Best Online Nursing Programs in Georgia (2026 Guide)
Last updated: April 2026 · Program details and tuition rates are subject to change.
Georgia has quietly become one of the best states for affordable online nursing education. With multiple public universities offering fully online RN-to-BSN programs at competitive in-state tuition rates — and a booming Atlanta healthcare market driving demand — Georgia nursing graduates are well-positioned for strong careers.
Whether you're a working RN looking to earn your BSN, a new student exploring nursing, or an LPN bridging to RN, this guide covers the top online nursing programs available in the Peach State.
Why Choose an Online Nursing Program in Georgia?
Affordable Tuition
Georgia Southern offers online RN-to-BSN at $5,464/year; UWG at just $182/credit hour for residents.
Atlanta Healthcare Hub
One of the largest healthcare markets in the Southeast, with major hospital systems hiring year-round.
NLC Compact State
Your Georgia RN license works in 40+ other states, opening doors to travel nursing and telehealth.
Strong University System
The University System of Georgia includes 26 institutions, many with accredited nursing programs.
Growing Demand
Georgia's population growth is creating sustained nursing shortages, especially in rural areas.
Top Online Nursing Programs in Georgia
Georgia Southern University
Online RN-to-BSN
- Tuition: $5,464/year
- Timeline: As few as 2 semesters for full-time students
- GPA requirement: Minimum 3.0
- Format: Fully online, designed for working professionals
- Accreditation: CCNE
Georgia Southern's program stands out for its speed — full-time students can complete the entire RN-to-BSN in just two semesters — and its exceptionally low tuition rate.
University of West Georgia (UWG)
Online RN-to-BSN
- Tuition: $182.13/credit hour (in-state) | $642.73/credit hour (out-of-state)
- In-state total estimate: Approximately $5,460 for 30 credits
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: CCNE
UWG offers competitive pricing, especially for Georgia residents, and is one of the most affordable fully-online RN-to-BSN options in the Southeast.
Georgia State University
Online RN-to-BSN (Atlanta)
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- Format: Online 3-semester program with minimal clinical rotations
- Features: Flexible course scheduling, prepares for advanced roles and graduate study
- Also offers: Online MS in Nursing with residency-neutral tuition (same rate regardless of location)
- Accreditation: CCNE
Georgia State is the go-to option for Atlanta-area nurses, with direct connections to the city's major hospital systems and a strong graduate nursing pathway.
Columbus State University
Online RN-to-BSN
- Format: Accelerated 3-semester track, hybrid online/clinical
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%
- Employment rate: 100% after graduation
- Features: Low student-to-instructor ratio
- Accreditation: CCNE | Full Georgia Board of Nursing approval
Columbus State delivers an impressive program with outstanding outcomes — 100% employment rate after graduation and a 96% NCLEX pass rate.
Gordon State College
Online RN-to-BSN
- Format: Accelerated 3-semester track, hybrid online/clinical
- Credits: 120 total semester hours
- Focus: Professional development and leadership skills
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Best for: Working RNs in middle Georgia
Gordon State provides a solid, affordable option for working nurses in central Georgia seeking BSN completion.
Dalton State College
Online RN-to-BSN
- Format: Online and campus-based options
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Best for: Nurses in Northwest Georgia and the greater Chattanooga area
Located in Northwest Georgia, Dalton State serves the Chattanooga-adjacent market and offers both online and in-person pathways.
Augusta University — Graduate Nursing Programs
For nurses looking beyond the BSN, Augusta University (home of the Medical College of Georgia) offers advanced nursing programs:
Programs
MS in Nursing, PhD in Nursing, DNP
In-state tuition
$513/credit hour (1–11 hrs) or $6,150/semester (12+ hrs)
Out-of-state tuition
$1,312/credit hour
Accreditation
CCNE
How Much Do Online Nursing Programs Cost in Georgia?
| Program Type | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Online RN-to-BSN | $5,000–$10,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
| Online BSN (Pre-Licensure) | $20,000–$35,000 | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Online MSN | $12,000–$20,000 | $20,000–$40,000 |
Georgia's public university system keeps nursing education remarkably affordable. The RN-to-BSN programs at Georgia Southern and UWG are among the cheapest in the Southeast.
Admission Requirements
RN-to-BSN Programs (Most Common Online Option)
- GPA: 2.5–3.0 minimum (Georgia Southern requires 3.0)
- Licensure: Active, unencumbered RN license
- Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Psychology
- Entrance exams: Most Georgia RN-to-BSN programs do NOT require TEAS/HESI
- Application materials: Official transcripts, proof of RN licensure, resume
Pre-Licensure BSN Programs
- GPA: 3.0–3.5 minimum for competitive admission
- Entrance exams: TEAS score of 65%+ typically required
- Prerequisites: Science courses with lab components, English, Math
- Clinical requirements: In-person clinical hours required
Georgia Nursing Job Market
$77,140
Avg. RN Salary/year
13%+
Job growth through 2032
26
USG institutions with nursing
NLC
Multistate license
Major Healthcare Employers
Key Markets
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest online nursing program in Georgia?
Georgia Southern University and the University of West Georgia both offer online RN-to-BSN programs at approximately $5,000–$5,500 total for in-state students — among the cheapest in the Southeast.
Can I work while completing an online nursing program in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia's online RN-to-BSN programs are specifically designed for working nurses, with flexible scheduling and asynchronous coursework. Most students continue working full-time while earning their BSN.
Does Georgia require a BSN to work as an RN?
No — Georgia does not currently mandate a BSN for RN practice. However, many employers (especially Magnet-designated hospitals like Emory) prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses. A BSN also opens doors to advanced practice, leadership, and higher salaries.
Are Georgia online nursing programs accredited?
Yes — look for programs accredited by CCNE or ACEN. All programs listed in this guide hold one of these national accreditations.
How does the Nurse Licensure Compact benefit Georgia nurses?
Georgia joined the NLC, meaning nurses with a multistate license can practice in 40+ other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This is especially valuable for travel nursing or telehealth roles.
Last updated: April 2026. Program details and tuition rates are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the school.
Get the highest-paying remote nursing jobs
Join 5,000+ nurses who receive curated remote opportunities every week. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.