Colleges in Georgia

University of West Georgia, the sixth largest public university in the state, offers programs at two separate campuses in the cities of Carrollton and Newnan, both located less than an hour from Atlanta. Regardless of residency, online learners pay a general tuition rate (the same as in-state residents), plus eTuition and additional fees. Distance learners complete asynchronous classes online or partially online courses. Students enrolled in other online colleges in Georgia may complete distance learning courses for one semester as a transient student. Application requirements vary; they are based on program and student type (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, transient, or transfer student). UWG accepts credits from accredited institutions as long as the credits apply to a specific program.

Valdosta State University offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. VSU features unique research opportunities in the Florida Keys and an online science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program. Online classes with more than 95% of instruction time through the Internet cost the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Residents of Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama receive in-state tuition. Distance learners paying online tuition, known as eTuition, may be eligible for the Hope scholarship and other financial aid. Online learners also receive discounts on student fees and may enroll in a hybrid program, which combines online and on-campus courses.

Kennesaw State University, the third-largest university in the state, offers more than 150 programs from two campuses, Kennesaw and Marietta, both found in the metro Atlanta area. Considered one of the top online schools in Georgia, the university provides different types of online and hybrid programs. KSU faculty design and teach online classes for 16 weeks each semester during the fall and spring, and for eight weeks during the summer. Some courses provide synchronous online sessions, where distance learners interact with peers during a set time. While not required, the university strongly encourages students to participate in these synchronous sessions, which are held during evening hours. Distance learners receive discounts on some fees, including student services and the parking permit fee. Regardless of residency, all online learners pay the same tuition.

Thomas University offers programs online and at various locations, including the main campus in Thomasville, a satellite office in Tallahassee, and at partner universities in China. TU provides a unique dual-degree option at partner universities throughout the world. Regardless of state residency, all degree candidates pay the same tuition. Transfer students must complete an application and submit all prior transcripts, including high school transcripts for students with less than 14 credit hours. Distance learners must verify their state’s authorization with TU. As one of the top online colleges in Georgia, Thomas offers five online undergraduate programs and three online graduate programs. Requirements, including credit hours for completion, vary by program.

Columbus State University offers 46 undergraduate and 42 graduate programs. Distance learners can apply financial aid towards an online degree. Unlike programs at other online schools in Georgia, CSU requires distance learners to attend a meeting or orientation on campus before attending online programs. Most courses are taught asynchronously. CSU also offers hybrid programs, which combine online coursework with in-person classes. Out-of-state students must verify their state’s eligibility by emailing the State Authorization Office. Transfer students must submit an application, immunization records, and official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended. Transfer students without 20 transferable college credits must also send official high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.

Originally an all female college, Shorter University now welcomes co-educational learning at its main campus in Rome and remote campuses throughout the Atlanta area. The university offers six online bachelor's programs. Shorter University, a religious institution, also provides six online graduate programs. Degree candidates complete asynchronous classes through Moodle, an online learning system, over an eight-week period. Distance learners can also chat with professors either online or by phone during set office hours each week. Two eight-week terms take place each semester in the fall, spring, and summer. Applicants must submit an online application and prior educational transcripts. Unlike other online schools in Georgia, Shorter University accepts degree candidates from all 50 U.S. states.

Clayton State offers on campus and online programs from five schools and colleges in Morrow. Distance learners complete courses and communicate with professors and peers through an online learning platform known as BrightSpace. While most online courses last 16 weeks, students can complete some courses in just eight weeks. Some online classes require scheduled online meetings and on campus proctored exams. Most classes are taught asynchronously. Distance learners with a high school diploma, at least 30 transferable college credits from an accredited institution, and a minimum 2.0 GPA may transfer into a Clayton State University online program. Like other online schools in Georgia, Clayton State waives certain fees for online learners, including parking fees.

Albany State, a historically black institution, offers 14 associate, 29 bachelor's, and 12 graduate programs. The university offers workforce-related associate degrees through a partnership with Darton State College. The university has two campuses in Albany. Albany State also provides hybrid programs at centers in Cairo, Cordele, and Waycross. Each distance learning facility offers different programs. To apply for an online program, distance learners must fill out an online application, send official transcripts, submit ACT or SAT test scores, and complete the FAFSA. Like other online colleges in Georgia, this school requires out-of-state residents to verify state eligibility before enrolling in a program.

LaGrange, the oldest private college in the state, provides a liberal arts education. The school is known for its drama, music, and art offerings. The college has more than 55 academic and professional programs. LaGrange provides distance learners with the same resources as residential students. Similar to other online colleges in Georgia, distance learners may take advantage of financial aid to reduce costs. Degree candidates complete asynchronous online classes through a learning management system called Moodle. The college waives the admission fee for freshmen and transfer students who complete the online application. Transfer students must complete an application and submit all transcripts from any colleges or universities previously attended.

Point University is a private liberal arts and religious educational institution. The university’s main campus can be found in the city of West Point. Point also offers academic programs at several other locations, including Atlanta, Savannah, and Peachtree City. Considered one of the best online schools in Georgia, the university offers unique programs, including undergraduate degrees in social media marketing and information technology. Residents of some states are not eligible to apply for online learning; distance learners must verify their state’s eligibility. PU offers a special scholarship, valued up to $15,000, for new online students. Like some other online colleges in Georgia, the university waives student fees for online learners.

Truett McConnell University, a private liberal arts and science university located in Cleveland, offers more than 30 different programs. Distance learners complete asynchronous assignments through Brightspace, an online learning platform. Online courses last eight weeks. Most degree candidates complete two courses each semester in the spring and fall. The school offers online undergraduate courses in business administration, Christian studies, psychology, and criminal justice. Like other online schools in Georgia, Truett McConnell University waives the application and student fees for distance learners. Students must complete an online application. Transfer students must also submit prior transcripts and SAT, ACT, or Component-Level Testing (CLT) scores. Truett McConnell is a Christian university.

Armstrong offers online programs in unique fields, including respiratory technology and radiologic sciences. The university has a main campus in Savannah and additional locations, including Hinesville, which includes more than 100 different undergraduate and graduate programs. While online courses cost more per credit hour than on-campus classes, distance learners pay fewer student fees than residential students. Whether living in state or out of state, distance learners pay the same tuition. Transfer students must submit an application, immunization records, and any prior transcripts; In-state residents must show proof of residency. Armstrong State University also requires an English or math placement exam for transfer students, age 23 and older.

Reinhardt, the only higher education institution in Cherokee County, provides an individualized learning experience to all students. The university operates from several locations, including the 525-acre residential main campus in Waleska, which is just 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta. The Waleska campus also houses a police academy, which offers programs in basic peace officer certification and criminal justice. Online offerings include associate and bachelor's programs in business administration, criminal justice, and healthcare administration. Distance learners typically complete two eight-week courses every semester in the fall and spring. Unlike other online schools in Georgia, Reinhardt offers a free laptop to distance learners enrolled in the business administration and criminal justice program.

University of North Georgia, one of the state’s largest public universities, offers more than 100 programs at five separate campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee. The school also houses the Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis, a nationally recognized center for geospatial sciences, where learners can pursue an undergraduate degree or certificate in environmental studies or earth sciences. UNG offers hybrid and online degree and certificate programs. Like other online schools in Georgia, in-state and out-of-state distance learners pay the same tuition. Each undergraduate online course requires at least one, in-person, proctored activity per semester. All other work is completed asynchronously online. UNG encourages off-campus students to participate in activities through the online student ambassadors, which also provides peer-to-peer mentoring online.

Middle Georgia State University holds the unique distinction of being Georgia’s newest university and one of the state’s oldest educational institutions. While the university’s origins date back to 1884, the 2012 consolidation of Macon State College and Middle Georgia College gives the university its current name and status. With five campuses located in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, the school provides a quality public education at a low cost, offering more than $300,000 in scholarships each year through the MGA Foundation. Distance learners pay the same tuition regardless of state residency for online programs. Like other online schools in Georgia, MGA also waives certain student fees for off-campus distance learners.

Listed among the top online schools in Georgia, Savannah State University serves as one of the state’s oldest higher education institutions. The main campus, located in Savannah, features historic architecture and a large marshland. The university offers 30 different bachelor's degrees, including an online degree in business administration. While some online classes require real-time communications, distance learners mostly complete coursework asynchronously. The school participates in eCore, a collaborative University System of Georgia program that offers distance learners the opportunity to complete undergraduate requirements completely online. Participants of eCore pay reduced tuition rates, receive free textbooks, and save on university fees. Lasting only eight weeks, eCore classes cost the same for in-state and out-of-state distance learners.

Beulah Heights, one of the nation’s oldest religious institutions, offers higher education in the historic Grant Park area of Atlanta. The university offers online programs in religious studies, business administration, and leadership studies. Online courses last 15 weeks during the fall and spring semesters, and eight weeks during the summer. The school uses the online education platform E360. Distance learners must pay an online fee in addition to the per-credit-hour tuition, which is the same for on-campus students. Degree candidates must complete an application, mail all prior transcripts to the university, complete a math and English placement test, apply for financial aid, and submit two references forms.

Dalton State College offers a wide variety of programs online and at its campus in the city of Dalton, which is located in northwestern Georgia near the Tennessee state border. One of the top online colleges in Georgia, DSC provides three different pathways for online learning: eLearning, eCore, and eMajor. Each online learning program offers benefits, including savings on student fees. Regardless of state residency, eCore participants pay the same per credit hour tuition. The eLearning program provides specific DSC courses online, while the eCore program permits University System of Georgia learners the chance to take collaborative courses completely online. Distance learners enrolled in the eCore program also receive free online textbooks. DSC welcomes transfer students with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Transfer students must submit an application, prior transcripts, and immunization records.

College of Coastal Georgia provides a unique educational setting. The school is located near beaches, saltwater marshes, golf courses, and resorts. Full-time degree candidates receive passes to Jekyll Island, which includes many attractions and activities. The college also offers classes from the Camden Center, located just a few miles north of the Florida border. The Camden Center houses the university’s award-winning culinary arts program. The college uses Brightspace, a learning management system, for online and hybrid programs. Distance learners may participate in eCore through CCG and finish two years of college courses completely online while saving on student fees. Unlike other online colleges in Georgia, CCG waives out-of-state tuition costs for all eligible Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina residents.

Atlanta Metropolitan offers more than 180 online courses and two associate programs: general education and business administration. The college uses Brightspace to teach online programs. Some online courses require proctored, in-person exams. The University System of Georgia's electronic core curriculum, eCore, offers students the chance to complete degree requirements at the school. In-state and out-of-state distance learners pay the same tuition rate. Like other online colleges in Georgia, AMSC also waives certain student fees for online learners. Degree candidates interested in applying to Atlanta Metropolitan State College must submit an application, transcripts from previous schools, proof of residency, and financial aid documents, including the FAFSA. Degree candidates must also complete the college's admissions placement test.

Serving eight counties with a primary campus located in Vidalia, Southeastern Technical College officially formed in 2009 after Swainsboro Technical College and Southeastern Technical College merged. Now, the college offers degree, diploma, and certificate programs in a range of fields, including business technology, web design, and information technology. Many of these programs can be completed entirely online, ideal for distance learners and those looking for online community colleges in Georgia.

All students enrolled in an online course at STC must complete at least one proctored event in order to meet college requirements. These events include exams, presentations, or assignments. Other than these proctored events, most of the work for online courses at STC is asynchronous, and can be completed anywhere, at any time.

Initially founded as Smith-Hughes Vocational School in 1945, Atlanta Technical College serves more than 4,000 students in and around Atlanta. ATC offers more than 150 different unique academic tracks, including associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Some of these programs are offered either partially or fully online, including accounting, marketing management, and business technology.

Like some other online community colleges in Georgia, ATC's courses are taught through both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, as well as through occasional proctored examinations and assignments at set locations. ATC also offers a tutorial for students who want to test-drive online learning prior to enrolling. Students must take a placement test, or submit recent ACT or SAT scores before they begin at ATC.

Augusta Technical College serves students in Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond counties in eastern Georgia. Since it opened in 1961, the college has significantly grown, and in 2009, ATC began offering online courses and programs for distance learners. Students can earn degrees and certificates online in areas such as information technology, public safety, and health sciences.

Online courses at Augusta Tech are taught asynchronously, though there may be some requirements for proctored exams or a visit to one of the college's four campus locations to complete a test. Transfer students interested in online community colleges in Georgia can apply to ATC by sending official transcripts. Online students must complete a special training course prior to beginning coursework.

Located in southern Georgia and spanning 11 campuses and centers, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College serves students in 11 counties. Wiregrass was founded through a merger in 2010, built from two separate colleges whose doors opened in the early 1970s. Since its inception, Wiregrass has offered a range of degree program options to students, including a number of fully online degree, diploma, and certificate programs for distance learners.

Prospective students interested in online community colleges in Georgia will find course and program offerings at Wiregrass to be varied and diverse, including degree options in web design, hospitality, and accounting. Courses in these programs are taught asynchronously, though some courses may require at least one campus visit or proctored exam. Students can also opt to take courses both online and on-campus in a hybrid format.

Established in 1961 as Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School, Albany Technical College has now grown to serve thousands of students in southern Georgia. In addition to providing on-campus degree programs and courses, Albany Tech is also one of many great online community colleges in Georgia, offering degree, diploma, and certificate options that can be completed entirely online.

Students can earn a number of associate degrees online in areas such as fire science technology, hotel management, and accounting. Students can also choose to take hybrid courses that blend online and on-campus learning. Online courses are primarily administered asynchronously, allowing students to do coursework on their own time. Applicants must send sealed high school or GED transcripts as well as transcripts of any college credit earned to be considered for admission.