Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
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Home of the nation's first state-funded merit scholarship, Georgia features 148 colleges awarding 150,000 degrees per year. The best colleges in Georgia offer majors aligning with the state's top industries, including aerospace, cybersecurity, and digital media and entertainment.
Online colleges in Georgia can prepare you to join this dynamic workforce from the comfort of your home, even if you live out of state. Your program may require some on-campus or other in-person requirements.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online Colleges in Georgia
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Athens and founded in 1785, UGA represents not only one of the best online colleges in Georgia, but also the very first institute of higher learning in the state.
Online degree programs at UGA include a bachelor of science in special education, 20 online master's degree programs, and 17 online graduate certificate programs. Faculty teach online courses using both synchronous and asynchronous methods. Tuition varies per program.
First-year undergraduate students must submit transcripts and a letter of recommendation. Graduate applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and any additional materials (as required by a specific program).
The University of Georgia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution operating two campuses just north of Atlanta, Kennesaw State teaches roughly 40,000 students each year.
Kennesaw State offers a variety of doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs online, as well as endorsements, certificates, and minors. Available online degrees include a bachelor of arts in geography, a master of science in civil engineering, and a doctor of education in teacher leadership.
Admission requirements for Kennesaw State's online programs are the same as for traditional on-campus programs. First-year applicants must submit transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA of 2.5. Graduate applicants should check the admission requirements for their desired program.
Kennesaw State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Columbus State University
Columbus, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Columbus State opened in 1958 on the site of a former dairy farm. Today, more than 8,000 students learn at Columbus State each year.
The university offers 10 online bachelor's degree programs, more than 30 online graduate degree programs, and 10 online endorsement and certificate programs. Notable online degree programs include a bachelor of science in criminal justice, a master of education in educational leadership, and a master of science in applied computer science.
First-year applicants must submit high school or GED transcripts. Graduate admission requirements vary by program. Columbus State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Clayton State University
Morrow, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution located in Morrow, CSU opened its doors in 1969 as a two-year college that taught about 900 students during its first semester. Today, the school operates as a four-year university and educates about 7,000 learners annually.
CSU offers more than 20 online degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Program options include a master of archival studies, a bachelor of applied science in homeland security and emergency management, and an RN-to-BSN degree completion track.
The undergraduate tuition for online students costs $169 per credit, while the graduate tuition rate is $385 per credit. Clayton State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution located in Statesboro, Georgia Southern taught just 15 students during its first semester in 1908. Now, the university teaches nearly 27,000 students each year.
Georgia Southern offers five online undergraduate degrees, over 25 endorsements and certificates, and more than 30 graduate degrees. Notable degree programs include a master of public health, a master of education in instructional technology, and a bachelor of arts in modern languages.
Tuition starts at $182 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students, although exact rates vary from program to program. First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.5. Graduate admission requirements vary by program.
Georgia Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Wesleyan College
Macon, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private women's college located in Macon, Wesleyan enrolled 90 women during its first semester in 1839. Today, about 700 women study at Wesleyan each year.
The college offers three fully online undergraduate degree programs in business, accounting, and applied psychology. Courses are delivered over eight-week blocks and there are five sessions each year. Tuition cost $448 per credit for online programs.
Distance learners can access online tutoring, a career center, library services, and academic advising. They can also engage in real-time chats with their professors and classmates each week.
Wesleyan College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution located in Dahlonega, UNG is a top online university in Georgia that has an annual enrollment of around 20,000 students. Learners can choose from eight certificates, seven associate degrees, three bachelor's degrees, eight master's degrees, and two doctoral degrees offered through UNG Online.
Tuition starts at $106 per credit and varies based on a learner's specific field, level of study, and residency status. First-year applicants must submit transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA of 2.4.
The University of North Georgia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, SCAD traces its history back to 1978. The school educates a diverse population of students from around the world.
SCAD offers about a dozen online undergraduate degree options and over 15 master of arts or master of fine arts online degree programs. Notable areas of study include photography, interactive design and game development, and the business of beauty and fragrance.
Tuition starts at $852 per credit. The college accepts applications on a rolling basis, and applicants usually hear back from the admissions committee in 2-4 weeks. Savannah College of Art and Design is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Carrollton and founded in 1906, UWG currently teaches more than 13,000 students annually.
UWG's fully online degree programs include five bachelor's degree options, 18 master's degree options, seven specialist degree options, four doctoral degree options, and 11 certificates, certifications, or endorsements. Notable degree programs include a bachelor of science in organizational leadership, a master of music in music education, a master of education in sport management, and a doctor of education in professional counseling and supervision.
Tuition starts at $159 per credit for eCore courses and varies based on a student's field, level of study, and residency status. First-year applicants must submit transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.6. Graduate admission requirements vary by program.
The University of West Georgia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution founded in 1907, Toccoa Falls College teaches more than 1,700 students annually. The school delivers its curriculum from an evangelical Christian perspective.
TFC's online offerings include two certificate programs, three associate degree programs, 10 bachelor's degree programs, and two master's degree programs. Notable online degrees offered by TFC include a bachelor of science in counseling psychology, a bachelor of science in youth ministries, and a master of arts in marriage and family therapy.
Online tuition costs $345 per credit. First-year applicants must submit transcripts, a personal testimony, and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. TFC may also require an interview. Graduate applicants must submit transcripts showing completion of a bachelor's degree, plus GRE scores, a resume, and a personal testimony.
Toccoa Falls College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
In order to create this rankings list, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our 2023 College Choice and Admissions Survey.
To qualify for our ranking list, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges. Read more about our rankings methodology.
How Much Does Online College in Georgia Cost?
Attending a public online college in Georgia can save you thousands of dollars on your education if you hold residency. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay over three times as much in tuition and fees at public schools. However, typical students at Georgia private colleges and universities spend considerably more.
Applying to online colleges in Georgia can help you save money in more ways than affordable tuition and fees. Other financial benefits may include reduced commuting and housing costs compared to on-campus learners.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $7,525 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,430 |
| Private Four-Year | $30,380 |
5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Georgia
A May 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics report highlights many well-paying careers for Georgia professionals with only a bachelor's degree. These jobs require you to manage others' work or take responsibility for people's safety.
You can increase your salary potential in many ways, such as earning an advanced degree or working in the same position for many years. Speak with your employer's human resources department to learn more about advancing your career.
The following data are based on the annual mean salary from May 2022.
- Chief Executive: $222,320
- Air Traffic Controller: $150,510
- Compensation and Benefits Manager: $150,010
- Public Relations Manager: $147,250
- Advertising and Promotions Manager: $144,510
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Georgia
Is it worth it to attend online college in Georgia?
The answer depends on your learning style, professional and academic goals, and budget. Online colleges in Georgia can feature many advantages, such as asynchronous instruction. However, you may prefer the one-on-one engagement a traditional classroom environment provides.
Research program websites and graduate testimonials to learn which online colleges in Georgia offer what you need for academic and career success.
What is the cheapest online college in Georgia?
With an average $5,532 annual net price, Dalton State College ranks as the cheapest online college in Georgia. This figure includes all education-related expenses. Your cost of attendance (COA) may vary, depending on your living and commuting situations.
You can further reduce your COA with federal financial aid programs. Your college's financial aid office can help you fill out the FAFSA and apply.
What is the easiest online college to attend in Georgia?
Savannah State University, Dalton State College, Albany State University, and Middle Georgia State University use open enrollment. This policy translates to a 100% acceptance rate. You can rest assured, as these institutions hold proper accreditation and offer a rigorous educational experience.
Open enrollment can help you enroll in college if you hold only a GED diploma or did poorly in high school.
