Georgia has led the charge in integrating and promoting online education at the postsecondary level. With initiatives like GeorgiaVIEW, GeorgiaONmyLINE, and several state-sponsored online degrees, the state has innovated and pushed the boundaries of distance learning. Consider its sterling membership in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and you may have the top state to pursue a college education remotely.
Before looking at the best online colleges in Georgia for 2023, explore higher education in Georgia and the organizations shaping online education in the state with this helpful guide.
Featured Online Programs
A Brief Overview of Online Schools in Georgia
Georgia hosts 27 public four-year learning institutions, 23 public two-year institutions, 36 nonprofit four-year institutions, and 21 for-profit institutions. In 2021, there were 544,354 students enrolled at degree-granting postsecondary institutions, a 3% rise from 2015. Georgia’s many programs allow students to narrow their research and attend programs that align with their goals.
in 2013, Georgia had 97 degree-granting institutions
- 50 public
- 36 non-profit
- 11 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 $7,632. According to CollegeBoard, Georgia is the only state where the average in-state tuition and fees at public universities fell by 20% since 2018.
Georgia also gives the second-highest grant aid per full-time student and allocates the funds regardless of students’ financial status. In 2021, Georgia students received $914,043,808 in grant financial aid without a need component.
The price difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition often deters non-residents from enrolling in programs outside their state. However, with the various financial aid opportunities available, students can often still afford the difference. After filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility, learners can subtract this number from their tuition to determine if enrolling is affordable.
The State of Online Higher Education in Georgia
Students can consider many accredited online colleges in Georgia. Noting enrollment trends is a great way for students to understand the state’s available online programs. In 2019, 37.5% of Georgia’s students enrolled in at least one online course, with 16.9% taking exclusively online classes. Of the exclusively online students, 73% were Georgia residents, 19% were from other states, and 8% lived in other countries.
Georgia ONmyLINE is a database of online courses and programs offered through the 29 accredited higher learning institutions in Georgia’s university system. Students ready to begin their online degrees or courses can access Georgia ONmyLINE to review important information on credit hours, tuition rates, and technical requirements.
The course database allows students to search thousands of online courses based on term, subject area, institution, degree level, and enrollment status. Georgia also offers a similar resource for learners seeking MBAs. Six schools in Georgia’s university system collaborate to offer the Georgia WebMBA program.
Best Online Colleges in Georgia
The following section includes rankings of the best online four-year programs in Georgia. Our profiles cover how schools approach accredited online education and 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 | Brenau University | Gainesville | $$$$$ | 500 Washington St. SE Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 534-6100 | School Website | Brenau University began as a women's college in 1878, but has since expanded to welcome all students on campus and online. The school offers more than 30 online programs, including 15 bachelor's degrees in fields like business, education, and health sciences. Brenau University has offered online programs since 1998, and classes typically run asynchronously through seven-week sessions. To help you pay for your education, Brenau University provides access to federal aid, institutional scholarships, and needs-based grants. Cost per Credit: In-State | Out-of-State: $754 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Georgia Professional Standards Commission for Teacher Education Programs, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and others. | ||
| 2 | Georgia State University | Atlanta | $$$$$ | 33 Gilmer Street SE Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 413-2000 | School Website | Established in 1913, Georgia State University (GSU) offers more than 150 online and hybrid programs at various levels, including degrees in dental hygiene, finance, and nursing. Most degrees do not require campus visits, though some programs feature limited in-person components. Classes typically run asynchronously, but you may need to attend some virtual classes at scheduled times. At GSU, you can access the same student services and financial aid opportunities as on-campus students. Cost per Semester: In-State | $4,474 Out-of-State | $13,993 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Public Affairs Administration, Counseling on Social Work Education, American Psychological Association, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, and more | ||
| 3 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | $$$$$ | 84 5th St NW Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 894-2000 | School Website | At the Georgia Institute of Technology, you can choose from 13 online and hybrid master's degrees, including programs in engineering and information technology. The university also offers two graduate certificates in business analytics and data science for the chemical industry. While most Georgia Tech classes run asynchronously, you may encounter synchronous components in some classes. The online classes require no campus visits. The university also offers massive open online courses and summer distance learning classes for undergraduates. Cost per Credit: In-State | $180-$1,217 Out-of-State | $180-$1,689 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 122 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, ABET, Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs, American Psychological Association, and others. | ||
| 4 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega | $$$$$ | 82 College Circle Dahlonega, GA 30597 (706) 864-1400 | School Website | As an online student at the University of North Georgia (UNG), you have your choice of more than 50 online programs, including eight online bachelor's degrees. Undergraduate distance learning programs include healthcare services and informatics administration, communication, and political science. Fully online enrollees pay in-state tuition regardless of their state residency, but learners who blend in-person and online courses pay out-of-state tuition. In addition to online bachelor's programs, UNG offers general education eCore courses for all students in the University System of Georgia. Textbooks for these classes are free. As a distance learning enrollee, you can access free online tutoring and UNG library resources. For financial aid, UNG provides access to scholarships, grants, and state support. Cost per Credit: In-State |$187 Out-of-State | $187-$658 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: ABET, Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, American Chemical Society, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and more | ||
| 5 | Herzing University-Atlanta | Sandy Springs | $$$$$ | 5901 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (404) 816-4533 | School Website | Herzing University-Atlanta offers online programs at every level, including numerous bachelor's degrees in fields such as business, technology, and healthcare. The online classes in these programs run asynchronously and feature no campus requirements. Herzing also offers accelerated degree plans to help learners complete bachelor's programs in three years. Classes feature six annual start dates, and each course session lasts 16 weeks. As an online student, you can access financial support — Herzing awarded over $15 million in scholarships and grants in 2022. Cost per Year: In-State | Out-of-State $14,200 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing,International Accreditation Council for Business Education, and more (depending on campus and program) | ||
| 6 | Mercer University | Macon | $$$$$ | 1501 Mercer University Dr Macon, GA 31207 (800) 637-2378 | School Website | Founded in 1833, Mercer University offers more than 30 online programs, including 21 bachelor's degrees. These programs run fully online, while other degrees include hybrid options. Distance learning courses combine synchronous and asynchronous delivery modes, plus experiential learning projects and internships. Mercer's online programs feature accelerated eight-week sessions and five annual start dates. The school provides career services, including access to Handshake and career consultation appointments. The school also connects learners to funding — according to the institution, 90% of enrollees receive financial aid. Cost per Semester: In-State | Out-of-State $6,300 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: ABET, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, American Bar Association, American Psychological Association, and more | ||
| 7 | Georgia Highlands College | Rome | $$$$$ | 3175 Cedartown Highway, S.E. Rome, GA 30161 (800) 332-2406 | School Website | Founded in 1970, Georgia Highlands College (GHC) now enrolls over 5,000 students across the institution's five campuses and through its distance learning programs. Online learners can pursue associate degrees and bachelor's programs in fields like criminal justice, building information modeling management, and business administration. GHC's online classes use asynchronous and synchronous modalities, and they run in semester-long or accelerated eight-week sessions. Since 1973, the Georgia Highlands College Foundation has helped students pursue education by awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships and programs annually. Cost per Credit: In-State | $95 Out-of-State | $360 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Commission on Dental Accreditation | ||
| 8 | College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick | $$$$$ | One College Drive Brunswick, GA 31520 (912) 279-5700 | School Website | The College of Coastal Georgia offers seven online bachelor's degrees, including programs in business, health sciences, and public administration. The online degrees feature no campus requirements and all courses run asynchronously. Designed to be self-paced, Coastal Georgia's online programs allow you to study full or part time. According to the institution, 85% of Coastal Georgia enrollees receive financial aid. As an online student at Coastal Georgia, you pay in-state tuition no matter where you live. Cost per Credit: In-State | Out-of-State $107 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Georgia Professional Standards Commission, Joint Review Committee for Education in Radiologic Technology | ||
| 9 | University of Georgia | Athens | $$$$$ | 104 Caldwell Hall Athens, GA 30602 (706) 542-4040 | School Website | The University of Georgia was founded in 1785. The school offers 28 online programs, including an online bachelor's in education. Though online classes for this program do not have on-campus requirements, students must complete in-person practicum experiences at Georgia schools each semester. As an online student, you can access the same resources as on-campus learners, including academic support and career center services. You can also apply for financial aid to qualify for UGA's scholarships, grants, and loans. Cost per Semester: In-State | $4,895 Out-of-State | $14,415 Credits toEarn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: ABET, Georgia Professional Standards Commission, and others | ||
| 10 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | $$$$$ | 1332 Southern Drive Statesboro, GA 30458 (912) 478-4636 | School Website | Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern University offers 15 online bachelor's degrees. In addition to dedicated programs in fields like information technology, psychology, and health sciences, students can earn an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree with concentrations in subjects like Irish studies, Latin American studies, and nonprofit management. Enrollees can complete their programs fully online or take a mix of distance learning and in-person courses. Georgia Southern also offers a variety of graduate programs and certificates in fields such as instructional technology, educational leadership, and sports management. Cost per Credit: In-State | Out-of-State $159-$199 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 124 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs |
Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students
Students who are not Georgia residents can take advantage of reciprocity agreements and other tuition breaks. For example, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), a coalition of higher education institutions in 15 southeastern states, allows non-resident learners in specialized fields to pay in-state tuition rates.
Sometimes called the “Academic Common Market,” this program does not offer merit-based aid but instead allows students to pursue degrees not offered at public institutions in their home states — at a more affordable cost. The SREB keeps a record of qualifying programs but does not provide funds for learners pursuing their first professional doctorates. Georgia residents may take advantage of similar agreements in other states.
At some Georgia-based universities, residents of nearby states pay in-state tuition. For example, Georgia Southern University offers the Border State Waiver to Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee residents enrolled on one of three campuses.
Job Opportunities in Georgia for College Graduates
As one of the most populous states in the U.S., Georgia offers a growing economy, beautiful natural settings, and excellent internet and transportation infrastructures. Atlanta, the state’s capital, is home to the headquarters of companies like Aflac, Home Depot, UPS, and Coca-Cola. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest airport.
In February 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics placed Georgia’s unemployment rate at 3.1%. The Georgia Department of Labor found that workers with bachelor’s degrees earned an annual average of $51,206, while individuals with high school diplomas earned $27,915, and those with less education averaged $18,734.
The fastest-growing industries in Georgia include aviation, healthcare, and engineering. As the country’s fifth-largest exporter of aerospace products, this industry continues to expand. The state is home to 800 aerospace companies producing $9.2 billion in state exports. Georgia’s fast-growing population of older adults helps explain its burgeoning healthcare industry.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Georgia
Airgas – Jerry Baker Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500
DEADLINE: March 1st
Funded by the American Welding Society, the Jerry Baker Scholarship awards students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in welding engineering or welding engineering technology. Each candidate must have a 2.8 minimum GPA and full-time enrollment status.
CAS Scholarship Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500 and $5,000
DEADLINE: May 31st
The CAS Trust Scholarship is available to full-time students who attend accredited business schools. Each applicant must pass an actuarial exam or fulfill Validation by Educational Experience credits.
Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Scholarship for Agriculture
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $3,000
DEADLINE: March 1st
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture offers 10 scholarships to Georgia residents majoring in agriculture at The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College, or any other accredited Georgia college or university. Each recipient must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA.
Georgia HERO Scholarship Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,000
DEADLINE: Rolling
The Georgia HERO Scholarship Program assists qualifying Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserves members with college tuition. The program also helps fund the children or spouses of Georgia service members who were injured or lost their lives in the line of duty overseas.
Georgia Association for Nursing Education Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Varies
DEADLINE: December 17
Open to students currently enrolled full-time at nursing schools accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, these require an applicant to have a 2.5 minimum GPA and intend to practice nursing in Georgia after graduation.
Greenhouse Scholars
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
DEADLINE: November 21st
This program awards scholarships to high school seniors from low-income families earning less than $80,000 yearly. An applicant must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and attend an accredited four-year college to qualify.
Zell Miller Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Varies
DEADLINE: Last day of the school term
The Zell Miller Scholarship recognizes a high school graduate with a minimum 3.7 GPA and either an ACT score of at least 25 or an SAT score of 1200 or higher.
Ty Cobb Educational Foundation Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
DEADLINE: March 1st
Legal residents in the state of Georgia who attend regionally accredited universities can apply for the Ty Cobb Educational Foundation Scholarship after completing 30 college credits.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
DEADLINE: Varies
Presented to female Christian students enrolled in participating schools, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship requires applicants to demonstrate significant financial need.
Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
DEADLINE: March 22nd
The Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Program is open to students who gain admission to accredited schools in Georgia and possess a minimum score of 18 on the ACT or 960 on the new SAT.
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