Accredited online colleges in Georgia offer easily accessible platforms for obtaining college degrees. Online students can enjoy maximum flexibility, as they can take classes based on their schedule. They can learn successfully, despite their busy lives, and eventually thrive in their careers. Keep reading for a list of the best online colleges in Georgia.
Georgia is home to numerous public colleges, private colleges, and technical institutions. Most of them offer online degree programs and certificate programs that can be taken anywhere and anytime in the world. In this article, you’ll learn more about these accredited virtual schools in Georgia, along with their top online programs and affordability.
Types of Accredited Online Colleges in Georgia
Accreditation is a review process to ensure that online colleges satisfy established quality standards for delivering high-quality education to students. It evaluates the quality of teaching, coursework, student learning, and the faculty’s sufficient expertise to teach their academic majors. There are two major types of accreditation: regional accreditation and national accreditation.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
This is the type of accreditation awarded to online colleges by regional accreditation agencies located in different geographical areas of the country. Regional accreditation is the most common type of accreditation for public institutions, nonprofit colleges, and universities. Having a regional accreditation adds additional prestige and credibility to schools with national accreditation.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
Nationally accredited online colleges are mostly vocational schools, trade schools, technical schools, and niche institutions. They also include career-focused training programs. Schools with this accreditation status are often seen as not on par with regionally accredited schools in terms of educational standards. As a result, online students cannot transfer credits from nationally accredited schools to regionally accredited schools.
Choosing Between Virtual Schools in Georgia: 3 Factors to Consider
A wide range of virtual colleges in Georgia offer online degrees, programs, and courses to remote students. Before you choose a school and start the admission process, you might consider researching and weighing your situation to ensure a great learning experience. Here are some factors you may need to consider before deciding to enroll in a virtual school in Georgia.
Flexibility and Convenience
Taking an online degree program allows you to juggle your educational, professional, and personal obligations. Schools that offer asynchronous learning can be a good option if you’ll take an online learning path.
This means that, as an online student, you can take your classes at any convenient time of your choice. You can inquire about the flexibility options, especially if you have a busy schedule. As online degrees are respected just as much as in-person degrees by many employers, taking the more flexible option may be worth it for you.
Learning Environment
The learning environment is another factor you should consider before making your choice. Pick a school that offers a well-designed learning environment. This makes it easier and more enjoyable to study. Also, online classrooms and classroom technologies should be easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important, so you should get your online degree from an accredited school. Accreditation offers proof of acceptable academic standards. It’s a way to know if a school can equip you with the necessary skills to begin your career. It can also improve your chances of landing a job after graduation, as employers prefer to hire candidates with degrees from accredited schools.
Best Online Colleges in Georgia: Overview
School | City | Standard Online Tuition (Per Credit) | Top Online Programs | Accreditation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Clayton State University | Morrow | In state: $351 Out of state: $351 |
Applied Associate degree of Science in Integrative Studies Master of Science in Archival Studies Post Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick | In state: $107 Out of state: $107 |
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
Columbus State University | Columbus | In state: $461 Out of state: $921 |
Bachelor of Science in Political Science Master of Public Administration Graduate Endorsement in Computer Science |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
Dalton State College | Dalton | In state: $255 Out of state: $255 for completely online, $542 for the hybrid format |
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, Office Administration and Technology Concentration Bachelor Degree in Social Work Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | In state: $185 Out of state: $185 |
Doctor of Education with a major in Instructional Technology Master of Science in Engineering Management Specialist of Education in Instructional Technology |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
Middle Georgia State University | Macon | In state: $285 Out of state: $591 |
Master of Science in Information Technology Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Airline Management Certificate Program |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah | In state: $852 Out of state: $852 |
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Designs Masters of Arts in Animation Masters of Arts in Motion Media Design |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
University of North Georgia | Dahlonega | In state: $257 Out of state: $544 |
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Services and Informatics Administration Diversity Certificate Program Master of Public Administration |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
University of West Georgia | Carrollton | In state: $387.13 Out of state: $643 |
Bachelor of Business Administration with Finance Concentration Masters of Science in Nursing Secondary Education Specialist |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls | In state: $350 Out of state: $350 |
Associate of Arts in General Studies Biblical Studies Certificate Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
Top Online Schools in Georgia: Deep Dive
With many available options, it may be a bit difficult to find the best schools to pursue your online degree. To assist your school search, we’ve researched for you and compiled what we’ve gathered. This section offers some information on the top online schools in Georgia. If you want to gain an online bachelor, online master, or any other level of degree, keep reading.
Clayton State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Clayton State University offers a wide variety of online undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, and certificate programs. Hosted on the BrightSpace learning platform, its programs are specially created to resemble the quality and rigors of the on-campus programs. Each learner has access to class discussions with peers, study resources, and guidance from instructors.
College of Coastal Georgia | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The College of Coastal Georgia connects students to online programs through its Coastal Online learning platforms. Students can take online courses that are specially designed for 100 percent online delivery. Online learners also receive personalized support and student resources they need to be successful in their programs.
Columbus State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Columbus State University offers 39 undergraduate degree programs and graduate degrees. It also provides a distance learning option called CSU Online. Through this, students can take online classes in a variety of programs and learn on their terms.
From an interactive learning experience, online students can benefit from collaboration with peers and instructors, student support services, and easy access to resource guides. Their college degree then helps them begin in-demand careers.
Dalton State College | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Dalton State College is one of the top state colleges in Georgia. It offers an engaging elearning platform for students to earn bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees, as well as enroll in career certificate programs. Its online education platform is divided into two categories: eCore and eMajor. It also offers hybrid programs for students to ensure maximum flexibility.
eCore, short for electronic core curriculum, is a system that lets the University System of Georgia students take the program’s first two years in an online environment. eMajor, on the other hand, involves fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Kennesaw State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With over 43,000 students, Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia. This university offers a wide array of academic programs for online students, covering bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees.
It also has programs for specialists of education, endorsement programs, and academic certification. This school has a wide variety of programs boasting an up-to-date online curriculum for students who learn best in a virtual format.
Middle Georgia State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Middle Georgia State University provides distance education courses to traditional and non-traditional students in the fields of information technology, nursing, public relations, and aviation science. Distance learners also benefit from academic advising, career services, and library services. They can also chat in real-time with their instructors and classmates.
Savannah College of Arts and Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Savannah College of Arts and Design offers degree programs to prepare artists and designers for professional, creative careers. They offer an online learning platform, called SCADnow. This allows distance learners to digitally connect and earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in animation, graphic design, illustration, interactive design, and writing.
The University of North Georgia | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of North Georgia ranks among the best online universities in Georgia. It offers flexible programs in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in general studies, educational leadership, criminal justice, and healthcare services. You can also take an online graduate certificate program from the University of North Georgia.
The University of West Georgia | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of West Georgia is a public university offering fully online and partially online programs for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. This university also offers certificate, nexus, and specialist programs. Students can take online degrees in accounting, criminology, marketing, nursing, sociology, and political science.
Toccoa Falls College | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Toccoa Falls College is a private, nonprofit Christian institution in northeast Georgia. It offers undergraduate degrees and certificates in various programs. Their programs cover the fields of ministry leadership, business administration, general studies, and counseling psychology. Online students can take courses asynchronously through the school’s online education system
Should I Consider Accredited Online Colleges in Georgia?
Yes, you should consider enrolling in accredited online colleges in Georgia. If you prefer a more flexible educational model in Georgia than the conventional educational system, then online colleges are your best option. You also benefit from lesser annual tuition costs, accelerated programs, and self-paced learning.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, distance learning students make up 37 percent of the total student population in the United States. This value indicates that online schooling is on the rise, and many students are now choosing to take online courses. You could join this trend, learn from the comfort of your home, and excel in your field.
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Accredited Online Colleges in Georgia FAQ
All the education institutions listed in this article, like Clayton State University and the University of North Georgia, are duly accredited by authorized accreditation agencies. If you want to earn a degree online, you have many options.
Yes, there are online schools in Georgia. Many public schools and private institutions offer virtual programs and campus courses that students can take online, even if they’re at home. Many online programs are flexible, giving students access to core courses and elective courses that they can fit into their busy schedules.
Prospective students can check if the school they plan to apply for is accredited by searching on the US Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. You can also confirm with the regional accreditation agencies or contact the university directly.
Online degrees are as legitimate as on-campus degrees. In many situations, you can explore the same career advancement options with your online degree program. Research by Northeastern University has shown that 55 percent of employers do not prefer one over the other.
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