Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Thinking about going to college in Georgia? If you want to attend college in the Peach State, here’s the good news: You’ll probably pay less than you would in most other states. The average tuition at a public four-year college in Georgia costs nearly $2,000 less than the national average tuition rate.

Top-ranked colleges have campuses in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and throughout the state. Discover why you should choose online colleges in Georgia, learn what they cost, and what careers are available to graduates.

Accreditation helps to set reputable online schools in Georgia apart from the rest. When it comes to accreditation, there is institutional and programmatic accreditation, and both are voluntary processes.

Nationally accredited schools have been evaluated by independent accrediting associations, which measure education outcomes and curriculum quality. This process gives you confidence in the value of your education. Employers and other postsecondary institutions also recognize accreditation as important.

In Georgia, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional accreditor that certifies institutions to award degrees.

Georgia offers cheaper college tuition than the national average. In the 2020-2021 school year, students at public four-year colleges paid an average of $7,525 for tuition and fees and $11,186 for room and board. For private institutions, students paid $30,380 in tuition and fees.

Your residency status can affect how much tuition you’ll pay. Out-of-state residents at public institutions paid an average of $23,430 in the 2020-2021 school year for tuition and fees —$15,905 more than in-state students.

Some online colleges in Georgia waive residency requirements if you study online. Studying online saves money on campus fees, parking, and gas.

You can help pay for your education by submitting the FAFSA. The information you submit determines how much you qualify for federal loans and grants.

You can narrow your search for a college by city. Perhaps you want a college in the heart of Atlanta or a quieter campus in Marietta. Georgia’s cities offer benefits for each student, even if you plan to study online.

Depending on your major, you may need to commute to campus for labs, occasional classes, or social events.

Online colleges in Georgia offer convenience and flexibility — a major advantage if you have family or career obligations. That said, in-person programs offer benefits as well.

Going to college as a traditional on-campus student gives you a more personal education, social opportunities, and direct access to campus events and resources. The campus experience is especially important if you learn best through personal interaction in a physical classroom.

Institutions like Georgia Southern University and Kennesaw State University have countless clubs, fraternities, and sororities to connect you with other students. The University of Georgia also offers a vibrant community of 40,118 students and a beautiful 767-acre campus within walking distance of downtown Athens.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average job growth rate in the United States is 7.7%, with employers projected to add about 11.9 million positions from 2020-2031.

In Georgia, employment for nurse practitioners and flight attendants will soar past the national average. Other fast-growing occupations include occupational therapy assistants, physical therapist assistants, and sound engineering technicians.

Sources: Projections Central, BLS