 333-5800 | School Profile | Based in the city of Valdosta, Georgia, Valdosta State University originally opened as a regional teacher's college in the early 20th century. The school transformed into a women's college after a decade of operation, eventually becoming coeducational in 1950 and a university in 1993. In the past decade, the school released data demonstrating an enrollment of more than 13,000 students that included individuals from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and all 157 counties in Georgia. Valdosta State expands its nationwide presence while staying true to its traditional roots through its online division, which consists of plenty of education-related programs. Students can complete several degree paths online at Valdosta State, including associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees -- in addition to various certificates and endorsements. Degree fields include the arts and sciences, business, health professions, STEM, humanities, communications, and social and behavioral sciences. This diversity makes Valdosta State one of the best online colleges in Georgia accredited regionally. Students can accelerate their progress toward an online degree through Valdosta State's SmartPath Core, which allows students to complete all core courses required for a non-science bachelor's degree in three semesters. Valdosta State also holds membership in the Southern Regional Education Board Electronic Campus and the Georgia ONmyLINE platforms, which provide students with access to additional distance learning programs. Students who strictly take online courses receive Valdosta State's discounted eTuition. All students pay the same base eTuition rate no matter where they live. The school delivers all of its online coursework asynchronously, aiming to fit higher education into the schedules of working professionals. | ||
11 | Mercer University | Macon | $$$$$ | 1400 Coleman Avenue Macon, GA 31207 (478) 301-2700 | School Profile | Operating a central campus in Macon in addition to several satellite campuses throughout the state, Mercer University opened its doors in 1833, making it the oldest private college in Georgia. Mercer consists of 12 different schools and offers programs in fields such as pharmacy, law, the arts and sciences, engineering, nursing, medicine, business, and education. The Bears, the university's basketball team, also earned national acclaim for its NCAA tournament victory over perennial powerhouse Duke in 2014, a massive upset at the time. Mercer also excels in distance education, as it is one of the only private universities to offer online college courses in Georgia. Mercer currently offers 36 of its programs online. Mercer's online programs primarily focus on professional studies and continuing education, catering to working professionals. Consequently, each of these programs delivers coursework asynchronously, allowing professionals to work full time and still fit higher education into their busy schedules. Furthermore, all 36 programs eliminate on-campus requirements, allowing out-of-state students to earn a degree without sacrificing their schedules. Online programs at Mercer include bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as software engineering, social services, education, business, health informatics, and criminal justice. For students who live closer to campus, Mercer offers 37 programs through a hybrid/blended learning model that requires some on-campus coursework. Prospective students can attend several admissions events -- both in Atlanta and online -- to learn more about the distance learning programs at Mercer. All applicants to undergraduate online programs at Mercer must submit evidence of a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.25. Graduate admissions requirements vary from program to program. As a private university, Mercer charges all online students the same base tuition no matter where they live. | ||
12 | Shorter University | Rome | $$$$$ | 315 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 (706) 291-2121 | School Profile | A private, Georgia Baptist-affiliated liberal arts school based in Rome, Shorter University originally opened as a women's college in the late 19th century. The school since evolved into a coeducational institution and maintains a distinct focus on working professionals. Faith also remains a central element of Shorter, as all faculty members must sign a "Personal Lifestyle Statement" that governs their behavior according to certain Christianity-based principles (drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, etc.). Shorter University's online programs serve as an extension of the school's focus on nontraditional education. The school is one of the strongest online colleges in Georgia accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Shorter currently offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online. Degree fields include Christian studies, business, criminal justice, sport management, human services, accountancy, and nonprofit management. Shorter primarily delivers online program coursework asynchronously and allows working professionals to fit courses around their professional and familial obligations. Shorter's online programs also eliminate on-campus requirements, providing additional flexibility and convenience for students. Prospective students with less than 24 college credits must submit evidence of an ACT score of 19 or better, an SAT score of at least 450 on each section, and a minimum GPA of 2.25. Transfer applicants must submit transcripts demonstrating a minimum 2.0 GPA. Due to limited program availability in some states, prospective students should check the university's state authorizations page to make sure they can complete their program in their home state. | ||
13 | Thomas University | Thomasville | $$$$$ | 1501 Millpond Rd Thomasville, GA 31792 (800) 538-97841000 | School Profile | Located in Thomasville, TU is a prestigious online college in Georgia accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university aims to lead the nation in engaging, innovative programs built for the Information Age by offering over 40 degrees through face-to-face, hybrid, and completely online coursework. Students can earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online at TU. The school offers majors in mental health and rehabilitation counseling, business administration, medical laboratory science, and more. TU also gives distance learners the option to earn a dual master of science in nursing and master's in business administration degree online. Students may choose from a selection of courses spanning 5-week to 16-week sessions, available throughout the fall, spring, and summer semesters. TU welcomes students with course credits gained from experiential learning, a policy designed specifically for nontraditional learners with field experience in nursing, criminal justice, or oral communication. Students may also take a computer proficiency exam worth three credits that fulfills a core prerequisite course in computer/software expertise. The school participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. Online students enjoy access to support services including orientation, training, and tech support for Canvas, ProctorU, Zoom, and the TU student portal. Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts or a GED equivalent with a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission consideration. TU does not require SAT or ACT scores, but students can submit them with their applications. Though graduate admissions vary by program, most require a minimum 3.0 GPA, and all require submission of undergraduate transcripts. TU honors transfer credits for active-duty military personnel and veterans from all branches of the U.S. military. | ||
14 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega | $$$$$ | 82 College Cir Dahlonega, GA 30597 (706) 864-1400 | School Website | Formed by the consolidation of two of Georgia's top-performing colleges in 2013, UNG is a premier Georgia military college online. The university offers a nationally recognized Army ROTC program and remains one of only six U.S. institutions with the federal senior military college designation. UNG also receives community engagement classification through the Carnegie Foundation. UNG offers more than 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees -- as well as certificates -- through its Distance Education and Technology Integration division. Fields of study include nursing, public administration, and criminal justice. Undergraduate students can fulfill all core requirements entirely online through UNG's eCore system. Distance learners may choose to customize their curriculum to include both face to face and online courses or complete their programs completely online. Undergraduate students applying to UNG should possess a minimum 2.0 GPA and submit SAT or ACT scores that meet minimum requirements. Graduate applicants are granted admission into UNG based on program requirements. UNG maintains compliance with state regulations according to the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. The university offers a variety of institutional scholarships, including those specifically for Reserve Officer Training Corps and cadet students. UNG caters to online students with flexible scheduling options, affordable tuition rates, and a generous transfer policy. Distance learners can access learning support, tutoring, disability services, and the UNG Library alongside courses in the D2L platform. Students can also manage financial aid, registration, and student accounts through the Banner portal. UNG features an organization of online student ambassadors, promoting the engagement of online students in UNG-sponsored, off-campus activities. | ||
15 | Point University | West Point | $$$$$ | 507 West 10th Street West Point, GA 31833 (706) 385-1000 | School Profile | A liberal arts school on Georgia's western border, Point University provides Christ-centered academic programs. The university offers more than 40 online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Students may choose from several majors and fields, including accounting, information technology, and public health -- along with a selection of seminary programs. Point University offers both traditional and blended coursework. The university is one of the top online colleges in Georgia with regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Undergraduate applicants must hold at least a 3.0 GPA and submit high school transcripts; they must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Graduate students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit academic transcripts, a resume, and an essay -- along with fulfilling degree-specific prerequisites. Point University offers a generous transfer policy and special benefits for military students. Generally, the school's admissions board considers the transfer of up to 50% of required course credits for an associate degree, up to 67% of bachelor's degree credits, and up to 33% of the credits required for a master's degree. Active-duty military students and veterans may apply credits completed through the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Subject Tests and for military training. Point University's intranet serves as a hub for online support services, including academic advising, student counseling, and video tutorials. The intranet also links students to the online bookstore, tech support, and a spiritual formation subsite, which brings together a community of eight campus ministries. | ||
16 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | $$$$$ | Brannen Hall, Room 2015, 2670 Southern Drive Statesboro, GA 30460-8126 (912) 478-5391 | School Profile | Formerly known as Armstrong State University, GSU comprises nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The school serves a student body of nearly 26,500, making GSU one of the largest higher education institution in the state. GSU belongs to the state university system and receives the designation of a Carnegie doctoral/research university. GSU features dozens of online bachelor's degrees, master's programs, and certificates. Undergraduates can choose from majors in nursing, business, and IT. Graduate options include accounting, economics, kinesiology, coaching, computer science, and education. The university also features an online doctorate in nursing. For active-duty military students, GSU offers non-degree programs in military science and Reserve Officer Training Corps. The school also waives application fees and offers tuition assistance to active-duty military, veterans, and military spouses and families. GSU considers undergraduate applicants who possess a minimum 2.5 GPA and meet minimum requirements for SAT or ACT scores. The university accepts transfer students with at least 30 transferable semester hours and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Students may receive conditional admission if they complete at least 15 semester hours and hold a 2.0 GPA. Admission requirements vary by graduate program. Online college courses in Georgia follow the same schedule as those on campus. Students may choose to customize their degree or certificate programs to combine online and on-campus coursework; however, most of GSU's online programs do not require campus visits. Students may supplement their degrees with individual online courses from Georgia On My Line, a searchable database of courses available through the state university system. GSU students can access tech support, financial accounts, and student services via the MyGeorgiaSouthern student portal. | ||
17 | LaGrange College | LaGrange | $$$$$ | 601 Broad Street LaGrange, GA 30240-2999 (706) 880-8000 | School Profile | The oldest private college in the state, LaGrange offers more than 70 liberal arts and professional programs, with 10 degrees and certificates available online. The school serves a population of just over 1,000 students, keeping class sizes small at an average student-to-instructor ratio of 11-to-1. At LaGrange College, roughly 99% of students receive financial aid each year. LaGrange College features online undergraduate degrees in majors including business administration, nursing, and sociology. Graduate degrees and degree-completion programs include education, strength and conditioning, and philanthropy and development. The college also offers certificates in aging studies and core business essentials. While some degrees and course offerings at LaGrange College require minimal campus visits, students can complete three of the school's bachelor's degrees entirely online. The college dedicates a sector of its faculty and resources to students in the process of transitioning to online courses. Distance learners can access advising options, tech support, and test proctoring services through the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs. Additionally, students can manage course registration, apply for financial aid, and pursue counseling and career services support through Student Services. LaGrange accepts applications on a rolling basis and considers applicants holistically. Transfer students may apply up to 60 semester hours, provided they earned at least a "C" grade in all courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher overall. Applicants with less than 30 semester hours of transferable college credit must submit ACT or SAT scores with their official high school transcripts for admission consideration. | ||
18 | Middle Georgia State College | Macon | $$$$$ | 100 College Station Drive Macon, GA 31206 (478) 471-2700 | School Website | MGA holds the distinction of being both one of the oldest and newest regionally accredited online colleges in Georgia. Founded in 1884, the university underwent several name changes until 2012, when the consolidation of Macon State and Middle Georgia colleges led to its current incarnation. Today, MGA encompasses five campuses throughout the state. The university features nine online programs, including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and certificates. Online programs emphasize majors in nursing, IT, criminal justice, political science, and airport management. Undergraduate students can complete all core requirements through the eCore portal. High school students can also take online courses that earn college credit through the eCore learning module. MGA upholds minimal admission requirements for first-time applicants. Prospective freshman applying to an undergraduate program must hold a high school diploma and submit ACT or SAT scores that meet minimum score requirements. Graduate applicants should confirm the individual admission requirements for each program. MGA maintains flexible transfer options for students with up to 29 transferable credits from an accredited institution, outlining the requirements for traditional, nontraditional, and international transfer students. New students enrolled in online programs at MGA attend orientation for first-time distance learners. Additionally, MGA offers support to online students through disability and testing services, counseling, and academic advising options. Online learners can access the university library, admissions staff, and the registrar's office through the MGA website. | ||
19 | Beulah Heights University | Atlanta | $$$$$ | 892 Berne St SE Atlanta, GA 30316 (404) 627-2681 | School Profile | Founded in the Protestant Christian tradition, BHU centers its curriculum on five core values: integrity, Biblical inerrancy, global missions, servanthood, and diversity. Established in 1918, the university is one of the state's oldest Bible institutions. BHU is also one of the fastest-growing online colleges in Georgia accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools and the Association for Biblical Higher Education. It boats a high acceptance rate and roughly 350 students enrolled. The university features several online degrees in religious and leadership studies through its distance learning department. Students may choose from an associate of arts or master of arts in either religious studies or leadership studies, all offered entirely online. Students pursuing a degree on campus may work with an adviser to complete individual courses online. Distance learners at BHU complete coursework through the Beulah360 platform and the Blackbaud portal. Online programs follow the same 15-week schedule as on-campus programs during the fall and spring semesters, with eight-week sessions during the summer term. Students participate in classes and communicate with peers and instructors through the virtual classroom. Additional resources available to distance learners include a writing center, the university library, tech support, and ministry career services. Undergraduate applicants must submit either high school transcripts or the GED equivalent or a conferred associate degree from an accredited university along with a reference. Applications to graduate programs require undergraduate transcripts and a reference. Prospective students can take BHU's online learning test to determine their potential success in a distance learning program. | ||
20 | Reinhardt University | Waleska | $$$$$ | 7300 Reinhardt Circle Waleska, GA 30183-2981 (770) 720-5600 | School Profile | Reinhardt's main campus is in Waleska, with satellite programs offered in Cartersville, Canton, Cumming, Jasper, and Woodstock. The university enrolls nearly 1,500 students, the majority in full-time, undergraduate programs. With a focus on liberal arts curriculum, Reinhardt features over 40 academic programs in 65 majors and concentrations, including four comprehensive online programs. Distance learners at Reinhardt can study business administration, criminal justice, healthcare administration, and nursing online. Students may choose from an associate or bachelor's degree in business administration or criminal justice; the bachelor's in healthcare administration and bachelor's in nursing programs cater to bachelor-level students. Programs feature 100% online coursework and do not require campus residency. Reinhardt maintains small class sizes to promote individual attention and provides support for all students through the Academic Support Office. Reinhardt accepts out-of-state online students from Georgia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. Though completion times vary, distance learners can complete business administration and criminal justice programs in 16-18 months online. Most online students take two classes per eight-week term. Students complete coursework asynchronously using the VCamp360 platform and the eBooks system. Associate degree applicants should possess a minimum 2.25 GPA with a high school diploma or GED and at least two years of work experience. Students 21 years of age or older do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Each online bachelor's degree lists its own admission requirements. Reinhardt honors transfer credits on a case-by-case basis; active-duty military students and veterans may also apply credits for military training. | ||
21 | Savannah State University | Savannah | $$$$$ | 3219 College Street Savannah, GA 31404-5310 (912) 358-4778 | School Profile | Founded in 1890, SSU holds the distinction of being Georgia's oldest historically black university. The school enrolls nearly 5,000 students online and on campus. SSU is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. SSU offers 30 baccalaureate majors and programs and six graduate degrees, including a bachelor of business administration (BBA) degree. Students may choose to customize their degree by combining on-campus and online coursework. Offered through SSU's College of Business Administration, the online BBA receives accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Distance learners with applicable transfer credits may complete the online bachelor's in business administration in two years or less. SSU enables students to complete their first two years of core undergraduate coursework online through the eCore system. While requirements vary, SSU outlines course equivalency rates for core credits earned through eCore from other Georgia colleges and universities. Additionally, SSU honors transfer credits from prior coursework, the College Level Examination Program, and military and life experience. Students complete courses online in the Blackboard platform. First-time freshmen should submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores for admission consideration. Applicants must possess a minimum 2.3 high school GPA. Students with at least 30 transferable credit hours may pursue transfer admission into SSU, provided they earned a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on all previous college coursework. Transfer applicants with fewer than 30 transferable credits may submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores for consideration. | ||
22 | Atlanta Metropolitan State College | Atlanta | $$$$$ | 1630 Metropolitan Parkway, SW Atlanta, GA 30310-4448 (404) 756-4000 | School Profile | Established in 1974, AMSC offers associate, baccalaureate, and certificate programs on campus and online. Roughly 3,000 students attend AMSC, 94% Georgia residents and 75% first-generation college students. AMSC belongs to the state university system and receives accreditation through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers dozens of courses in the humanities and fine arts; business and computer science; the social sciences; and sciences, math, and health. More than 70% of courses offered at AMSC are available online. Students may also complete an online associate in business administration degree. AMSC offers students distance programming, including Move On When Ready, honors programs, and early college/dual-enrollment coursework for high school seniors. Students may choose to customize their degrees with a combination of on-campus and online courses. AMSC offers multiple start dates throughout the year for online programs. Students complete online courses in the Desire2Learn platform, using tools including live chat, email, and message boards to communicate with peers and instructors. Distance learners can fulfill all core prerequisites of an undergraduate program through eCore; they may also take select core courses required of degrees like the bachelor of science in organizational leadership through the similar eMajor system. Applicants must submit high school transcripts or a GED equivalent for admission consideration. While AMSC does not require SAT or ACT scores, students who meet minimum score requirements may not need to take the Accuplacer test, otherwise required of AMSC applicants. Students with at least 30 transferable credit hours may pursue transfer admission into AMSC, as can applicants already holding a bachelor's degree looking to enroll in a post-baccalaureate program. AMSC offers a free Smarter Measure Assessment to prospective online students before applying for admission. | ||
23 | Truett-McConnell University | Cleveland | $$$$$ | 100 Alumni Dr Cleveland, GA 30528 (706) 865-2134 | School Profile | TMU develops its academic programs according to four Christian principles: love the Lord, love His word, love the Church, and love the lost. The college boasts an enrollment of over 2,500 students. TMU offers more than 30 academic programs, including online bachelor's and master's degrees in six fields of study. At TMU, students can earn bachelor's degrees online in business administration, Christian studies, psychology, and criminal justice. The college also offers online master's degrees in theology and business administration. Like TMU's traditional programs on campus, all online degrees lend a Christian perspective to the academic curriculum. TMU consistently ranks high among regionally accredited online colleges in Georgia for affordability, value, and quality. The college participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement for online learning. TMU students complete courses online in Brightspace. Each course lasts for eight weeks during fall and spring semesters, with one, eight-week term during the summer. Students may take more than one course during the fall and spring. Distance learners can access a variety of student resources, including both IT and online classroom tech support and assistance from a dedicated adviser assigned to each student. Online students can also contact their professors directly through the virtual classroom. Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and meet minimum SAT/ACT scores for admission consideration. Graduate applicants should check their individual programs for admission requirements. Students with more than 30 transferable credits must provide college transcripts with their application for admission; those with less than 30 transferable credits must follow the regular admissions process for undergraduate students. | ||
24 | Dalton State College | Dalton | $$$$$ | 650 College Drive Dalton, GA 30720-3797 (706) 272-4436 | School Profile | Chartered by the Georgia Board of Regents in 1963, Dalton State is the premier junior college within the Georgia university system. The college serves more than 5,100 students annually. Dalton State ranks high for value and affordability among online colleges in Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students at Dalton State can complete an online bachelor of science in organizational leadership or criminal justice through the eMajor system. The college offers coursework through eCore, which enables students to complete the first two years of undergraduate prerequisite courses online. Both eCore and eMajor connect Dalton State students to the collective online resources of all schools within the state university system. Dalton State charges the same flat rate per credit hour for eMajor courses, regardless of a student's state of residence. Students enrolled in online courses follow the same traditional academic schedule each semester, completing courses over eight to 15 weeks. Courses in eMajor are taught by experts in their field, including academic department chairs and emeritus professors. Students may complete honors courses through hybrid study or online. Distance learners can take an introductory quiz and prior learning assessment before enrolling in a program at Dalton State. Online programs at Dalton State provide an ideal learning environment for nontraditional, transfer, and military students. Freshmen applying to an undergraduate program must submit high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and Accuplacer scores for consideration. Transfer applicants must submit transcripts for all previous college coursework; students with less than 30 transferable credits must submit high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. | ||
25 | College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick | $$$$$ | One College Drive Brunswick, GA 31520-3644 (912) 279-5700 | School Profile | CCGA serves a student body of 3,600. The college's career-focused programs emphasize small class size, student engagement, and highly qualified professors and faculty -- each with years of experience in their respective areas. CCGA is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students may choose from associate, bachelor's, and certificate programs, some available online. Specifically, CCGA offers an online bachelor of applied science in workforce management and leadership, a bachelor of arts in French or Spanish language and literature, a bachelor of science in nonprofit management and leadership, and a registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing degree. CCGA keeps class sizes small, averaging a maximum of 19 students per instructor. The college implements its own distance education policy to uphold the highest quality and affordability standards in online learning. Students at CCGA use a variety of technologies to complete coursework online, including D2L Brightspace, Turnitin, Blackboard Collaborate, and Respondus. Many online courses are specifically developed by CCGA faculty with training in administering distance learning curriculum. Students enrolled in online courses can access the same resources as traditional students on campus, including the CCGA library, bookstore, and academic tutoring options. New and prospective students can also check admission status, change enrollment term, and apply for scholarships through the CCGA online portal. CCGA offers a variety of admission options for first-time freshmen, whether they plan to pursue a traditional or accelerated pathway. CCGA considers high school transcripts with at least a 2.0 GPA and SAT and/or ACT scores. Transfer applicants with at least 30 transferable credits can apply for the fall, spring, or summer term at CCGA provided they earned a minimum 2.0 GPA for all previous college coursework. |
Most Affordable Online Colleges in Georgia
Below, you will find another list of the online colleges in Georgia, sorted by their tuition rate.
Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | School Link | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Georgia Regents University | Augusta | $$$$$ | ||
2 | Middle Georgia State College | Macon | $$$$$ | ||
3 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega | $$$$$ | ||
4 | Armstrong Atlantic State University | Savannah | School profile | $$$$$ | |
5 | Clayton State University | Morrow | School profile | $$$$$ | |
6 | Columbus State University | Columbus | School profile | $$$$$ | |
7 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | $$$$$ | ||
8 | University of West Georgia | Carrollton | School profile | $$$$$ | |
9 | Albany State University | Albany | School profile | $$$$$ | |
10 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | School profile | $$$$$ | |
11 | Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley | School profile | $$$$$ | |
12 | Truett-McConnell University | Cleveland | School profile | $$$$$ | |
13 | Georgia College and State University | Milledgeville | School profile | $$$$$ | |
14 | Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls | School profile | $$$$$ | |
15 | Shorter University | Rome | School profile | $$$$$ | |
16 | Brenau University | Gainesville | School profile | $$$$$ | |
17 | Thomas University | Thomasville | School profile | $$$$$ | |
18 | Mercer University | Macon | School profile | $$$$$ | |
19 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah | School profile | $$$$$ |
Job Outlook for College Graduates in Georgia
Georgia boasts an abundance of key industries, including tourism, music, manufacturing, life sciences, information technology, financial services, and digital entertainment. With so many key industries represented in Georgia, recent graduates of all backgrounds can explore a variety of promising employment opportunities. Salaries vary depending on the field, but the overall mean annual wage for all occupations in Georgia is $47,200.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Georgia
Airgas – Jerry Baker Scholarship
Funded by the American Welding Society, the Jerry Baker Scholarship is open to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in welding engineering or welding engineering technology with a 2.8 minimum GPA and full-time enrollment status.
Case Scholarship Program
The Case Scholarship Program is available to students with a 3.0 GPA or higher who attend an accredited business school full time. Applicants must pass an actuarial exam or fulfill Validation by Educational Experience credits.
Charles Harbin III Memorial Scholarship
High school or home school graduates from Georgia can receive the Charles Harbin III Memorial Scholarship if they have a 2.75 minimum GPA and demonstrate financial need.
Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Scholarship
Awarded to students who have an agricultural background with Farm Bureau, the GFB Foundation for Agriculture Scholarship requires applicants to have a minimum 3.0 GPA with a history of leadership experience.
Georgia Association for Nursing Education Scholarships
Open to students currently enrolled full time at a nursing school accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the Georgia Association for Nursing Education scholarships require students to have a 2.5 minimum GPA with the intention of practicing nursing in Georgia after graduation.
Greenhouse Scholars
This program awards between $4,000 and $20,000 to high school seniors from a low-income family of less than $70,000 each year. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Zell Miller Scholarship
The Zell Miller Scholarship is a merit-based award available to high school graduates with a minimum 3.7 GPA, an ACT score of at least 26, and an SAT score of 1200 or higher.
Ty Cobb Educational Foundation Scholarship
Legal residents in the state of Georgia who attend regionally accredited universities can apply for the Ty Cobb Educational Foundation Scholarship once they complete 30 college credits.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship
Presented to female Christian students enrolled in a college or university, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship requires applicants to have a 3.0 minimum GPA and demonstrate significant financial need.
Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Program
The Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Program is open to students who gain admission to an accredited university in Georgia with a minimum score of 19 on the ACT and 1300 on the SAT.
Find Schools in Georgia
Explore accredited online colleges with our comprehensive database of online programs. Sort the results based on criteria like degree level and location.
Start Your Search