Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Online colleges in Georgia can prepare you for a new job, even if you live out of state. Learn more about affordable online education.
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Updated December 19, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

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.

Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

#1 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Kennesaw State University

  • Kennesaw, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
45,152
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62% 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 2025

University of West Georgia

  • Carrollton, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
12,769
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
80% 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 2025

Savannah College of Art and Design

  • Savannah, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
16,414
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28% 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 2025

Mercer University

  • Macon, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
9,124
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
34% 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 2025

Columbus State University

  • Columbus, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
7,479
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
71% 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 2025

Albany State University

  • Albany, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
6,334
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
76% 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 2025

Clayton State University

  • Morrow, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
5,847
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
76% 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 2025

Middle Georgia State University

  • Macon, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
7,688
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
73% 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 2025

Georgia Southwestern State University

  • Americus, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

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 Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
3,415
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
73% 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 2025

Thomas University

  • Thomasville, GA
  • 4 years
  • 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 Rate
36%
Acceptance Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
1,531
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% 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 and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.

This list is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.

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.

Georgia Association of Educators Foundation Scholarships: The GAE Foundation supports aspiring educators with scholarships and grants. Requirements include residency and status as a high school junior or senior.

Deadline to Apply: Feb. 1 each year

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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AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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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