A bachelor’s degree typically takes a great deal of time and money to earn—a luxury not everyone can afford. You may have a full-time job or other commitments that make a traditional study schedule seem impossible.
Online colleges in Georgia offer a solution for prospective students like you. With anytime, anywhere scheduling or flexible evening and weekend classes, online college allows you to keep your job and earn a degree at the same time. By reducing or eliminating on-campus requirements, you could even study from the comfort of your home.
To help you start your search, we shine a spotlight on the top 10 Georgia colleges offering online bachelor’s programs.
Our Methodology
Best Options for Online Colleges in Georgia
Should You Enroll in an Online College in GA?
Attending an online college in Georgia makes perfect sense for many students, especially those with schedules that would prevent them from pursuing traditional classes.
Online classes run either asynchronously or synchronously, either of which can accommodate busy calendars. Asynchronous classes are self-paced between deadlines, making this format the most flexible option. Synchronous classes involve set meeting times but often take place in the evenings and on weekends.
However, studying online requires a unique learning approach that may not suit everyone. For example, online classes tend to have fewer student-teacher and peer-to-peer interactions than in-person classes. The freedom of online classes may call for more time management skills and self-discipline as well.
Online learning makes college in Georgia more accessible, but it’s not always the solution. Prospective students should weigh the pros and cons to ensure online studies make sense for them before committing.
Best Online Colleges By State
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- Best Online Colleges In Massachusetts
- Best Online Colleges New Hampshire
- Best Online Colleges In New York
- Best Online Colleges In North Carolina
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- Best Online Colleges In South Carolina
- Best Online Colleges In Texas
- Best Online Colleges In Virginia
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Georgia
When choosing between online colleges in GA, you should first look for institutional accreditation. Accreditation provides you with quality assurances about a school, its faculty and its programs.
Institutional accreditation comes from organizations officially recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education. You must attend an accredited college or university to qualify for federal student aid or to transfer credits to another accredited institution. You should not consider unaccredited colleges.
Programmatic accreditation applies to individual degree programs or departments within schools. The importance of programmatic accreditation varies depending on your field of study. In fields where programmatic accreditation applies—such as nursing, counseling, psychology and teaching—you may need to attend an accredited program to qualify for professional certification or licensure after graduation.
You can find accreditation information through CHEA’s searchable directories.
How To Find the Right GA Online College for You
Consider Your Future Goals
During your decision process, evaluate how various online colleges in Georgia may help you achieve your future goals. Start with the basics, such as what career or industry you want to pursue. You can then highlight schools offering programs in your desired field.
Do your plans involve graduate school? If so, do any online colleges in Georgia offer bachelor’s-to-master’s pathways that could reduce the time and money you spend in total? For example, if your ultimate goal is to earn an MBA, you might consider Clayton State University, which offers a dual BBA and MBA degree in just five years. Clayton State offers several BBA and MBA options online, too.
You should also consider how your school or program might help you meet licensure or certification requirements in your field, if applicable. Which programs will help you qualify for the right postgraduate credentials after graduation? For example, if you plan to become a licensed clinical social worker, Georgia State University’s online BSW degree can fulfill the requirements to get a social work license in Georgia.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Georgia colleges charge relatively low undergraduate tuition rates compared to national averages. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average in-state Georgia public school student paid $7,525 in tuition and fees for the 2020-21 year. Out-of-state public school students paid $23,430, and private school students paid $30,380. For the schools on this page, tuition prices fell between $3,202 and $40,590 for a full-time school year.
Nationally, the average in-state public school student paid $9,375 for tuition and fees in 2020-21, while out-of-state students paid $27,091, and private school students paid $32,825.
While many school decisions come down to cost, you should always consider how your financing options could affect what you pay. Completing the FAFSA could qualify you for federal student aid opportunities, including loans and grants. You could also earn scholarships at the national, state, local or institutional level. Private loans and work-study programs can also help you fund your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Colleges in GA
Does Georgia offer online school?
Yes. Georgia has more than 45 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities offering online bachelor’s programs.
How much is online college in Georgia?
Online college costs vary by institution and program. Tuition prices for the top 10 online colleges in Georgia range from around $1,600 to approximately $20,300 for a semester of full-time study. Online programs may involve additional technology fees, but they typically offer savings in other areas, such as travel and housing.