For students thinking about returning to school, Georgia online colleges offer great options. There’s incredible value in earning a degree. For some students, a Georgia online school is a good fit because of their schedule. Adults who work full time and are interested in opening up their career options by furthering their education are a great fit for earning a degree with Georgia online colleges. Some people who choose to pursue a degree online do so because they’re nontraditional students who have responsibilities that keep them from being able to attend class in a traditional setting. People who live in rural areas can also benefit from learning at a Georgia online school. The lack of commute makes it easy to do work anywhere, anytime.

Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Georgia

All of the colleges and universities on this Value Colleges Best Top 10 list are located in the state of Georgia and each one offers degrees that students can obtain 100% online from the comfort of their home or office. The schools vary in degree options but include associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, or continuing education degrees. Value Colleges features only accredited institutions with a trusted history of quality and return on investment. Schools are ranked by the number of fully online programs they offer.

1. Clayton State University

Looking for the best online colleges in Georgia? Clayton State University is on the list for good reason. At Clayton State, it’s understood that a traditional, in classroom education isn’t going to be a good fit for all students. When you enroll in online classes at Clayton, you’ll have the opportunity to earn either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. Clayton online degrees are earned completely through virtual learning, so there will never be a need for you to step onto the campus unless you choose to do so.

Clayton offers tech support to all online students. This helps you ensure that your online learning environment has everything you need to be successful. Clayton recognizes that online students won’t use some of the amenities afforded to traditional students (such as the gym, buildings, physical libraries, etc). To compensate for this, online only students pay eTuition, which is less expensive than the standard tuition at Clayton.

Number of Online Programs: 24

2. Mercer University

Mercer University prides itself on offering rigorous, top of the line academic instruction to students, and this goes for students who participate in distance learning at Mercer University as well. Online learners at Mercer have the opportunity of earning their degree fully online, or doing a hybrid program, in which some classes are taken online and others are taken on campus. While many online classes are able to be completed on your own time, some do have scheduled class meetings for which students are required to log on. If you’re not sure about what type of online learning at Mercer makes sense for you, your program advisor will be able to help.

Mercer University boasts some of the most highly rated faculties in the world. More than 90% of faculty members have a doctorate in their respective fields, and that knowledge gets passed straight to Mercer students.

Number of Online Programs: 21

3. Point University

Point University has a number of options for students who are interested in earning their degrees online. With over 50 degree programs offered, students who attend online classes at Point University have the opportunity to study in a variety of fields. Point University offers online degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate levels.

For students who are excited about a career in the marketing field, you’re in luck. Point University recently developed a social media marketing program, helping people who want to break into the marketing field understand the latest in the trends of the digital age.

Number of Online Programs: 20

4. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a higher education institution known around the United States for their high quality, rigorous academic offerings. MGSU offers a few different options for students who are interested in learning online. If you want to do some of the traditional classroom experience blended with online classes to allow for more flexible scheduling, you’ll be able to take online classes within your degree program. If you need a degree program that you can complete entirely online, you’ll want to check out MGA Direct. The program offers rolling admissions, 8-week programs that let you learn on your own time, and the option to take as few or as many courses as make sense for your schedule.

Middle Georgia State University offers the lowest flat-rate tuition for online college in the entire state. When you attend school online at MGSU, you get the same high quality instruction that you would get as a traditional student.

Number of Online Programs: 18

5. Georgia Southern University

Looking for a degree that will impress potential employers? Take a look at Georgia Southern University. Georgia Southern was recently named as one of the most popular online colleges in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. Students who are interested in going to school online at Georgia Southern have a few different options. Blended education is a popular choice for students who want to earn some of their credits at home, while earning others in a traditional classroom setting. If it makes more sense to earn a degree without visiting campus, that’s also an option.

Georgia Southern offers both bachelor’s and graduate degrees online. The school is proud to offer online learning to veterans of the military and active duty service members. Mandatory fees are waived for all service members, and the school offers a special program office to help members of the military get the most out of their education.

Number of Online Programs: 13

6. Valdosta State University

At Valdosta State University, many online learners use the SmartPath Core system. The system gives students everything they would get in a traditional college experience at home. Students have the comfort of unlimited enrollment in classes, so there’s never a worry about a necessary class being full. Tutoring is included in the cost of the program, and students are welcome to visit faculty members on campus for office hours if they so choose. SmartPath Core classes then transfer to one of Valdosta State’s many respected degree programs. Students also have the option of diving right into a degree program without going through SmartPath Core.

Valdosta State prides itself on a simple online learning system. Some schools have complicated course management systems that result in students missing critical information and failing to take full advantage of their education. Valdosta’s course management system is user-friendly, quick to understand, and allows students to spend time studying rather than trying to understand a new operating system.

Number of Online Programs: 11

7. Toccoa Falls College

At Toccoa Falls College, faculty and staff understand that online learners have different needs than traditional students, and they’re there to help you have the best online educational experience possible. Toccoa Falls was recently ranked as the top private online college in Georgia, and for good reason. TFC offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and certificate programs to online students. While there are a range of fields of study available in the online degree program, the most popular options include ministry leadership, counseling psychology, and business administration.

At TFC, the school recognizes that it’s important for online learners to know that they are valued members of the university community. Online students have the option to participate in a number of different campus activities, including remote service with the student government association, as well as participating in service and outreach activities.

Number of Online Programs: 10

8. Columbus State University

Columbus State offers many online learning opportunities to students who want to take classes online. CSU offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. Certificate and endorsement programs are also available to students who want to further their education without the process of earning a degree.

Columbus State is cognizant of the fact that adult learners often have more to bring to the table than students who come to college straight out of high school. CSU offers a free college preparatory program for adults who are interested in returning to school to help them brush up on reading, writing, and math schools that may have been pushed to the back of their minds in the years since high school. CSU also offers testing for students who wish to place out of classes due to their job experience and knowledge in the real world. Interested in some of the traditional classroom experience in addition to your online learning? CSU offers evening classes to help people with busy schedules still get face time with professors and other students.

Number of Online Programs: 8

9. Reinhardt University

Whether you’re interested in earning your first degree or getting a second degree, anything is possible with online learning at Reinhardt University. The school offers a number of options to nontraditional online learners. Degree programs for online students include associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.

As an online student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in on-campus co-curricular programs, and you’ll have access to all student services (including tutoring). You’ll also be able to visit the vocation and career services center- a huge asset if you’re thinking about making moves in your career. Specialists will go over your resume, your cover letters, even your social media profiles- all to help you get the best shot possible at helping you hit your career goals.

Number of Online Programs: 6

10. Shorter University

Whether you’re ready to dive into your graduate degree, or just dipping your toe into the idea of returning to higher education, Shorter University’s online degree programs make sense for you. Shorter offers associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. For students who aren’t sure that they want to earn a degree, but know they want to further their education in some way, Shorter offers the opportunity to take general education courses online without being on a degree track.

Shorter was recently rated #3 on the list of Georgia’s most affordable online colleges, and #8 on the list of the best value in online colleges in Georgia. With financial aid and scholarships available to online students, it’s possible to get an amazing value for your money at Shorter.

Number of Online Programs: 6

What is the Value of an Online Degree in Georgia?

Today more than ever before earning undergraduate and graduate degrees fully online is a highly respected and desirable path for attending university, particularly for working adults or traditional students who have other pressing commitments and need the flexibility of a virtual classroom. Now, most major colleges and universities nationwide offer distinguished distance learning programs that come complete with full accreditation. The same is true for all of the colleges in this Top 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia ranking.

If you’re looking for good online colleges in Georgia, you’re in luck. The options are myriad. The number of high quality universities offering online classes is growing every year. Good online colleges in Georgia give you the option to earn your degree your way, on your time.

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Georgia?

Every type of degree can be earned online! If you’re just starting your college education, you may be curious about how far you can go with Georgia online degrees. It’s a good idea to start with your associate’s (2-year degree) or your online bachelor’s degree in Georgia (4-year degree). Both of these options open up new career opportunities. If you’ve already completed your undergraduate education, you may be looking for graduate Georgia online degrees. This level of degree is for people who have already completed their online bachelor’s degree. A Georgia online master’s typically takes two years to complete, for students who are attending school full time. If you’re a working adult, or you choose to earn your degree part-time for any other reason, it may take you an extra year or two to complete your Georgia online masters.

Some of the most popular online degrees include:

• criminal justice
• healthcare administration
• computer science

Online students can choose asynchronous classes that allow them to do their coursework on their own time. Online courses don’t have to meet at a particular time.

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Georgia?

When you’re thinking about going back to school, it’s a good idea to research how you can save money. With the right combination of financial aid and other help, you may be able to find free online colleges in Georgia. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees who are choosing to further their education. If you’re starting to apply to schools, talk with your employer about whether they offer such a program. You may need to sign a contract stating that you’ll continue to work for the company for a predetermined period of time after you finish your degree, or you may need to maintain a certain GPA in order to continue to qualify for tuition reimbursement.

Another way to save money is to start off taking classes at a community college. After scholarships and financial aid, many community colleges become free online colleges in Georgia for students who qualify. Be sure to check out low-cost public colleges (private colleges are almost always more expensive), and look for online colleges in Georgia with no application fee. While application fees may seem small at first, they can add up quickly. Finding online colleges in Georgia with no application fee can save you hundreds in the long run.

Nonprofit public schools will offer in-state tuition rates with more affordability than out-of-state students, but many offer distance learners the same low tuition costs. Online education from a public institution is a savings in itself.

Whether you’re choosing a state college or technical college in the Peach State, be sure they offer solid academic advising so you make the most of your opportunity. Good retention rates show that a college in Georgia offers good student support.

If you’re interested in graduate programs, graduate students can find online master’s programs in nearly any field.

Are There Online Public Universities in Georgia?

The University System of Georgia online degrees is a program set up by the state government to support Georgia residents in furthering their education online. This system allows 26 public universities in Georgia to come together to offer core classes to students working towards a degree. The university system of Georgia online degrees allows you to pull the classes you need from multiple universities. This lets you learn from a variety of experienced faculty members, learn through different modalities, and get all the education you need in order to earn your online degree.

The way the system will work for you depends on your current education level. If you’re working toward your bachelor’s degree, you’ll start with eCore. These classes allow you to gain a base of knowledge required for most bachelor’s degree programs. You’ll be able to transfer these classes to a school of choice if you decide you’d like to do so. This is a great option for people who know they want to further their education but aren’t sure of the major they’d like to choose. If you already have your bachelor’s degree (or know what you’d like to major in) or you’re working toward your master’s or doctorate degree, you’ll be able to do so through the eMajor system. This system provides a public university education completely online in a variety of degree areas.

Some of the top public universities include:

• Albany State University
• University of West Georgia (Carrollton)

• Kennesaw State University
• Georgia State University (Atlanta)
• Georgia Southern University (Statesboro)

These are all accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Private Georgia college options include Savannah College of Art and Design, Brenau University, and more.

No matter what path you choose through the university system of Georgia online degrees, you can get more information through Georgia OnMyLine. This database of degree programs will allow you to find a degree path that’s perfect for your needs.

Related Rankings:

• Top 25 Best Value Online Colleges
• Top 25 Lowest Out-of-State Tuition Colleges
• Top 50 Best Value Community Colleges
• Top 50 Best Value Online Graduate Schools
• Top 25 Best Online High Schools in the US