The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

TBS Staff Writers
By
Updated on October 18, 2023
Find the best online colleges in Georgia in this list of accredited colleges and universities by affordability.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Georgia Universities and Colleges Online

Georgia is home to 85 accredited colleges and universities, some of which deliver programs in online or hybrid formats. Attending online colleges in Georgia allows students the flexibility to pursue the degrees that best suit their goals while still working full time, caring for a family, or managing other obligations.

The University of Georgia System (USG) is a major provider of online degrees in Georgia thanks to its flexible eCore and eMajor offerings. Through the partnership and collaboration among the 26 USG institutions, students can complete general education requirements completely online. Additional eMajor coursework prepares graduates for in-demand careers in fields like nursing, criminal justice, and information technology.

Our ranked list of the best online colleges in Georgia provides a comprehensive look at distance learning options in the Peach State. Read on to learn about degree availability, admission requirements, student support services, and common learning formats in Georgia’s online colleges.

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Best Online Colleges in GA

#1 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Middle Georgia State University

  • Location-markerMacon, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,728
  • Out-of-state$10,075
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,582
  • Out-of-state$12,492
  • Retention Rate53%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled8,066
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Georgia Southern University

  • Location-markerStatesboro, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,371
  • Out-of-state$15,425
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,977
  • Out-of-state$19,890
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate54%
  • Students Enrolled26,054
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Kennesaw State University

  • Location-markerKennesaw, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,450
  • Out-of-state$15,704
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,328
  • Out-of-state$19,188
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled37,807
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment49%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

University of West Georgia

  • Location-markerCarrollton, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,371
  • Out-of-state$15,426
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,338
  • Out-of-state$16,830
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled13,238
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment63%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Clayton State University

  • Location-markerMorrow, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,064
  • Out-of-state$14,786
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,760
  • Out-of-state$12,411
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate51%
  • Students Enrolled6,879
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment58%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Savannah College of Art and Design

  • Location-markerSavannah, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,575
  • Out-of-state$37,575
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$38,475
  • Out-of-state$38,475
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate96%
  • Students Enrolled14,840
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Valdosta State University

  • Location-markerValdosta, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,371
  • Out-of-state$15,426
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,572
  • Out-of-state$16,470
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate57%
  • Students Enrolled11,270
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Columbus State University

  • Location-markerColumbus, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,371
  • Out-of-state$15,425
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,300
  • Out-of-state$11,394
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled7,877
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Shorter University

  • Location-markerRome, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$21,940
  • Out-of-state$21,940
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,360
  • Out-of-state$12,360
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled1,487
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Toccoa Falls College

  • Location-markerToccoa Falls, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$22,414
  • Out-of-state$22,414
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled1,833
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Mercer University

  • Location-markerMacon, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$25,528
  • Out-of-state$25,528
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,422
  • Out-of-state$15,422
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled8,740
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment26%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Thomas University

  • Location-markerThomasville, GA
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,940
  • Out-of-state$15,940
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,790
  • Out-of-state$11,790
  • Retention Rate99%
  • Acceptance Rate38%
  • Students Enrolled1,528
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Andrew College

  • Location-markerCuthbert, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$18,258
  • Out-of-state$18,258
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate41%
  • Students Enrolled289
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment64%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Point University

  • Location-markerWest Point, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$20,085
  • Out-of-state$20,085
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,360
  • Out-of-state$12,360
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate29%
  • Students Enrolled2,389
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment33%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 The Best Online Colleges in Georgia

Brenau University

  • Location-markerGainesville, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,370
  • Out-of-state$29,370
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,834
  • Out-of-state$12,834
  • Retention Rate52%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled2,817
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment60%
  • AccreditationYes

Best Online Colleges

Georgia

2024


The Best Schools

Online Colleges in Georgia Ranking Guidelines

We selected the online schools in Georgia based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.

Rankings Methodology

Questions About Georgia Schools

Is Online College Cheaper in Georgia?

According to data from the CollegeBoard, Georgia offered the 13th most affordable rates in the country for public, in-state tuition in 2019-2020.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Georgia?

Students attending online school in GA can choose between part- and full-time enrollment, allowing for bachelor’s completion in approximately 2-3 years. Some schools also offer accelerated programs.

What Is the Most Popular Degree in Georgia?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 20% of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in Georgia in 2016-2017 were in business.

Does an Online Degree Have the Same Value as an On-Campus Degree?

Yes. Accredited degrees from Georgia’s online schools offer the same coursework taught by the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts.

Is Georgia a Good State For Higher Education?

Yes. On average, Georgia offers greater student diversity and lower tuition costs than most U.S. states.

Employment in Georgia

An affordable cost of living, excellent entertainment options, and a temperate climate make Georgia one of the most attractive destinations in the South. The pro-business state also offers a low corporate tax rate and the nation’s highest-performing workforce training program.

Understanding local and statewide job markets can help prospective college students select an online bachelor’s degree with excellent job prospects. College graduates can use the same information to make important career decisions, like seeking employment in a growing industry rather than one in decline.

Evaluating employment data is especially important in uncertain times. According to data from the Georgia LaborMarket Explorer, the state’s major industries when measured by employment include healthcare and social assistance; manufacturing; education; government; and professional, scientific, and technical services. Measuring by economic impact, Georgia’s major industries include agribusiness, aerospace, arts, and tourism.

In the tables below, you can find additional employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) detailing Georgia’s highest-paying careers and occupations with the highest projected growth between 2016 and 2026.

Highest Paying Careers
CareerSalaryProjected Job Growth (2016-2026)
Obstetricians and Gynecologists$233,39015.2%
Physicians and Surgeons$236,53011.4%
Psychiatrists$246,50011.3%
Anesthesiologists$221,38015.5%
Chief Executives$218,590-3.9%
Source: BLS, ProjectionsCentral
Fastest Growing Careers
CareerSalaryProjected Job Growth (2016-2026)
CPhysician Assistants$101,46037.4%
Rotary Drill Operators$47,62024.6%
Film and Video Editors$65,06017%
Costume Attendants$43,09010.6%
Bus Drivers$27,3509%
Source: BLS, ProjectionsCentral

Associate and Graduate Degrees

The best online schools in Georgia offer more than just bachelor’s degrees. Distance learners looking for the quickest path to entry-level employment can pursue online associate degrees through Georgia’s top institutions. Professionals looking to advance their career prospects even further may choose to earn an online master’s degree.

Common associate majors offered online include business, criminal justice, and general studies. These programs prepare students to start their own small businesses, pursue entry-level careers, or transfer to bachelor’s programs.

The most common online master’s degrees pursued by graduate students in Georgia are education, nursing, and business administration degrees. These programs provide the training required for advanced licensure and employment opportunities.

Online associate and graduate degrees provide the same rigorous education as their on-campus counterparts, using web-based courses designed by the same professors who teach students on site. Some online programs may require limited in-person attendance or an in-person internship.

Like online bachelor’s degrees, online associate and graduate programs offer schedule flexibility, making them ideal for working students. Many programs also use asynchronous delivery, which allows students to log in and complete weekly coursework requirements at their convenience. Students interact with peers and professors through discussion boards, email, telephone, or video conferencing.