Online Colleges in Georgia

Online colleges in Georgia can help students achieve their educational goals from the comfort of their home state. Georgia has a number of top-ranking higher education institutions to choose from, but the state’s online initiatives have really set it apart.

The state has developed a comprehensive website to help students begin their online learning journeys and additional programs to help broaden the experience for those enrolled.

The sheer number of accredited online colleges in GA has proven it is highly dedicated to advancing online education opportunities.

Online Colleges in Georgia

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 25% of students in Georgia are pursuing degrees at completely online colleges. Another 30% are enrolled in some but not all online courses. Those numbers continue to rise as Georgia proves it’s at the forefront of the online learning initiative.

One of the state’s premier resources is GeorgiaONmyLINE. It offers access to the hundreds of Georgia colleges online and their degree programs and courses offered through the public schools within the University System of Georgia.

The site can help users choose a degree level, a school, and a program, apply for acceptance, and sign up for classes.

Because of their growing popularity, some online degree programs have their own dedicated hubs. Georgia WebMBA, for example, makes it possible for MBA students to connect with professors and fellow students and access research at seven participating schools.

This type of collaboration is something more online facilities may offer in the future.

Students interested in getting an online degree in Georgia may be particularly impressed by the offering of Georgia universities online.

Common Online Degrees in Georgia

Enrolling in an online degree program may be a great option if you want to have a flexible learning environment or attend a college or university that you are not able to attend in person.

Common degrees offered online by Georgia colleges and universities include:

• Business Administration and Management: These degree programs often cover basic business principles and practices, along with strategic decision-making, marketing, and management. Earning this degree can help prepare you for a career in business.
• Organizational Leadership: If you earn this degree, you’ll likely learn about theories and practices of organizational leadership, project management, and public policy. Concentrations may be available to narrow the focus to a specific field, such as public service or healthcare administration.
• Psychology: This field of study includes various types of psychology, sociology, lifespan development, and research methods.
• Nursing: This degree typically focuses on health education and assessment, patient care, and evidence-based practices of the nursing field. Earning this degree can help prepare you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
• Education: Programs in education typically explore concepts in classroom management and teaching pedagogy and methodologies in preparation for a specific field of education, such as elementary or secondary.

These are just a few examples of online degrees in GA, but there are many other online programs that may be available.

Overview of Higher Education in Georgia

Georgia is home to 108 degree-granting institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That total includes 50 public schools, 36 private non-profit schools, and 22 private for-profit schools.

The average tuition in Georgia is lower than the national average. NCES reports that Georgia residents attending a 4-year institution pay an average of $7,525 a year in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay $23,430 a year, on average.

Residents of many southern states may pay less, thanks to Georgia’s involvement in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). The SREB shares educational resources among 15 participating states and makes it possible for students to enroll in programs at any participating state and pay in-state rates.

Employment Outlook for College Graduates in Georgia

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are nearly 4.4 million people employed in the state of Georgia. The annual median salary is $38,334 for all occupations combined.

Occupational groups with the highest number of individuals employed include office and administrative support, transportation and material moving, sales and related occupations, and food preparation and serving.

The unemployment rate for Georgia is around 3.1%, according to the BLS. This is slightly lower than the national unemployment rate.

Industries projected to have rapid growth include healthcare and social assistance, transportation and utilities, and professional and business services.

Careers & Salaries in Georgia

Online degrees can potentially provide a flexible and convenient option for professionals who are ready to enter the workforce, make a career change, or advance in their current field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the annual median salaries of careers in Georgia:

Based on data provided by the BLS, professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher typically have a higher median salary than individuals with a lower level of education.

Depending on your desired field, a bachelor’s degree or higher may be required for entry. Salaries and job availability may differ depending on your specific job title, level of education, work experience, or geographic location.

A bachelor’s degree online program can help you develop essential skills and knowledge that can make you a more competitive job candidate and potentially be the first step toward pursuing an advanced degree.

How to Know If an Online Degree Is Right for Me

There are a number of considerations that can help you determine if an online degree will work better for your interests and career goals.

These are some questions you can ask yourself to help you:

• Do you need a degree for your desired career?
• Is your program of interest offered online?
• Do you have access to technology and the internet?
• What is your preferred learning environment?

Some occupations don’t require a degree for entry, but it may still help you become a more competitive professional in your field. There are many types of degrees offered online, but there can be some limitations to certain programs.

If you have access to technology and the internet to complete online coursework and feel that you have the self-motivation to learn more independently, an online degree might be a good fit for you.

Georgia Online Colleges Admissions Requirements

There are a number of materials that admissions offices may request to learn more information about you and to consider your eligibility for admission, such as:

• Official transcripts
• SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
• Personal statements
• Letters of recommendation
• Application forms and fees

Admissions requirements can widely vary depending on the college or university.

Official transcripts are typically required to review prior coursework you’ve completed in high school or undergraduate studies. Not all schools require SAT or ACT scores, but some may request these exams to determine admission or placement level for general education courses.

GA Online Colleges Accreditation

If you’re ready to start researching prospective online universities in Georgia, something that can be important to consider is the accreditation status of prospective institutions.

Accreditation can potentially impact one’s financial aid eligibility and future education and employment opportunities. Taking note of the accreditation status of an institution can help you narrow down the list of the best online colleges in Georgia.

A regional accrediting organization is responsible for assessing whether an institution and its programs meet or exceed quality standards. You can find a list of accrediting organizations on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you want to attend one of the online universities in GA, you may start the process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application will determine your eligibility for federal, state, and many forms of private financial aid.

Another type of financial aid is a grant or scholarship. These types of aid do not have to be repaid after completing your online bachelor’s degree in Georgia as long as they are used properly. Georgia offers a number of exclusive grants to help residents afford college.

Here are some of the grants available exclusively to qualifying Georgia residents:

• HOPE Grant: The recipient must maintain a 2.0 GPA to be awarded this grant. The amount awarded varies.
• Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant: This non-need-based grant is awarded to qualifying private college or university students. To be awarded the grant, the recipients must maintain the required academic progress as defined by their school. The amount awarded varies.
• Move On When Ready (MOWR) Program: This program provides support for high school students taking college coursework. The award typically covers tuition, fees, and book costs

The state of Georgia offers several other grants, including those for GED recipients, dependents of disabled or deceased public safety officers, and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) participants.

Scholarships are available for a wide variety of things, from geographic location to chosen fields of study, and even for quirky traits and skills.

The following are just some of the many scholarships open to qualifying Georgia residents:

• Georgia Helping Educate Reservists and Their Offspring (HERO) Scholarship Program: Up to $2,000 per academic year
• GreenHouse Scholars Scholarship: Amount varies
• Hope Scholarship: Varies by school and enrolled hours
• The B. Phinizy Spalding & Hubert B. Spalding Scholarships: $1,000
• Zell Miller Scholarship: Varies by the school and enrolled hours

You may also check with the financial aid office at the school of your choice. They will be able to tell you whether you qualify for any private assistance and how to apply.

Georgia Online Education Resources

Utilizing online education resources can help you find useful information for college and career planning and financial assistance. These are some sites you may find useful in your search for an online degree program in Georgia:

• GEAR UP Georgia: This website provides links to helpful online sources and information on financial aid, scholarships, tutoring, and SAT and ACT prep.
• Georgia ONmyLINE: On this site, you can search for online degrees offered by accredited Georgia institutions and information about specific programs and GA online universities.
• GAfutures.org: This organization offers resources on state and federal aid, scholarships, and college and career planning guides.

These resources may help guide you in your educational journey and give you access to new information.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to an Online University in Georgia?

The cost of college includes tuition, fees, supplies, and other expenses. If you pursue an online degree, you may not have additional travel or room and board expenses.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost to attend a Georgia college or university is $18,711 a year for in-state students. The average cost of attendance for out-of-state students is $23,430 a year. The average cost of attendance for a private college is $43,626 a year.

Online students may be subject to distance learning fees for online instruction and supplies, but tuition rates may be lower than on-campus programs.

Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students

Georgia is a participating state in the Academic Common Market, which is a multi-state reciprocity program of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Additional participating states include Georgia’s border states and other southern states.

If you’re an out-of-state student interested in attending a Georgia college or university, you may be eligible for a tuition break if you live in a state that participates in the Academic Common Market.

The program is designed for out-of-state students who want to pursue a degree program that isn’t offered by an institution in their home state.

To be considered for a tuition break through the SREB, students must gain admission and receive an acceptance letter from their prospective institution before applying to the Academic Common Market.

What Are the Most in Demand Jobs in Georgia?

Jobs in high demand tend to be more readily available and obtaining employment in the positions may be more likely. According to the BLS, these are some of the most in-demand jobs in Georgia that require at least a bachelor’s degree:

• General and operations managers
• Registered nurses
• Business operations specialists
• Software developers
• Elementary school teachers

These positions have some of the highest levels of employment in the state. The demand for these jobs can vary depending on where you live in Georgia.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Georgia?

According to the BLS, these are some of the highest paying jobs in Georgia and their annual median salaries:

• Ophthalmologists: $198,060
• Nurse Anesthetists: $195,370
• Pediatricians: $164,650
• Air Traffic Controllers: $158,890
• Dentists: $158,310

Air traffic controllers usually need an undergraduate degree approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, along with passing scores on medical and pre-employment exams. Ophthalmologists, nurse anesthetists, pediatricians, and dentists need advanced degrees and may require licensure or additional training.

High-paying occupations in Georgia that may be obtained with a bachelor’s degree and experience include computer and information managers and architectural and engineering managers.

List of Online Colleges in Georgia

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Albany State University is the largest HBCU in Georgia and the tenth largest in the nation. ASU is dedicated to helping its students succeed. Each online student is assigned an academic success coach.

ASU offers over 60 online programs. The school offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields like social work, nursing, and management.

Albany State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Augusta University is dedicated to helping students reach their future career and life goals by teaching them the necessary skills and concepts to succeed. AU currently offers over 150 programs, with a few offered online.

Augusta University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Clayton State University’s online program aims to give students an engaging and rigorous education in a setting that’s adapted to fit their schedules. Online students at CSU pay eTuition, which is typically cheaper than regular tuition.

CSU offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees online in fields like film production, legal studies, and supply chain analytics.

Clayton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Columbus State University offers online degree and certificate programs for students who want to pursue new careers or advance in their current careers. Its online programs are designed to provide students with flexible options to complete their degrees on their own time.

CSU offers 39 different degree programs, and new ones are added each year. The school offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in fields like education and business.

Columbus State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Georgia Institute of Technology’s goal is to help nontraditional students earn degrees or advance in their careers affordably and on their own time. Georgia Tech currently offers 13 online master’s degree programs. Ten are fully online, and three are hybrid courses.

Majors offered include Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Leadership, Medical Physics, and Computational Science and Engineering.

Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Georgia Military College is dedicated to giving its students more than just an academic education. It also aims to turn students into leaders and good citizens.

GMC’s Online Leadership College offers fully online degrees. Students can choose from 25 associate degrees and six bachelor’s degrees in fields like allied health, supply chain management, and logistics.

Georgia Military College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Georgia Southern University was named one of the Top 20 Most Popular Universities by U.S. News & World Report. The school’s online learning program is designed to help students get a quality education from anywhere in the world.

GSU has a wide variety of bachelor’s and master’s programs. Fields of study offered include applied economics and health sciences.

Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges.

Georgia State University offers several online options for nontraditional students who are pursuing degrees or certifications to move up in their careers. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees in fields like psychology and nursing.

GSU was named the number one public university in the US by U.S. News & World Report for its commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Kennesaw State University was named a Carnegie-designated doctoral research program, one of a select few colleges to get this distinction. Online students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees in fields like information technology, geology, art and design, civil engineering, and teacher leadership.

Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Mercer University is committed to giving online students the same quality education as its on-campus students. The school’s faculty is well-trained in online teaching, and the same professors teach on campus.

Mercer offers many classes that are only 8 weeks long and has multiple start dates for new students. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in fields like Christian ministry, digital media communication, and health outcomes.

Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Savannah College of Art and Design has a custom online learning platform: SCADnow. The program lets online students decide whether to meet for live online classes or view them asynchronously. SCADnow is designed to prepare designers for future virtual collaboration.

Savanna College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like animation, fashion, and dramatic writing.

The Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Shorter University offers an online education based on the Christian faith. Online courses are 8 weeks long and can be completed entirely online. The school aims to provide students with an affordable online education.

Shorter offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in areas like human services and sport management.

Shorter University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

South University offers two online pathways for students: a VR program and a more traditional online format. For SouthVR, students attend live classes in a virtual reality setting that aims to give students a chance to collaborate with their professors and other students.

South University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in fields like nursing and accounting.

South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Thomas University strives to offer students an education tailored to their unique needs, talents, and goals. Many students can transfer credits from other accredited schools.

TU offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields that can be earned online. Fields of study offered include psychology, law enforcement, and education.

Thomas University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Truett McConnell University is a private Baptist college. Its goal is to help students find their calling and leave an impact on the world.

TMU offers online, scripture-centered bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Fields of study offered include business administration, Christian studies, and professional counseling. There are two 8 week terms per semester and one term during the summer.

Truett McConnell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Georgia was ranked number 16 by U.S. News and World Report. It’s also a top research institution. On average, UGA online students can graduate in 2 years, and UGA’s degrees are authorized in every state.

UGA offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like avian health, medicine, and workforce education.

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of North Georgia is designated as the state’s military college. Students who attend UNG’s online programs can earn the same degrees as their on-campus counterparts.

UNG offers online programs for professional certificates and undergraduate and graduate degrees. Some degrees offered include a BS in Political Science and an MS in Criminal Justice.

The University of North Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of West Georgia is committed to giving its online students the same quality education as its on-campus students. The school aims to save online students money while fitting into their schedules.

The program offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees and three doctorate degrees that can be earned online. Fields of study offered include school improvement, criminology, and economics.

The University of West Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Valdosta State University’s online degree program was named one of the Nation’s Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report. The school is dedicated to giving its online students plenty of support. VSU students can earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees online in fields like art and design, coaching pedagogy, or Spanish.

Valdosta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Wesleyan College is dedicated to helping women find success and enter leadership roles. The online school is flexible, allowing students to take classes full-time or part-time, and classes are just 8 weeks long. There are five start dates offered throughout the year.

Students can choose from three online majors: Business Administration, Accounting, or Applied Psychology.

Wesleyan College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Getting Your Online Degree in Georgia

If you are looking to get a top-notch education, then pursuing an online degree in Georgia may be right for you. The state offers a number of award-winning traditional schools, and many of its online programs are considered some of the best in the country.

The support and resources that are available to Georgia’s online students help prove that the state is dedicated to ensuring educational success.

If you are ready to get started on your educational journey, you can start researching online degree programs in Georgia today.

You can also view our Online Colleges in Florida and Online Colleges in Hawaii guides for more options.