Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Evan Thompson
By
Updated on April 2, 2025
Edited by
Research the average cost of college in Georgia, explore the state’s fastest-growing career paths, and connect with affordable Georgia schools.
Are you ready to discover your college program?

Online college degrees provide significant advantages, including lower tuition and more flexible schedules than traditional, on-campus programs. Online learning allows you to explore top schools nationwide, regardless of your location.

Georgia’s online colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in arts, humanities, STEM, and social sciences. They also provide affordable bachelor’s degree programs, with tuition below the national average for the 2022-2023 school year.

This comprehensive guide delivers the insights you need on Georgia’s online universities, the local job market, the state’s cost of living, and strategies for minimizing your expenses.

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Top Online Colleges in Georgia for 2025

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Kennesaw State University

  • Location-markerKennesaw, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Kennesaw State University offers 14 online bachelor's degrees and 15 online master's degrees, including biology, psychology, cybersecurity, geography, marketing, and industrial engineering technology degrees. KSU stands out for its commitment to affordability and flexible scheduling to accommodate working adults and nontraditional students. 

Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,850
Out of State | $2,850

Why Students Choose KSU:

  • Flexibility: KSU fosters student accessibility through asynchronous courses and self-paced options to study on your own terms. 
  • Tutoring and Support: Online students can access advising, career planning, community engagement, involvement opportunities, online tutoring, disability services, technology resources, tuition assistance, and well-being initiatives. 

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Credit for Prior Learning: KSU offers credit for previous work experience, professional training, military training, and open-source learning from the web.
  • Veterans and Military-Connected Student Support: Kennesaw supports 2,000 military-connected students and is a designated gold-level Military Friendly institution.
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,562
  • Out-of-state$19,630
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,328
  • Out-of-state$19,188
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled45,152
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment62%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

University of West Georgia

  • Location-markerCarrollton, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

The University of West Georgia is valued for its low tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. You can choose from 18 online undergraduate degrees in diverse fields, including sociology, nursing, and criminal justice. UWG also offers more than 50 online graduate degrees and certificates. 

Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,233
Out of State | $3,233

Why Students Choose UWG:

  • College Cost Savings: As an online student, you can save on your overall college costs by eliminating the cost of transportation and on-campus housing.  
  • Faster Degree Completion: UWG offers credit for prior learning and dual enrollment so you can graduate sooner with relevant experience or credits. 
  • Student Support: As an online student, you'll get access to 24-7 tutoring and technical support to help you succeed.  

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Tuition Rules: If you're an out-of-state student and complete your degree 100% online, you qualify for in-state tuition. Out-of-state students who take a combination of on-campus and online courses will be charged an additional $675 per credit. 
  • Additional Fees: You'll need to pay a proctoring fee for courses that require proctored exams.
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,464
  • Out-of-state$19,282
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,338
  • Out-of-state$16,830
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate49%
  • Students Enrolled12,769
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment80%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Savannah College of Art and Design

  • Location-markerSavannah, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Savannah College of Art and Design stands out for its creative degree offerings. SCAD's eight online bachelor's degrees include dramatic writing, graphic design, and interactive design and game development. You can also choose from 16 graduate degrees, including luxury and brand management, preservation design, and motion media design.  

Cost per Semester:
In State | $13,710 (per quarter)

Out of State | $13,710 (per quarter)

Why Students Choose SCAD:

  • Flexibility: SCAD is one of few universities that focuses on providing exceptional education for on-the-go artists, designers, and professionals. Courses stream in real time but are accessible anytime, and you can choose between synchronous and asynchronous formats.
  • Reputation: SCAD is the first school in the country to receive the Instructional Technology Council's Outstanding Distance Education Program award. 
  • Community: Connect with a vibrant, digital community of artists, designers, and professionals. 

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Admissions: The 84% admissions rate is higher than many others on this list. 
  • Scholarships: SCAD reports that 80% of new applicants receive scholarships. 
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$39,105
  • Out-of-state$39,105
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$40,050
  • Out-of-state$40,050
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate82%
  • Students Enrolled16,414
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Mercer University

  • Location-markerMacon, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Mercer University features flexible online offerings, with nearly 30 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Mercer is known for its strong support ecosystem, from orientation through graduation and beyond, to help students succeed.

Cost per Semester:
In State | $8,160
Out of State | $8,160

Why Students Choose Mercer:

  • Multiple Start Dates: You can choose from multiple start dates throughout the year to begin your program whenever you're ready.
  • Shorter Courses: Complete a class in as little as eight weeks.
  • Military Support: You can connect with professional staff for special assistance related to military educational benefits.

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Payment Options: Mercer offers online payment plans that allow you to pay over multiple months.
  • Graduation Rates: The school has a strong 73% graduation rate.  
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,017
  • Out-of-state$30,017
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,531
  • Out-of-state$15,531
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate66%
  • Students Enrolled9,124
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Columbus State University

  • Location-markerColumbus, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Columbus State University continues to expand its online offerings, adding more each year. You can choose from 12 online bachelor's degrees and 17 master's degrees. CSU also offers 14 hybrid undergraduate degree programs that are held both online and on campus. 

Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,200
Out of State | $10,520

Why Students Choose CSU:

  • Scholarships: CSU awards $3 million annually in merit-based, military, business, and technology scholarships.
  • Community: Courses are designed so you can connect with instructors skilled in online learning and collaborate with other students virtually through a 24-7 online platform. 

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Payment Plans: You can opt for an interest-free payment plan to spread tuition costs over the semester. 
  • Out-of-State Students: Online courses or field experiences may be limited for students outside Georgia. Before applying, visit the Program State Authorizations and Approvals page to see if your chosen program is available in your state.
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 Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled7,479
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Albany State University

  • Location-markerAlbany, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Albany State University is Georgia's largest historically Black college and university (HBCU) and the 10th largest HBCU in the U.S. At ASU, you can choose from five 100% online bachelor's degrees and seven master's degrees that focus on providing strong student support and practical learning experiences.

Cost per Semester:
In State | $8,655
Out of State | $8,655

Why Students Choose ASU:

  • Student Resources: You can access many online resources, including citation and research help, an online writing center, and free 24-7 tutoring. 
  • Success Coaching: You'll have your own academic success coach to help you achieve your professional goals. 
  • Scholarships: The Albany State University Foundation offers many institutional and external scholarships to help you pay for college.  

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Payment Plans: With a $60 to $70 nonrefundable fee, you are eligible to participate in a payment plan to spread out your tuition costs over time.
  • Graduation Rates: The 23% graduation rate is lower than that of most schools on this list. 
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,064
  • Out-of-state$14,786
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,438
  • Out-of-state$13,716
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled6,334
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Clayton State University

  • Location-markerMorrow, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Many students choose Clayton State University for its offering of 20 career-focused online degrees, including bachelor's programs in English, history, government and law, and legal studies. You can also choose from five online master's degrees, including nursing, archival studies, and business administration.

Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,890
Out of State | $2,890

Why Students Choose CSU:

  • Resources: You can access one-on-one tutoring, writing support, and a personal librarian who can suggest books and courses for academic success or entertainment.  
  • Scholarships: You don't need to complete a scholarship application; students are automatically considered. 
  • Global Community: As a CSU student, you'll have the chance to interact with diverse students and gain a global perspective. 

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Payment Plans: You can use a payment plan to spread your tuition costs over a semester. 
  • Graduation Rate: The 35% graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students don't graduate within 150% of the standard completion time. 
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,064
  • Out-of-state$14,786
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,513
  • Out-of-state$11,232
  • Retention Rate60%
  • Acceptance Rate56%
  • Students Enrolled5,847
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Middle Georgia State University

  • Location-markerMacon, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Middle Georgia State University is known for its vast offering of around 165 private scholarships and its low in-state and out-of-state tuition to help students graduate with less debt. You can choose from 15 online bachelor's degrees, 12 master's degrees, and two online doctoral degrees.

Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,849
Out of State | $2,849

Why Students Choose MGA:

  • Academic Support: Access academic advising, support for adult learners, counseling and accessibility services, a mathematics academic resource center, and more. 
  • Scholarships: You'll be considered for MGA scholarships without a formal application. 

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Admissions: MGA has a 100% admissions rate but a much lower 26% graduation rate. 
  • Payment Plans: You can make interest-free monthly payments to cover tuition over time. 
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,144
  • Out-of-state$11,616
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,582
  • Out-of-state$12,492
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate100%
  • Students Enrolled7,688
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment73%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Georgia Southwestern State University

  • Location-markerAmericus, GA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Georgia Southwestern State University offers 11 online bachelor's degrees and six online master's degrees, including four master's degree programs in nursing. GSW is dedicated to offering quality education at an accessible price with numerous scholarships and low tuition for both residents and nonresidents.

Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,610
Out of State | $2,610

Why Students Choose GSW:

  • Global Community: Connect with GSW students from 42 countries. 
  • Extensive Scholarships: Nearly 800 scholarships are distributed annually to students, with strong financial support offered to first-generation students.
  • Student Services: Access academic advising, disability accommodation, tutoring, writing support, and services for veterans. 

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Low Out-of-State Tuition: If you don't live in Georgia, you can access the same low in-state tuition rates as long as you take 100% of your classes online. 
  • Payment Plans: You can spread out payments over a semester with an enrollment fee of $60-$75.
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,080
  • Out-of-state$18,482
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,483
  • Out-of-state$13,806
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled3,415
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment73%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Thomas University

  • Location-markerThomasville, GA
  • 4 year
  • Online

What Sets It Apart: 

Thomas University stands out for its agreements with community colleges that make it easy to transfer credits to a bachelor's degree program. You can choose from 14 online bachelor's degrees and six graduate degrees, including medical laboratory science, social work, supply chain management, homeland security, and an RN-to-BSN track. 

Cost per Semester:
In State | $7,125
Out of State | $7,125

Why Students Choose TU:

  • Military Discount: Active-duty military personnel, guard, reserve, Department of Defense and VA civilians, and military dependents pay just $250 per credit. 
  • Credit Transfer: You could receive up to 90 credits for professional training, including law enforcement, corrections, military service, examinations, and prior learning portfolios.

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Scholarships: TU offers a variety of university-specific scholarships for $500-$1,000. 
  • Additional Fees: You'll have to pay an additional course fee for some online courses. 
  • Admissions and Graduation Rates: TU has a low 43% admissions rate and a lower 28% graduation rate. 
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,800
  • Out-of-state$10,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,050
  • Out-of-state$13,050
  • Retention Rate36%
  • Acceptance Rate46%
  • Students Enrolled1,531
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes

Price Check check

The University System of Georgia lets you compare the most recent costs of attendance, student loan outcomes, and the time it takes to earn a degree at Georgia’s public online colleges.

9 Fast-Growing Jobs in Georgia

Georgia has many fast-growing jobs. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are in high demand due to an aging population, a shortage of physicians, and increasing healthcare needs. Data scientists and statisticians are also sought after because many sectors now use data analysis for decision-making.

The chart below highlights fast-growing careers in Georgia, including roles in healthcare, data science, and applied statistics.

Fast-Growing Jobs in Georgia
JobProjected Growth (2022-2032)Annual Mean Wage in GA (May 2023)
Nurse Practitioners58.2%$121,150
Data Scientists43.8%$108,010
Statisticians38.5%$114,330
Restaurant Cooks36.1%$30,990
Medical and Health Services Managers35.4%$146,700
Information Security Analysts34.5%$121,260
Actuaries34.3%$133,300
Epidemiologists34.2$71,810
Physician Assistants32.1%$115,650
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Projections Central

Majors to Consider to Prepare for Georgia’s Job Market

Here are some majors that can prepare you for Georgia’s fastest-growing jobs. Each provides the training and knowledge needed for entry-level roles in healthcare, data science, and applied statistics.

  • check-circle

    Nursing

    A nursing major prepares you for careers related to patient care. You’ll learn clinical skills and gain a solid understanding of how the body works, including anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Nursing degrees often lead to roles like nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
  • check-circle

    Data Science

    As a data science major, you’ll learn to break down and make sense of complex data. Courses often cover statistics, programming, and machine learning, which are all key skills for careers as data scientists, statisticians, or data analysts.
  • check-circle

    Public Health

    The public health major focuses on community health, healthcare policies, and the spread of disease. You’ll learn about disease prevention and promoting good health, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to become an epidemiologist or work in healthcare services.
  • check-circle

    Culinary Arts

    A culinary arts major develops hands-on skills in cooking, menu planning, and kitchen management. Culinary courses focus on food science, nutrition, and customer service, preparing you for a career in cooking or food service management.

What Is the Cost of College in Georgia?

Higher education costs in Georgia fall well below national averages. Compared to national data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in-state students at four-year public colleges in Georgia pay an average of 27.4% less in tuition and required fees. Similar trends extend to out-of-state students at public institutions and to those who attend private schools.

Studying online can increase your savings, as you’ll avoid relocation, transportation, and parking costs. Some Georgia schools also offer tuition discounts to fully online students.

Average Cost of College in Georgia (2022-2023)
Institution TypeAverage Tuition and Required Fees in GAAverage Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S.
Public Four-Year (In-State)$7,075$9,750
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State)$24,331$28,297
Private Four-Year$32,114$35,248
Source: NCES

Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Georgia

Scholarships for online colleges in Georgia can help you further reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. These awards include opportunities open exclusively to Georgia residents as well as those accepting applications from all U.S.-based learners.

We’ve found five scholarships for Georgia students to help start your search.

Georgia Association of Educators Foundation Scholarshipschevron-right

The GAE Foundation supports aspiring educators with scholarships and grants. Requirements include state residency and status as a high school junior or senior.

Deadline to Apply: March 31 each year

Get Educated Online College Scholarship Programchevron-right

Get Educated awards $1,000 to online degree-seekers attending accredited colleges. Requirements include U.S. citizenship, accredited online degree program enrollment, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Application materials include an essay, transcripts, and FAFSA results.

Deadline to Apply: October 15 and March 15 each year

Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationallychevron-right

The Georgia government has awarded more than $14 billion in financial assistance to in-state high school graduates since HOPE began in 1992. Students can renew the HOPE scholarship for all four college years by maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Deadline to Apply: The last day of the school term or the date you withdraw from school, whichever comes first

AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarshipschevron-right

The professional STEM association AFCEA awards STEM Majors Scholarships in amounts of $2,500-$5,000 to on-campus and online degree-seekers majoring in over two dozen STEM subjects. Undergraduate applicants must be full-time sophomores or juniors at a four-year institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Deadline to Apply: May 1 each year

Zell Miller Scholarshipchevron-right

The Zell Miller Scholarship is for Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement. The scholarship helps cover tuition at eligible colleges; award amounts vary. To qualify, you must meet citizenship, residency, enrollment, and other requirements, including making satisfactory academic progress.

Deadline to Apply: The last day of the school term or the date you withdraw from school, whichever comes first

Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Georgia

Tuition reciprocity lets you pay in-state rates at Georgia institutions if you’re from a state that participates in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market. This agreement can help you save significantly on education costs when studying outside of your home state.

Eligible states granting their residents in-state tuition in Georgia are:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Florida (graduate programs only)
  • Georgia
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas (graduate programs only)
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Georgia

Not all Georgia residents receive free college tuition, but they may qualify for scholarships and grants for college, some of which may cover full tuition. Eligibility often includes U.S. citizenship, legal residency, Selective Service compliance, and good standing on financial aid. Maintaining a minimum GPA may also be necessary for programs like HOPE and the Zell Miller Scholarship.

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