10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2025

Online education gives students a flexible, accessible option for finishing their education. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), around 27% of all college students in Georgia were enrolled exclusively online in 2023.

Perhaps you're planning to attend an online college in Georgia, and you'd like to know: which schools offer the best online degrees in the state? Which ones have the highest acceptance rates, the highest graduation rates, and the most online degree programs? Keep reading as we take a closer look at some top online colleges for Georgia students to consider.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Georgia

There are many online colleges in Georgia, but some offer better programs than others. Below, we'll take a detailed look at the top 10 schools in the state for online learners.

1. Georgia State University

Georgia State University, located in Atlanta, is a member of the University System of Georgia. It provides online degrees at every program level, including associate degrees and specialist programs. Areas of study include:

• criminal justice
• marketing
• political science
• interdisciplinary studies
• finance

The school provides generous financial aid packages, awarding them to 94% of students. The school is considered a top online college in Georgia because online tuition is remarkably low and students have many programs to choose from.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,478

Out-of-State: $23,709

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,164

Out-of-State: $22,662

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 54%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Mercer University

Mercer University is a private school located in Macon, GA. Many online degrees and certificates are available at various program levels. Options include:

• business analytics
• communication
• health informatics
• liberal studies
• management

All students attending this school receive financial aid in the form of scholarships or grants. Due to the school's high-quality academics, flexible online options, and commitment to affordability, it is one of the top universities in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $40,890

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $17,565

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 73%

Retention Rate: 83%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Point University

Point University is a private school with its main campus in West Point, GA. It provides online degree programs for associate, bachelor's, and master's degree students. Areas of study include:

• applied ministry
• child development
• information technology
• business administration
• psychology

The school offers financial aid to 98% of its students. Since the school focuses on offering quality degrees and making them affordable, it is one of the best online colleges in Georgia.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $22,300

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $13,014

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 40%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design is a specialized private school headquartered in Savannah. It offers a wealth of online bachelor's and master's degrees in creative disciplines. Some of the areas of study include:

• animation
• dramatic writing
• fashion
• painting
• photography

Up to 98% of students receive financial aid to help them cover their costs. Students have access to a top-notch arts education at this school. Because of the quality and diversity of its online programs, it is one of the top online colleges in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $40,595

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $41,085

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 70%

Retention Rate: 87%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Brenau University

Brenau University is a private school in Gainesville. It offers several associate, bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees and certificate programs online. Some of the options include:

• healthcare administration
• middle grades education
• organizational leadership
• applied gerontology
• liberal studies

Brenau awards financial aid to 95% of its students. Its online programs are highly flexible and designed with busy working adults in mind. Thanks to its commitment to quality and range of educational programs, it is one of the best schools in Georgia for online learners.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $33,275

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $14,130

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 35%

Retention Rate: 62%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University has campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. Bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and specialist degrees are available for online students at this university. Programs include:

• sociology
• cybersecurity
• geography
• educational leadership
• art and design

Up to 94% of students obtain financial aid when attending Kennesaw State. This is an excellent school for online students because of the wealth of programs available, the flexible curriculum, the affordable tuition, and the financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $5,786

Out-of-State: $17,040

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,328

Out-of-State: $19,188

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 48%

Retention Rate: 79%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is located in Athens and is the oldest public school in the U.S. It offers one online bachelor's degree and several master's degrees. Popular areas of study include:

• nutritional sciences
• food technology
• special education
• business administration
• pharmacy

The school awards financial aid to 84% of students. It is known as a top university in the U.S. for both online and in-person programs, making it also one of the best online schools in Georgia.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,180

Out-of-State: $30,220

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,878

Out-of-State: $25,186

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 37%

Graduation Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 95%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls College is a private school located in Toccoa Falls, GA. Though it's a small Christian school, it provides various online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. These include:

• counseling psychology
• general studies
• nonprofit business administration
• youth ministry
• sport management

This school provides financial aid opportunities for 99% of its students. Coursework is highly flexible, enabling students to study on a schedule that works for them. This, along with the school's commitment to academic quality, makes it one of the top schools in Georgia.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $23,250

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $12,600

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 46%

Retention Rate: 57%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit college

Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation

9. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University has campuses throughout the southern part of the state. It also offers an array of online graduate and undergraduate programs, including:

• applied economics
• kinesiology
• international studies
• Spanish
• social science

As many as 91% of students receive some form of financial aid at the school. Flexible online programs allow students to study around other commitments in their lives, and affordable tuition and academic excellence make this a top school for Georgia's online students.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $5,905

Out-of-State: $16,959

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $4,986

Out-of-State: $19,890

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 52%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a multicampus public school offering numerous online programs. Associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and certificates can all be completed online. Options include:

• aviation science and management
• public relations
• psychology
• health services administration
• English

Up to 90% of students receive financial aid during their academic careers. Middle Georgia State is unique, in that, it admits 100% of applicants who meet basic admissions requirements, making it an excellent choice for students of all backgrounds and interests. It is also one of the most affordable universities in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $4,432

Out-of-State: $14,032

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $3,582

Out-of-State: $12,492

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 26%

Retention Rate: 61%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other Featured Online Colleges

Now that you know about the top schools in Georgia, let's look at some high-quality online colleges offering degrees to students throughout the U.S.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is an online campus providing various career-focused bachelor's and master's degrees. Some of the options include:

• project management
• finance
• cybersecurity

The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Courses offer highly flexible schedules, and affordable tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Pennsylvania State University World Campus

The Penn State World Campus is a high-ranking online university. It offers online degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels, including:

• biobehavioral health
• software engineering
• strategic communications

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits this school. To ensure high quality, programs are taught by the same world-class faculty who teach in-person courses.

University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private school affiliated with the University of Massachusetts but headquartered in California. It provides affordable online degrees and certificates at every program level. Options include:

• applied studies
• legal studies
• marketing

Institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, this school provides a flexible way to get your degree online no matter where you live. Courses are flexible and a generous number of transfer credits are accepted to help transfer students finish their education efficiently.

How We Rank Schools

We use a strenuous vetting process when choosing schools for our rank lists. The following criteria were used to select the schools above, using data from the NCES College Navigator and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard:

• Accreditation: All schools are accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the SACSCOC.
• Reputation: The schools in this article are known for providing high-quality in-person and online programs in an array of fields.
• Accessibility: Many of the schools offer flexible coursework, generous financial aid packages, transfer credit policies, and more to make school as accessible as possible for busy students.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Georgia

Prospective online students often wonder about the benefits and drawbacks of distance learning. Let's look at some of the top pros and cons to consider before enrolling in online classes.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Online Programs are Flexible: Many online programs provide asynchronous coursework that students can complete on their own schedule from any location that's convenient to them.
• Online Programs Can Accommodate Other Commitments: Because of their flexibility, online degrees in Georgia make it possible for highly motivated students to balance their education with working full-time, raising a family, and fulfilling other responsibilities.
• Online Programs are Affordable: Online degree programs often charge lower tuition rates and fewer fees than in-person programs. They also enable students to save money on room and board and transportation costs.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Online Programs May Lack Structure: The flip side of program flexibility is that online degrees often lack structure. Students who do best in a classroom environment with set schedules may struggle to stay on track in an online program.
• Online Programs are Tech-Reliant: Students complete most of their online education using computers, tablets, and software programs. This requires having access to the necessary technology and knowledge of how to use computer programs.
• Online Programs Have Limited Interaction: Online students may feel isolated from their professors and classmates while working toward their degrees.

How To Choose an Online Degree Program in Georgia

When choosing which school to attend, you'll want to make sure any institution you're considering is accredited. This will not only affect the school's reputation but is often necessary for finding employment after graduation.

It's also important to consider tuition rates and other factors affecting cost, as well as financial aid opportunities and other student resources available. If you have a specific major in mind, only consider schools offering that major.

Finally, pay attention to the admissions requirements and make sure you meet them. If you have transfer credits, ensure they will be accepted at the school you are considering so you don't have to spend time and money repeating classes.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Georgia Cost?

Tuition rates vary widely across the colleges and universities in Georgia. Among the schools in this article, average yearly tuition costs range from around $3,500 to more than $41,000.

Students attending public schools typically pay much lower rates than those at private schools. Other factors affecting the cost of attendance may include the level of degree you're pursuing and whether you're a Georgia resident or an out-of-state student.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Georgia More Affordable

There's no question that college can be expensive � even affordable online colleges in Georgia can cost thousands of dollars per year. The good news is, there are many ways you can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

You can apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA to earn grants, work-study programs, and student loans. You may receive scholarships from your school or outside organizations. Applying transfer credits, attending schools with no application fees, and using payment plans can also help you afford school. Learn more about each of these options below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with tuition payment plans
• online colleges that accept Pell Grants
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with no application fee
• scholarships for online college

Georgia Scholarships & Grants

If you're interested in applying for scholarships or grants in Georgia, you have several options available through the state. Let's explore a few of these options.

Georgia HOPE Scholarship

The HOPE Scholarship is available to Georgia high school graduates with GPAs of 3.0 or better. As long as they meet minimum GPA requirements throughout college, they can receive tuition assistance through this program for up to 127 semester hours or 190 quarter hours.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: Last day of school term

Zell Miller Scholarship

The Zell Miller Scholarship is similar to the HOPE Scholarship but has stricter academic requirements. Students must have SAT scores of 1200 or better (or equivalent ACT scores) and GPAs of 3.7 or better.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: Last day of school term

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant

This grant is available for residents attending eligible private schools in Georgia. It provides per-credit-hour assistance to help reduce college costs. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA and the Georgia Student Finance Application by their school's established deadline.

Award Amount: $367 per quarter/$550 per semester

Deadline: Varies by school

Top Majors for Georgia Graduates

Students can pursue an array of degrees at online colleges in Georgia. Let's talk about some of the most popular options.

• Business Administration: This major covers topics like entrepreneurship, financial management, and human resources. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are all available. Students earning a business administration degree can work in various business leadership positions.
• Accounting: Accounting degrees cover topics like taxation principles, auditing, and financial recordkeeping. Students often pursue bachelor's or master's degrees in the field. Those in accounting degree programs often go on to work as fraud examiners, tax preparers, and accountants.
• Organizational Leadership: This type of degree is similar to business administration but focuses more on developing leadership and interpersonal skills. Students with bachelor's degrees in organizational leadership can work in management positions in virtually any industry.
• Psychology: Psychology is the study of the human mind and motivations behind behaviors. Students hoping to work as psychologists typically have to earn master's or doctoral degrees, but those with bachelor's degrees in psychology can work in various fields like social work, counseling, and education.
• RN-to-BSN: This highly specialized bachelor's degree enables registered nurses to earn their credentials, often in as little as one to two years. Similar programs are available for nurses hoping to pursue a master's degree (RN-to-MSN programs) and for students already holding an unrelated bachelor's degree hoping to earn a second degree in nursing (ABSN programs).

FAQs About Top Online Colleges in Georgia

If you're still wondering about attending an online school as a working adult or nontraditional student, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some common questions.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Georgia?

Typically, it takes full-time students about four years to earn their bachelor's degree and about two years to earn a master's degree. Accelerated online degrees in Georgia can help students graduate more quickly � sometimes in under three years for bachelor's degree students and under one year for master's degree students.

Is Online College in Georgia Worth It?

Taking online courses can help students earn their degrees more affordably and on a more flexible schedule compared to on-campus programs. In turn, those degrees can help students change jobs and pursue career advancement, making the degrees well worth the time and effort.

Can I Attend an Online Program in Georgia as an Out-of-State Student?

Yes, out-of-state students are welcome to study online at Georgia colleges. Many online colleges in Georgia provide the same tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state learners, which can help them save big on their education.

Is Online College Free in Georgia?

All Georgia colleges charge tuition, fees, and other costs. That said, those who use financial aid to pay for school can sometimes earn enough aid to cover their costs entirely, which effectively enables them to attend college for free.

Are There Online Master's Programs in Georgia?

Yes, many Georgia colleges offer online master's degrees. Common areas of study for graduate students at Georgia schools include education, public health, and social work.

Discover Online Degrees in Georgia

If you're ready to begin your online learning journey, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their programs and to find the right one for you.