Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Nalea J. Ko
By
Updated on February 27, 2024
Edited by

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.

Why Consider Online Colleges in Georgia?

  • In Georgia, there are many high-quality colleges and universities that offer online programs.
  • An online program can give you the flexibility to balance work and other obligations.
  • Online college is often more affordable than an on-campus program.
  • Tuition and fees in Georgia run an average of $7,525 — well below the national average of $9,375.
  • Compared to the national average, Georgia has a low unemployment rate.
  • The University of Georgia System offers a huge catalog of online degrees.

Did You Know…

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Best Online Colleges in Georgia

#1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Kennesaw State University

  • Location-markerKennesaw, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,450
  • Out-of-state$15,704
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,238
  • Out-of-state$19,188
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate82%
  • Students Enrolled42,899
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Georgia State University

  • Location-markerAtlanta, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,158
  • Out-of-state$22,389
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,164
  • Out-of-state$22,662
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate100%
  • Students Enrolled36,973
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

University of West Georgia

  • Location-markerCarrollton, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,371
  • Out-of-state$15,426
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,338
  • Out-of-state$16,830
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled12,687
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Clayton State University

  • Location-markerMorrow, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
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 Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate63%
  • Students Enrolled6,817
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment86%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Savannah College of Art and Design

  • Location-markerSavannah, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$38,340
  • Out-of-state$38,340
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$39,240
  • Out-of-state$39,240
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled15,636
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Valdosta State University

  • Location-markerValdosta, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,371
  • Out-of-state$15,426
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,572
  • Out-of-state$16,470
  • Retention Rate56%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled11,557
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment64%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Mercer University

  • Location-markerMacon, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,024
  • Out-of-state$29,024
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,244
  • Out-of-state$15,244
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled9,009
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Columbus State University

  • Location-markerColumbus, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
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 Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled7,898
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment70%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Albany State University

  • Location-markerAlbany, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
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 Rate65%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled6,297
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment72%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Middle Georgia State University

  • Location-markerMacon, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,728
  • Out-of-state$10,075
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,582
  • Out-of-state$12,492
  • Retention Rate55%
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled7,843
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment72%
  • AccreditationYes

How Does Accreditation Work for Online Schools in Georgia?

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.

How Much Do Online Universities in Georgia Cost?

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.

6 Popular Cities for Accredited Online Colleges in Georgia

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.

  1. 1

    Athens

    This city is home to the Georgia Bulldogs from the University of Georgia, which was founded in 1785. Other major employers are headquartered in Athens, including Athens Regional Health System and Caterpillar Inc.
  2. 2

    Atlanta

    The capital of Georgia hosts top universities and colleges that draw students from across the country and internationally, like Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Spelman College. Atlanta has more than 30 public and private four- and two-year colleges.
  3. 3

    Columbus

    From Fort Benning to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus offers much in the way of sightseeing. Students come to Columbus to major in nursing, criminal justice and safety studies, and business.
  4. 4

    Marietta

    With a workforce of 36,140, Marietta’s top industries include Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, the Cobb County government, and WellStar Health System. Marietta also boasts one of Georgia’s most famous museums: the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.
  5. 5

    Savannah

    Savannah’s history dates back to 1789, making it the oldest city in Georgia. Major industries in Savannah include retail and wholesale, business services, manufacturing, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality.
  6. 6

    Valdosta

    This town, established in 1825, is home to Valdosta State University. Valdosta also features six historic districts. Students come to Valdosta to study arts, business, education, health professions, humanities, science and technology, and trades and personal services.

On-Campus Programs in Georgia

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.

What Are the Fastest-Growing Jobs in Georgia?

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.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Georgia
JobJob Growth Rate (2020-2030)Median Annual Salary (May 2021)
Nurse Practitioners79%$123,780
Flight Attendants72%$61,640
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers65%$26,390
Occupational Therapy Assistants64%$85,570
Restaurant Cooks61%$27,770
Physical Therapist Assistants58%$59,510
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers49%$205,610
Entertainers and Performers, Sports Professionals46%$51,710
Sound Engineering Technicians46%$81,370
Massage Therapists45%$40,080

Sources: Projections Central, BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Georgia


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