Georgia was restored to the Union in 1870 — the last to do so, after it seceded in 1861, though it was the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, in 1788. The NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) has the state listed as having 75 institutions of higher learning (as of the last reporting date) that offer bachelor’s degrees. (This includes multiple campuses of the same institution.) According to the U.S. Census, an estimated 7.6% of the state’s population aged 18-24 had a bachelor’s degree or higher (as of the 2014 American Community Survey, aka ACS). For residents 25+, 17.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The estimated total population as of 2014 was 10.21M (10,214,860).
- Nicknames: Peach State
- State website: http://www.georgia.gov/
- State capital/ largest city: Atlanta
NOTES:
- Please check an institution’s accreditation before applying.
- Net price is based on an institution’s average cost to all students for the last reporting year (to NCES.ed.gov), factoring in tuition, fees, cost of living, financial aid, etc. Depending on the location and school, there can be a significant difference between tuition cost and net price.
- NCES data is subject to change after every academic year and other institutions in the state may at some point be “more affordable” (by net price) than those listed here.
- We did not filter out private for-profit institutions. However, some of them listed in this series of most-affordable-colleges-by-state articles may be under federal scrutiny. We urge you to be aware of any such goings-on or accreditation issues of any school before you apply. When in doubt, check with the schools in question, then research their accrediting agency.
Abbreviations
- BA = Bachelor of Arts
- BAAS = Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
- BArch = Bachelor of Architecture
- BAS = Bachelor of Applied Science
- BAS = Bachelor of Arts and Sciences or Bachelor of Applied Science
- BBA = Bachelor of Business Administration
- BEd = Bachelor of Education
- BEM = Bachelor of Emergency Management
- BEnvD = Bachelor of Environmental Design
- BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts
- BGS = Bachelor of General Studies
- BLA = Bachelor of Liberal Arts
- BM = Bachelor of Music
- BME = Bachelor of Music Education
- BMus = Bachelor of Music
- BS = Bachelor of Science
- BSChE = Chemical Engineering
- BSCIV = Civil Engineering
- BSCLS = Clinical Laboratory Science
- BSCompEng = Computer Engineering
- BSE = BS Engineering
- BSElecEng = Electrical Engineering
- BSMechEng = Mechanical Engineering
- BSN = Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- BSPA = Physician Assistant
- BSRT = BS Respiratory Therapy
- BSRT = BS Respiratory Therapy OR BS Radiation Therapy
- BSW = Bachelor of Social Work
- BT = Bachelor of Technology
- HBCU = Historically Black College or University
10: University of North Georgia
University of North Georgia (UNG) is a public university formed in 2013 from the merger of Gainsville State College (est. 1964) and North Georgia College & State University (est. 1873). The main campus is located in Dahlonega, Georgia, about 65 miles roughly northeast of Atlanta, GA. There are a number of additional campuses as well.
UNG offers certificates (three levels) and range of degrees from associate’s level to doctorates. Specifically, UNG offers nearly 60 bachelor’s degree programs (BA, BAS, BBA, BS, BSN). (Note: additional programs are available at campuses other than Dahlonega, which is the main campus.) Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Online bachelor’s degrees are limited to the RN to BSN program. Since UNG is a member of the University of Georgia System, they offer eCore, which allows students to take most or all of their lower division courses online.
- Graduation rate: 25%.
- Transfer-out rate: 26%.
- In-state tuition: $4,551.
- Out-of-state tuition: $13,228.
- Yearly average net price: $10,262.
- Student population: 16064.
- # undergraduates: 15507.
- Campus setting: Town: Fringe.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D+.
9: Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC) is a public college established in 1974 and located in Atlanta, Georgia. It was originally founded as Atlanta Junior College.
AMSC offers certificates and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees across four academic divisions: (1) Business and Computer Science; (2) Humanities and Fine Arts; (3) Science, Math and Health Professions; (4) Social Sciences. Specifically, AMSC offers six bachelor’s degree programs: (1) BS Biological Science, (2) BS Applied Mathematics; (3) BS Criminal Justice; (4) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA); (5) BA Digital Media and (6) BS Education (offered jointly with Kennesaw State University). There are also 45 associate’s degrees, some or all of which can be applied towards bachelor’s degrees at other colleges/ universities. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Biology/Biological Sciences, General, which is part of the largest program category, Biological And Biomedical Sciences. Online bachelor’s degree options currently include the BBA and the BS Education. AMSC is also a member of the University of Georgia System’s eCore offering, which allows students to take most or all of their lower division courses entirely online.
- Graduation rate: 11%.
- Transfer-out rate: 15%.
- In-state tuition: $3,058.
- Out-of-state tuition: $8,984.
- Yearly average net price: $10,156.
- Student population: 2977.
- # undergraduates: 2977.
- Campus setting: City: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.
8: Savannah State University
Savannah State University (SSU) is a public HBCU established in 1890 and located in Savannah, Georgia. It was originally founded as Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth and is the oldest public HBCU in Georgia. It is a member school of the TMCF (Thurgood Marshall College Fund), and over 90% of SSU students receive some form of financial aid.
SSU offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees across four colleges and schools: (1) College of Business Administration; (2) College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; (3) College of Sciences and Technology; (4) School of Teacher Education. Specifically, SSU offers 30 bachelor’s programs (BA, BBA, BS, BSW) and a selection of minors. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other. A close second is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Online bachelor’s degree options are currently limited to the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), with additional programs being planned. SSU also participates in the University System of Georgia’s eCore program, which allows students to take most or all lower division courses online.
- Graduation rate: 28%.
- Transfer-out rate: 26%.
- In-state tuition: $5,556.
- Out-of-state tuition: $15,561.
- Yearly average net price: $9,894.
- Student population: 4915.
- # undergraduates: 4769.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.
7: Middle Georgia State College
Middle Georgia State University (MGSU) is a public university established in 1884 and located in Macon, GA, about 84 miles roughly southeast of Atlanta. It was established as Middle Georgia College, underwent some name changes, had a merger with Macon State College in 2013, and settled on the current name in 2015. It has five additional campuses/learning centers.
MGSU offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees across six schools and colleges: (1) College of Arts and Sciences; (2) School of Aviation; (3) School of Business; (4) School of Education; (5) School of Health Sciences; (6) School of Information Technology. Specifically, MGSU offers 20 bachelor’s degree programs (BA, BAS, BS, BSN), nearly a dozen minors and nearly two dozen certificates. For students wanting to start with an associate’s program, there are also nearly two dozen choices. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General. The largest program category is Health Professions and Related Programs. Online options include a BS Information Technology (BSIT) and an RN-BSN Nursing. A selection of eight associate’s degrees are also available online, some or all of which can be applied towards a suitable bachelor’s degree.
- Graduation rate: 14%.
- Transfer-out rate: 24%.
- In-state tuition: $3,474.
- Out-of-state tuition: $9,919.
- Yearly average net price: $9,206.
- Student population: 7927.
- # undergraduates: 7927.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
6: Augusta University
Augusta University (AU), formerly known as Georgia Regents University (GRU), is public, university formed from a recent merger with Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU). GRU itself was established in 1828 as the Medical Academy of Georgia. AU is part of the University System of Georgia and its main and secondary campuses are located in Augusta, Georgia, about 150 miles east and slightly south of Atlanta, GA.
AU offers certificates (two levels) and degrees ranging from bachelor’s level to doctorates (research, scholarships). In total, they offer over 100 programs across nine colleges and schools: (1) College of Allied Health Sciences; (2) College of Education; (3) College of Nursing; (4) College of Science and Mathematics; (5) Dental College of Georgia; (6) Hull College of Business; (7) Medical College of Georgia; (8) Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; (9) The Graduate School. Specifically, Augusta offers bachelor’s degrees (BA, BBA, BFA, BM, BS, BSN, BSW) in over 50 topics, with many more areas of specialization within some topics. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is part of the largest program category, Health Professions and Related Programs. Online options include four bachelor’s degree programs: (1) BS Clinical Laboratory Science; (2) BS Health Information Administration; (3) BS Respiratory Therapy; (4) BS Radiation Science. Students also have a number of study-abroad options in many parts of the world (see Augusta University site for details).
- Graduation rate: 30%.
- Transfer-out rate: 15%.
- In-state tuition: $7,326.
- Out-of-state tuition: $21,130.
- Yearly average net price: $7,667.
- Student population: 7988.
- # undergraduates: 5225.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
5: South Georgia State College
South Georgia State College (SGSC) is a public college established in 1906 and located in Douglas, Georgia, about 44 miles roughly east of Tifton, GA. It was originally founded as 11th District A & M School.
SGSC offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees across four academic divisions/ departments: (1) Business and Social Sciences; (2) Humanities; (3) Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Physical Education; (4) Nursing. Specifically, SGSC offers two bachelor’s degree programs: (1) BS Biological Science; (2) BS Nursing (RN-BSN). (Students can also take an associate’s degree (AA or AS) in one of nearly two dozen topics, then transfer to another college/ university to complete a bachelor’s degree.) Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is part of the largest program category, Health Professions and Related Programs. Online options include a selection of primarily associate’s-level courses that fall into four categories: 100% online, hybrid, partial distance, technology-enhanced.
- Graduation rate: 14%.
- Transfer-out rate: 31%.
- In-state tuition: $3,690.
- Out-of-state tuition: $11,098.
- Yearly average net price: $7,289.
- Student population: 2611.
- # undergraduates: 2611.
- Campus setting: Town: Remote.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
4: East Georgia State College
East Georgia State College (EGSC) is a public college established in 1973 and located in Swainsboro, Georgia, about 84 miles roughly southeast of Macon, GA. It was originally founded as Emanuel County Junior College.
EGSC offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in about two dozen programs of study. Specifically, EGSC offers two on-campus bachelor’s degree programs: (1) BA Fire and Emergency Services, (2) BS Biology. (According to the most recently available NCES data, the latter is the larger of the two programs.) Students also have a range of topics in which to complete an associate’s degree and then transfer to a bachelor’s college/ university. A third bachelor’s degree program is the Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA), offered online through a partnership with Georgia Southwestern State University. Students can choose an emphasis in Accounting, Human Resources or Management.
- Graduation rate: 6%.
- Transfer-out rate: 35%.
- In-state tuition: $4,284.
- Out-of-state tuition: $11,692.
- Yearly average net price: $7,132.
- Student population: 2910.
- # undergraduates: 2910.
- Campus setting: Town: Remote.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
3: Albany State University
Albany State University is a public college established in 1963 and located in Albany, Georgia, about 105 miles roughly southwest of Macon, GA. It was originally founded as Albany Junior College.
Albany State University offers certificates (two levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees across seven departments: Business; Health Sciences (Allied Health); Humanities; Nursing; Physical Education; Science, Math and Computing; Social Science. Specifically, Albany State University’s bachelor’s degree offerings include nursing, political science, leadership, legal studies and others. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is part of the largest program category, Health Professions and Related Programs. Under the eMajor program (offered by University System of Georgia member institutions), three bachelor’s degree programs are available online: (1) BA Legal Assistant Studies, (2) BS Organizational Leadership and (3) BS RN to BSN (Nursing). Albany State University also participates in eCore, which allows students to complete all or most of their lower division courses online.
- Graduation rate: 14%.
- Transfer-out rate: 40%.
- In-state tuition: $3,502.
- Out-of-state tuition: $9,428.
- Yearly average net price: $6,973.
- Student population: 5623.
- # undergraduates: 5623.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
2: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) is a public college established in 1908 and located in Tifton, Georgia, about 105 miles roughly south of Macon, GA. It was originally founded as Second District A&M School.
ABAC offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees across six schools: (1) Agriculture and Natural Resources; (2) Human Sciences; (3) Liberal Arts; (4) Nursing and Health Sciences; (5) Science and Mathematics; (6) Stafford School of Business. Specifically, ABAC offers bachelor’s degrees (BA, BAS, BS) collectively in biology, business, agriculture, natural resource management and rural studies. There are five distinct degree programs available, most of which have between 2-5 specialization tracks. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is “Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other,” which is part of the largest program category, Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences. Online options include eCore, which allows students from any member institution of the University System of Georgia to complete most or all of their lower division courses online.
- Graduation rate: 16%.
- Transfer-out rate: 30%.
- In-state tuition: $3,394.
- Out-of-state tuition: $9,839.
- Yearly average net price: $6,654.
- Student population: 3458.
- # undergraduates: 3458.
- Campus setting: Town: Distant.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
1: Dalton State College
Dalton State College (DSC) is a public university established in 1963 and located in Dalton, Georgia, about 90 miles roughly northwest of Atlanta, and about 32 miles roughly southeast of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
DSC offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, DSC offers 21 bachelor’s degree programs covering BA, BAS, BBA, BS, BSW programs in a number of areas including, but not limited to, business, science, education, mathematics, health/ nursing and social work. Several programs also have teacher certification options. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Early Childhood Education and Teaching. The largest program category is Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Online options include eCore (offered by member institutions of the University System of Georgia), which allows for DSC students to complete most or all lower division courses in their degree program online.
- Graduation rate: 16%.
- Transfer-out rate: 10%.
- In-state tuition: $3,982.
- Out-of-state tuition: $12,038.
- Yearly average net price: $6,256.
- Student population: 4854.
- # undergraduates: 4854.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
