Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2026

Badge for BEST IN GEORGIA PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Georgia provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Key Takeaways

  • The best public colleges in Georgia provide a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including specialized fields such as aerospace engineering, game development, and cybersecurity, catering to varied academic interests.
  • Students at the best public colleges in Georgia have access to extensive research facilities and initiatives, allowing for hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects across disciplines like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and environmental science.
  • Located in vibrant communities, the colleges in our ranking offer rich cultural experiences, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and diverse culinary scenes, alongside active student organizations and athletic programs that foster a well-rounded college experience.

10 Best Public Colleges in Georgia in 2026

  1. University of Georgia
    +1
  2. Georgia Tech
    –1
  3. Georgia State University
  4. Georgia Southern University
  5. University of West Georgia
    +1
  6. Savannah State University
    +1
  7. Valdosta State University
    –2
  8. Albany State University
  9. Fort Valley State University
  10. Georgia Southwestern State University
    +4

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in Georgia saw a fair amount of movement. Georgia Southwestern State University gained the most ranking positions as the university will commence a multimillion-dollar renovation of the James E. Carter Library, marking its first major update since 1971. Scheduled for completion by September 2025, the renovation will introduce modern features such as new furniture, advanced computer clusters, updated restrooms, a spacious open floor plan, a state-of-the-art HVAC system, and enhanced electrical work.

Additionally, GSW has been allocated $1,050,000 for major repair and rehabilitation projects in fiscal year 2025, further demonstrating its commitment to maintaining and improving campus facilities.

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 22 public universities in Georgia. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Georgia, schools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Best Public Colleges in Georgia

  1. #1

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #25 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #2 Best Colleges in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    46K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $11,180
    Expenses: $16,926
    Starting Salary: $77,246
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Georgia known for?

    University of Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    58K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Tech

    Cost of Degree: $11,764
    Expenses: $16,760
    Starting Salary: $114,210
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia Tech known for?

    Georgia Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Georgia State University

    Atlanta , GA
    #4 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #14 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    41K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,478
    Expenses: $22,990
    Starting Salary: $51,903
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia State University known for?

    Georgia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro , GA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1059/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $5,905
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $59,167
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia Southern University known for?

    Georgia Southern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Georgia Southern University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice - Criminology
    • Criminal Justice - Cybercrime
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Modern Languages
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing
    • Required Credits: 29
    • Completion Time: 9 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of West Georgia

    Carrollton , GA
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2026 #5 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of West Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $5,971
    Expenses: $17,669
    Starting Salary: $54,320
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of West Georgia known for?

    University of West Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of West Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminology
    • Social & Behavioral Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BSNC in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Savannah State University

    Savannah , GA
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Savannah State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,498
    Expenses: $11,937
    Starting Salary: $44,180
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Savannah State University known for?

    Savannah State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Savannah State University’s Online Degrees

    BFA in Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Visual & Performing Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Business Management
    • Marketing
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Global Logistics & International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Civil Engineering Technology
    • Computer Science Technology
    • Electronics Engineering Technology
    • Mechanical Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BA in Emergency Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Homeland Security & Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Political Science
    • Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BSED in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Secondary Education
    • Engineering Technology Education
    • Middle Grades Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BIDS in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Africana Studies
    • English Language & Literature
    • History
    • Mass Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BSBA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Behavior Analysis
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BSW in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    BS in Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Environmental Science
    • Forensic Science
    • Marine Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Valdosta State University

    Valdosta , GA
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2026 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Valdosta State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,007
    Expenses: $16,368
    Starting Salary: $52,334
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Valdosta State University known for?

    Valdosta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Valdosta State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Office Administration & Technology
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BSEd in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Workforce Education & Development
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • French (Language & Culture Track)
    • French (World Language & Cultures Track)
    • Spanish (Language & Culture Track)
    • Spanish (World Languages & Cultures Track)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Albany State University

    Albany , GA
    #17 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albany State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,484
    Expenses: $13,686
    Starting Salary: $44,975
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Albany State University known for?

    Albany State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Albany State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management Information Systems And Technology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Fort Valley State University

    Fort Valley , GA
    #18 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Fort Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,392
    Expenses: $14,872
    Starting Salary: $41,857
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fort Valley State University known for?

    Fort Valley State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Fort Valley State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Georgia Southwestern State University

    Americus , GA
    #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2026 #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Southwestern State University

    Cost of Degree: $4,980
    Expenses: $16,094
    Starting Salary: $55,890
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia Southwestern State University known for?

    Georgia Southwestern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Georgia Southwestern State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Human Resources
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Georgia College & State University

    Milledgeville , GA
    #10 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2026 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #10 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs 2026 #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia College & State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,998
    Expenses: $21,357
    Starting Salary: $64,452
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia College & State University known for?

    Georgia College & State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Middle Georgia State University

    Macon , GA
    #5 Best Online Associate in Finance #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Georgia #11 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Middle Georgia State University

    Cost of Degree: $4,432
    Expenses: $17,243
    Starting Salary: $48,459
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middle Georgia State University known for?

    Middle Georgia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Middle Georgia State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Technical Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion Time: 18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Medical
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Aviation Science & Management (Management Track)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Columbus State University

    Columbus , GA
    #16 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #10 Best Online Master's in Biology #14 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbus State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,751
    Expenses: $19,046
    Starting Salary: $49,706
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbus State University known for?

    Columbus State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Columbus State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business, General
    Degree Concentrations
    • International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology (Bsit)
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Sociology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Clayton State University

    Morrow , GA
    #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2026 #16 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2026 #21 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    969/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Clayton State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,068
    Expenses: $16,301
    Starting Salary: $54,701
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Clayton State University known for?

    Clayton State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Clayton State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Administrative Management
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Homeland Security/Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Integrative Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in French
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Political Science And Government Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSDH in Rdh-Bsdh Completion Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Rn-Bsn Completion Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology And Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Dalton State College

    Dalton , GA
    #19 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dalton State College

    Cost of Degree: $3,283
    Expenses: $14,071
    Starting Salary: $46,083
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dalton State College known for?

    Dalton State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Dalton State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-122
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Georgia Gwinnett College

    Lawrenceville , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Gwinnett College

    Cost of Degree: $4,458
    Expenses: $25,630
    Starting Salary: $48,736
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia Gwinnett College known for?

    Georgia Gwinnett College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

    Tifton , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

    Cost of Degree: $3,195
    Expenses: $13,470
    Starting Salary: $41,999
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College known for?

    Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Georgia Highlands College

    Rome , GA
    #11 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2026 #11 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2026 #20 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2026 #25 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Highlands College

    Cost of Degree: $2,944
    Starting Salary: $46,880
    What is Georgia Highlands College known for?

    Georgia Highlands College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Georgia Highlands College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: 24 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Science
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Dentistry
    Degree Concentrations
    • Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 90 60
    • Completion Time: 24-48 months (dependent upon new student or existing RDH AS)
    BS in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing
    • Required Credits: 90 60
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    East Georgia State College

    Swainsboro , GA
    #23 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    14%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at East Georgia State College

    Cost of Degree: $2,736
    Expenses: $16,110
    Starting Salary: $41,785
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is East Georgia State College known for?

    East Georgia State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    East Georgia State College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Fire And Emergency Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn-Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    College of Coastal Georgia

    Brunswick , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    987/19

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Coastal Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $3,483
    Expenses: $21,974
    Starting Salary: $44,872
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of Coastal Georgia known for?

    College of Coastal Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    College of Coastal Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration For Adult Learners
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Workforce Management And Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Technical & Industrial
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nonprofit Management And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Atlanta Metropolitan State College

    Atlanta , GA
    #13 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    14%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Atlanta Metropolitan State College

    Cost of Degree: $3,106
    Expenses: $17,198
    Starting Salary: $37,585
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Atlanta Metropolitan State College known for?

    Atlanta Metropolitan State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Atlanta Metropolitan State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Office Administration & Technology
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Service
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Gordon State College

    Barnesville , GA
    #10 Best Online Six Sigma Certification #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Gordon State College

    Cost of Degree: $3,475
    Expenses: $13,218
    Starting Salary: $46,001
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gordon State College known for?

    Gordon State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Gordon State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management & Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
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Georgia’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Georgia Tech
  2. University of Georgia
  3. Georgia State University
  4. Georgia College & State University
  5. Georgia Southern University
  6. University of West Georgia
  7. Gordon State College

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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