Online college degrees offer many benefits, including lower tuition and flexible schedules. Learning online also lets you explore schools outside your geographic area, even those out of state.
Online colleges in GA offer bachelor's degrees in the arts, humanities, STEM, and social sciences. Institutional accreditation ensures that you receive the same rigorous instruction as on-campus students.
Before researching online universities in Georgia, explore the local labor market, Georgia's cost of living, and ways to lower your out-of-pocket expenses with this in-depth guide.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Georgia for 2024
#1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate In-State | $298.27
Undergraduate Out-of-State | $932.87
Graduate In-State | $398
Graduate Out-of-State | $1,259
Georgia State University is a public research university located in Atlanta. GSU offers 31 online degree programs in six interest areas: business, education, health professions, humanities, policy/social sciences and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
The university focuses on student success, providing support through an advising system that uses predictive analysis to track progress and offers competitive tuition packages. According to GSU, more than 92% of its students with demonstrated need receive some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
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
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Total Online Programs:
Bachelor's | 15
Master's | 20
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $185
Graduate | $383
Kennesaw State University is a public research university with campuses in Atlanta, Kennesaw and Marietta. Kennesaw offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in various fields of study, including business administration, cybersecurity, and information systems.
Online students are eligible for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students, such as the HOPE Scholarship (a merit-based scholarship), other scholarships, grants, loans, and work study opportunities.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
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
University of West Georgia
- Carrollton, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $182
Graduate | $241
The University of West Georgia is a public university with a main campus in Carrollton and additional locations in Newnan and Atlanta. UWG's online offerings include bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting, computing, criminology, elementary education and finance.
Tuition rates for online courses are the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. However, UWG recommends students to take courses in the same delivery format (either all online or all face-to-face) to avoid higher fees, such as a campus fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
76%
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
Savannah College of Art and Design
- Savannah, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $891
Graduate | $913
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private art school with locations in Savannah, Atlanta, and internationally in Lacoste, France. Eight out of SCAD's nine schools offer online bachelor's and master's degrees, including the School of Building Arts, School of Animation and Motion, and School of Creative Technology. There are a total of 21 online programs available through SCAD online.
According to SCAD, approximately 80% of students receive financial assistance through scholarships and grants. Prospective students may be eligible for the SCAD Achievement Honors Scholarship, based on the strength of their achievements and portfolio.
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
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
Clayton State University
- Morrow, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $169
Graduate | $385
Clayton State University is a public university in Morrow that predominantly serves metropolitan Atlanta. Clayton offers online degree programs in many fields including English, legal studies, nursing, psychology, and human services.
Online-only students can take advantage of Clayton's eTuition rates, which is a reduced tuition rate without fees for on-campus services. They may also be eligible for various state and federal funding options such as the Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Grant.
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
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
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $182
Out-of-State | $293
Valdosta State University is a public university in Valdosta, part of the University System of Georgia. VSU offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in several focus areas: business, education, interdisciplinary studies, humanities and communication studies, STEM, and social and behavioral sciences.
VSU has a tuition plan that stays the same throughout the student's journey, with no fees. VSU offers an online readiness indicator survey for students who are new to remote learning and helps guide them in their decision to enroll.
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
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
Truett McConnell University
- Cleveland, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate| $414
Out-of-State | $492
Truett McConnell University is a private Baptist university in Cleveland, Georgia. Truett's online bachelor's and master's degree programs include a bachelor of arts (BA) in Christian studies, a bachelor of science (BS) in criminal justice, a master of arts (MA) in counseling and a master of divinity (M.Div.).
Several forms of financial aid are available for online students at Truett, including state and federal grants, state and federal loans, private outside scholarships and private alternative loans. State grants include the Zell Miller Scholarship, the HOPE Scholarship, and the Student Access Loan for qualifying students.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Colleges in Georgia
Mercer University
- Macon, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $525
Out-of-State | $525-$1,009
Mercer University is a private research university in Macon and is the oldest private university in Georgia. Mercer offers more than 30 online undergraduate and graduate programs, including a master of science (MS) in applied data intelligence and machine learning, a BA in communication, and BS in criminal justice leadership.
According to Mercer, 90% of students receive merit scholarships after admission. In addition, federal, state and Mercer-funded scholarships and grants cover 70-95% of tuition for most incoming students.
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
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
Columbus State University
- Columbus, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate In-State | $182
Undergraduate Out-of-State | $643
Graduate In-State | $301
Graduate Out-of-State | $817
Columbus State University is a public university in Columbus, Georgia. CSU has more than 50 online bachelor's and master's degree programs, in areas such as criminal justice, elementary education, information technology and marketing.
According to CSU, over 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from more than $3 million in scholarships each year. These scholarships range from $100-$5,000 and are both merit- and need-based. Lower tuition rates are available for veteran graduate students.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
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
Middle Georgia State University
- Macon, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $150
Graduate | $255
Middle Georgia State University is a public university in Macon. MGA offers over a dozen online degrees for various fields, such as media, culture and the arts, business, and aviation science. They include a BA in interdisciplinary studies, an MS in management, and a BS in aviation science and management.
A tuition payment plan is available for MGA students to help make their college education more affordable. The plan allows students to pay for tuition and fees over time, breaking down into monthly payments with no interest. MGA's scholarship program also awarded $461,493 in scholarships in 2021-2022.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.
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.
Is Accreditation Important for Online Colleges in GA?
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when comparing colleges in Georgia. Accreditation comes in two forms: institutional and programmatic.
Institutional accreditation can affect access to federal financial aid, transfer credits, and employment opportunities. In Georgia, many schools hold institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Programmatic accreditation may be required, depending on your discipline. This type of accreditation applies to programs or departments within schools. In some fields, you may need to graduate from an accredited program to qualify for professional licensure.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to a Georgia College Online?
Many factors affect the cost of online colleges in GA, including school prestige, public vs. private status, and student residency. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition cost in Georgia was $7,632 in public four-year colleges and $31,335 in private colleges in 2021-2022.
Even though the average tuition in Georgia is lower than the national average, you can save even more money with online learning. For example, many online schools offer tuition discounts for out-of-state students, such as flat-rate tuition for or interstate reciprocity agreements, including the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.
You also have access to financial aid in online college, such as federal grants and loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Scholarships for Online Students at Georgia Schools
Scholarships for online colleges in GA can help you further 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.
Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program: Get Educated awards $1,000 to online degree-seekers attending accredited colleges. Application materials include an essay, transcripts, and FAFSA results.
Deadline to Apply: Oct. 15 or March 15 each year
Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally: The Georgia state government has awarded more than $14 billion in financial assistance to in-state high school graduates. You can renew the HOPE Scholarship for all four years of college by maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Deadline to Apply: The last day of the school term
STEM Majors Scholarships: The STEM Majors Scholarships award $2,500-$5,000 to on-campus and online degree-seekers majoring in over two dozen STEM subjects.
Deadline to Apply: May 1 each year
Study.com Online Undergraduate Degree Scholarship: Study.com awards this one-time scholarship to online learners in all subjects. The scholarship committee considers applicants' grades and extracurricular involvement.
Deadline to Apply: Nov. 1 each year
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Georgia?
Georgia's cost of living places the state among 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 living costs.
As a college student, you can reduce expenses in many ways, such as by living with roommates or using student discounts. Some cities offer free transit passes to students attending local colleges.
Average Cost of Living in Georgia
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost per Month |
| Housing |
$1,278 |
| Groceries & Food |
$357 |
| Transportation |
$864 |
| Medical Care |
$249 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator
What Are the 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.
The chart below reflects projected growth. Changing economic circumstances can affect your job search significantly. Fortunately, top online colleges in GA 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 |
79% |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants |
63% |
| Physical Therapist Assistants |
59% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers |
49% |
| Archivists |
42% |
| Speech-Language Pathologists |
42% |
| Film and Video Editors |
42% |
| Epidemiologists |
39% |
Source: Georgia Department of Labor
More Questions About Online Colleges in GA
What is the cheapest online college in Georgia?
According to the National Council for Education Statistics, Clayton State University (CSU) is the cheapest online college in Georgia. On average, its students spend just $9,792 per year on tuition, fees, and education-related expenses. Unlike some online universities in Georgia, CSU charges online learners flat-rate tuition, regardless of their location.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Georgia?
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 pursue online certificates in histologic technician and medical coding.
How much does online college cost in Georgia?
NCES data indicates that, in the 2020-2021 academic year, the average Georgia student at a four-year public school spent $7,525 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students and those attending private online colleges in Georgia pay considerably higher rates than in-state learners. You can reduce your cost of attendance in ways other than enrolling in an affordable school, including through scholarships and grants.
Is online college free in Georgia?
No. Georgia does not offer free tuition for its online schools. 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. The HOPE Career Grant requires 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 requirements and how you can succeed as an out-of-state, online degree-seeker.
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