Online college degrees offer many benefits, including lower tuition and asynchronous instruction. Learning online also lets you explore schools outside your geographic area, even those out of state.
Online colleges in Georgia feature bachelor's degrees in the arts, humanities, STEM, and social sciences. Schools with proper accreditation ensure you receive the same instruction as on-campus students.
Before researching online universities in Georgia, explore the local labor market, Georgia's cost of living, and how students can lower their out-of-pocket expenses.
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Online Colleges in Georgia
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#1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Savannah College of Art and Design
- Savannah, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Georgia, Savannah College of Art and Design offers online and on-campus degrees as a private institution. The school's online programs enroll students nationwide. Art history and interior design are some of the popular majors the college offers for its programs, meeting the needs of graduates pursuing diverse career paths.
Distance learners enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs at the school. Undergraduate degree-seekers take general education classes and foundational courses. Enrollees also take advanced classes for their chosen major. Online courses and seminar participation help graduate learners gain advanced skills.
Prospective students can reach out to the school to learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. To get connected to financial aid opportunities, enrollees can work with the accredited institution.
Savannah College of Art and Design at a Glance:
Student Pursuing Degrees Online: 2,904
Online Bachelor's Programs Available: 5
Rate of Acceptance: 96%
Rate of Graduation: 70%
Percent Online Enrollment
20%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
University of West Georgia
- Carrollton, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of West Georgia's online degrees provide affordable education to distance learners. Students at the Georgia school can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees. Working professionals pursue the institution’s degrees for career preparation and advancement. The school’s full- and part-time enrollment options provide learning flexibility. The university's asynchronous online degrees provide learning flexibility. The school’s hybrid degrees offer face-to-face and online instruction. Small classes promote personalized learning.
Graduate students can pursue eight online master’s and two doctoral programs. The school offers affordable tuition and an average $7,097 financial aid package.
University of West Georgia at a Glance:
Institution Status: Public
Online Enrollment: 8,295
Available Online Programs: 24
Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 6
Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Set in Georgia, Kennesaw State University offers a comprehensive catalog that includes 181 online degrees. Distance learners enjoy flexible learning in 14 bachelor's programs and 20 online degrees. At online schools, students can flexibly earn a degree. The school offers degrees that consistently rank among the best in the nation. Students complete a four-year bachelor’s degree faster with transfer credits. Working professionals can complete master’s degrees in various subjects. Some graduate programs may require community field experience.
The school offers affordable education. The application process requires school transcripts. Kennesaw State University's enrollees earn degrees regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Kennesaw State University at a Glance:
Total Programs: 181
Bachelor’s Degrees Available Online: 14
Online Master’s Programs: 20
Price of Tuition for Undergraduates: $4,450
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Clayton State University
- Morrow, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Morrow, Georgia, Clayton State University ranks among the top schools and features online and in-person undergraduate and graduate programs. Online programs at the accredited college enroll a total of 3,964 students. Program options for online degree-seekers include the public institution's nine bachelor's and three master's programs.
Business, healthcare, and STEM are just some of the diverse fields covered by programs at the online school. During an online degree, distance learners complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment. Students can tailor classes to their plan of study by working with academic advisors and faculty mentors. The school offers tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services to support online degree-seekers.
It takes 120 credits to earn most bachelor's degrees and 30 to earn most master's. Remote learners are eligible for different forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and federal aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Mercer University
- Macon, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The nation's best online colleges include Mercer University. Distance learners at the accredited institution enjoy an academic catalog with five online bachelor's programs to choose from. Students can also choose from 10 online master's programs. Currently, 2,233 distance learners enroll at the school.
Located in Macon, Georgia, the private school enrolls about 1,123 degree-seekers. Remote learners across the country attend their classes virtually. The institution's student services benefit online enrollees. Academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services are available to students at the online school.
The online college meets the needs of many different degree-seekers with programs available in many top-choice majors. Distance learners earn an accredited degree that qualifies them for many different career paths. The institution emphasizes affordability.
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Columbus State University
- Columbus, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Nontraditional online learners at Columbus State University earn the same high-quality degrees as on-campus students. The public college delivers students 18 online programs. The institution enrolls online learners in one of the nation’s best-ranked degrees. Nontraditional learners can pursue a variety of bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Working professionals choose online learning for various reasons.
The school offers key benefits such as asynchronous learning and affordability. Online learners transfer credits or an associate degree to accelerate degree completion. Many schools no longer require admission tests. Students can expect a 79% admission rate. Columbus State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Columbus State University Fast Facts:
Status of School: Public
Number of Distance Learners: 3,779
Number of Online Programs: 18
Bachelor’s Degrees Available Online: 7
Undergraduate Tuition Rate In State: $4,371 a year
Undergraduate Tuition Rate Out Of State: $15,425 a year
Admission Rate: 79%
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Dalton State College
- Dalton, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
As one of the best schools, Dalton State College features undergraduate and graduate degrees offered online and on campus in Georgia. The school offers a total of three online bachelor's programs.
The programs at the online school span diverse disciplines, such as business, STEM, and healthcare. During an online degree, distance learners complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment. Students benefit from the individualized study plans they design in collaboration with faculty mentors and academic advisors. Online degree-seekers get help with their educational journey from the school's tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Enrollees graduate from bachelor's programs by taking 120 credits and from master's programs by taking 30 credits. Online learners qualify for scholarships, federal financial aid, and other forms of financial aid.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Georgia, Valdosta State University is a public institution that ranks among the best online schools. The accredited school enrolls 5,426 distance learners in its undergraduate and graduate programs. Online degree-seekers pick from nine bachelor's programs and 11 master's programs.
The school offers online programs in popular fields like business, STEM, and healthcare to meet the diverse needs and career goals of different students. The virtual programs use online classroom spaces to engage participants. The institution generally lets virtual learners complete in-person requirements in their local area. Online students benefit from student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.
Most bachelor's programs take four years to complete. Transfer credits from other institutions let people graduate in less time. Some programs offer accelerated options as well.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Augusta University
- Augusta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Augusta University, located in Georgia, enrolls undergraduate and graduate students in 114 online programs. Students pursuing online degrees enroll in one of six bachelor's programs and four master's programs. Virtual schools draw students with flexible learning in mind. E-learners receive a rigorous education through top-ranked academics at the school. Enrollees earn a bachelor’s degree in less than four years with transfer credits. Students can pursue master’s programs in a variety of fields. Enrollees complete community field experiences in some graduate degrees.
The school offers affordable education. Applicants must send school transcripts to admissions. Programs at Augusta University hold accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Augusta University Numbers:
On-Campus and Online Programs: 114
Online Bachelor’s Programs: 6
Online Master’s Programs: 4
Cost of In-State Tuition for Undergraduates: $6,892
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Shorter University
- Rome, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A Rome, Georgia, school, Shorter University ranks among the top schools for offering in-person and online undergraduate and graduate degrees. At the accredited college, 565 students enroll in online programs. Degree-seekers choose from 40 online bachelor's programs and two online master's programs at the private institution.
The programs at the online school span diverse disciplines, such as business, STEM, and healthcare. In an online program, virtual learners do work for their courses in a remote classroom setting. Students can tailor classes to their plan of study by working with academic advisors and faculty mentors. The school's online degree-seekers get access to tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Enrollees typically need 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree and 30 credits to earn a master's. Learners who enroll online can meet the eligibility requirements for different kinds of financial aid, including federal aid and scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Price Check
The University System of Georgia lets you compare the most recent costs of attendance, student loan outcomes, and time-to-degree of public Georgia online colleges.
Cost of Living in Georgia
Georgia's cost of living places the state as one of the top 15 for affordability, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. However, living costs vary greatly between the state's largest cities, such as Atlanta, and rural areas. Your utility providers, car model and year, and access to supermarkets can also significantly affect your cost of living.
As a college student, you can reduce your expenses in many ways, such as by living with roommates or using student discounts. Some cities offer free transit passes to students attending a local college.
Average Cost of Living in Georgia
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost per Month |
| Housing |
$1,120 |
| Groceries & Food |
$482 |
| Transportation |
$820 |
| Medical Care |
$767 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator
Georgia Scholarships
Scholarships for online universities in Georgia can help you reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. These awards include opportunities open exclusively to Georgia residents and those accepting applications from all U.S.-based learners.
We've found five scholarships for Georgia students to help start your search.
The 8 Fastest-Growing Jobs in Georgia
The healthcare field contains five of the eight fastest-growing jobs in Georgia. These positions require an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. The Georgia state government also expects strong growth in the aviation and filmmaking sectors.
Keep in mind that the chart below reflects projected, rather than actual, growth. Changing economic circumstances can impact your job search significantly. Fortunately, top online colleges in Georgia employ career advisors to help you find career tracks resistant to economic downturns.
Fastest-Growing Careers in Georgia 2020-2030
| Job |
Projected Growth |
| Nurse Practitioners |
78.7% |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants |
62.8% |
| Physical Therapist Assistants |
58.5% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers |
48.8% |
| Archivists |
42.3% |
| Speech-Language Pathologists |
41.6% |
| Film and Video Editors |
41.6% |
| Epidemiologists |
38.7% |
Source: Georgia Department of Labor
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Georgia
What is the cheapest online college in Georgia?
According to the National Council for Education Statistics, Clayton State University is the cheapest online college in Georgia. The typical student spends just $9,792 per year on tuition, fees, and education-related expenses. Unlike some online universities in Georgia, CSU does not charge online degree-seekers out-of-state tuition.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Georgia?
Both Albany State University and Middle Georgia State University accept 100% of applicants who meet all eligibility requirements. These public universities feature many fully online bachelor's degrees, such as management, RN-to-BSN, organizational leadership, and criminal justice programs. You can also explore online certificates that include histologic technician and medical coding.
How much does online college cost in Georgia?
In the 2020-2021 academic year, the average Georgia student at a four-year public school spent $7,525 in tuition and fees. Online learners paid the same amount as their on-campus peers. However, out-of-state students and those attending private online colleges in Georgia spent considerably more.
You can reduce your cost of attendance in ways other than enrolling in an affordable school. State, institutional, and private scholarships can help you significantly reduce your tuition burden. Some awards may cover fees, textbooks, and other education-related expenses.
Is online college free in Georgia?
No Georgia online colleges offer free tuition. However, the state's HOPE Career Grant covers tuition for many in-demand majors, such as practical nursing and industrial maintenance. Schools offering these programs may let you complete most requirements online while developing your skills through practicum and in-person labs.
Requirements for a HOPE Career Grant include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, Georgia residency, and good academic standing.
Do I need to be a resident of Georgia to attend an online college in Georgia?
You do not need to establish residency to apply to or attend Georgia online colleges. Even so, schools may use different or more rigorous admission requirements for out-of-state applicants. You may also not qualify for some state or institutional financial aid programs.
Contact colleges' admission departments to learn more about their admissions process and how you can succeed as an out-of-state, online degree-seeker.
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