Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2023

Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2023

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Georgia. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia 2022

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Key Takeaways

Georgia’s Top-Rated Colleges That Don’t Break the Bank

Georgia is a southeastern state with the most affordable university system in the United States. Cheap as they come, colleges in Georgia offer high-quality education, especially in the field of nursing and health sciences, business administration, computer science, agriculture, liberal arts, and many more.

And because of its public research university status, Georgia residents can also take advantage of inexpensive medical schools and business school studies.

Georgia also has of the most affordable online colleges in the nation, including the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Clayton State University, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, and Columbus State University.

These schools offer plenty of affordable undergraduate degrees that students can complete online. The state also provides the best financial aid opportunities for students studying for doctoral degrees.

Financial Aid Opportunities in Georgia

Thurgood Marshall College Fund: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is one of the most well-known financial aid opportunities. This is the largest funded organization available for Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The TMCF is a key resource for K-12 and higher education through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, creative programming, and strategic partnerships. The group is a resource for prestigious organizations looking for top candidates for coveted internships and high-paying employment.

Scholarship, Grant, and Loan Programs: The Georgia Student Finance Commission gives Georgia residents access to the best scholarship, grant, and loan programs, making a quality education even more affordable. Listed below are a few of the options:

In Georgia, more than half of an institution’s student body receives financial aid, especially those enrolled in an undergraduate program. Even the cheapest colleges in Georgia allow students to obtain financial aid, frequently resulting in a substantial tuition fee reduction.

Colleges with accreditation, such as from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offer the best and most varied financial assistance for on-campus and online students.

Reasons Why College Education in Georgia is Affordable

For many international students, Georgia offers a cheap cost of living. Most students concur that Georgia is a terrific state for your wallet, regardless of where they came from.

Here are reasons why many international students favor Georgia:

1. Tuition Fees: Georgia tuition fees can cost up to $54,000 for the most expensive private colleges and universities. On the other hand, public universities, such as Dalton State College, offer the lowest tuition fee at an average of $4,000 a year.

2. Transportation Cost: Georgia’s transportation system is quite dependable because it has adequate metro connectivity. Taxify and Yandex are the taxi companies in Georgia. It is, therefore, reasonably priced for all students.

3. Living Cost: Georgia is among the least expensive states in the nation, according to World Populations Review. With costs 25% lower than the national average, Georgia has the fourth-lowest housing costs in the nation. Over 40% of residents can buy a new home, ranking among the highest in the country for housing affordability.

Georgia Economic Outlook

Since 2019, Georgia’s overall economic activity has grown by about 3%. The number of jobs in Georgia increased by 2% in the previous year.

Georgia has a diverse range of profitable industries, with real estate, manufacturing, banking and insurance, and information technology accounting for its top four revenue generators.

The industries with the fastest rising employment were those related to transportation, management, construction, and the arts. This indicates a high employment rate for high-paying positions like operations managers, environmental engineers, systems analysts, and marketing managers.

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Colleges and Universities in Georgia

The state of Georgia is home to 70 colleges and universities. 38 of these schools are public institutions, each offering a wide variety of traditional and online courses as well as a full range of graduate programs for both on-campus and online students.

The University of Georgia, located in the city of Athens, is the largest college in Georgia, with over 35,000 students. Those attending Georgia State University and Georgia Southern University will enter into a friendly athletics rivalry. Tuition at Georgia State costs $9,000, and at Georgia Southern, $6,000.

Both the University of Georgia and Georgia State University are among the 36 colleges in Georgia offering online degree programs.

In addition, there are numerous fully online colleges in Georgia with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Of the 20 religiously affiliated colleges and schools in Georgia, Emory University has both the highest tuition at just over $50,000 per year, and the largest private school student population, with over 13,000 in attendance.

Georgia is also home to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture, advertising, art history, and more.

Prospective students looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree can choose from an extremely broad range of in-class and online programs.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Both traditional and online students in Georgia can earn degrees in religious studies, business, social work, law, and computer science. Those looking to attend technical colleges can also choose from a handful of brick-and-mortar and online colleges that offer two-year degrees in medicine, nursing, and education.

Part of the University System of Georgia, Atlanta Metropolitan State college is the state’s most affordable college at $3,000. Students at Atlanta Metropolitan can major in fields like mathematics, criminal justice, and philosophy. Most degree programs are available through in-person or online programs.

Georgia is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and the Okefenokee Swamp, which is the largest such water-mass in North America. This diverse landscape in The Peach State provides Georgia’s college and graduate students with a beautiful backdrop for an education. It’s also worth noting that Georgia residents who enroll in fully online programs at public universities or community colleges in Georgia will still receive in-state tuition discounts.

Georgia also offers a loan repayment-based financial aid program for qualifying graduates in the medical field through the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce. Check out the best traditional and online degree programs and top career paths this southern state has to offer.


What are Georgia’s Colleges & Universities?

Georgia’s Best Overall

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There are 26 colleges and universities in Georgia with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Georgia is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia 2022

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1081/21

    Georgia Southern University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice - Criminology
    • Criminal Justice - Cybercrime
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Modern Languages
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Valdosta State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Office Administration & Technology
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSEd in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Workforce Education & Development
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/19

    University of West Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminology
    • Social & Behavioral Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSNC in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    912/17

    Savannah State University’s Online Degrees

    BFA in Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Visual & Performing Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Business Management
    • Marketing
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Global Logistics & International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Civil Engineering Technology
    • Computer Science Technology
    • Electronics Engineering Technology
    • Mechanical Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Emergency Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Homeland Security & Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Political Science
    • Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSED in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Secondary Education
    • Engineering Technology Education
    • Middle Grades Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BIDS in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Africana Studies
    • English Language & Literature
    • History
    • Mass Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSBA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Behavior Analysis
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSW in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  5. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    820/16

    Albany State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems And Technology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    3K

    Fort Valley State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #10

    Dalton State College

    Dalton , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    4K

    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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/20

    Columbus State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business, General
    Degree Concentrations
    • International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology (Bsit)
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Sociology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #12

    Georgia Gwinnett College

    Lawrenceville , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    10K

    What is Georgia Gwinnett College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1172/25

  11. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/20

    Georgia Southwestern State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Human Resources
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    6K

    Clayton State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Administrative Management
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Homeland Security/Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Integrative Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in French
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science And Government Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSDH in Rdh-Bsdh Completion Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn-Bsn Completion Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #16

    Paine College

    Augusta , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    8%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    876/17

    Paine College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Management
    • Accounting
    • International Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminology
    • General Sociology
    • Social Psychology
    • Psychology - Counseling
    • General Psychology
    • Experimental Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Theology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Religion
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    7K

    Middle Georgia State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Technical Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    4K

    What is Georgia Highlands College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Georgia Highlands College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Science
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dentistry
    Degree Concentrations
    • Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 90 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  16. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/19

    What is College of Coastal Georgia known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    College of Coastal Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration For Adult Learners
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Workforce Management And Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Technical & Industrial
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nonprofit Management And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/18

    What is Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #21

    East Georgia State College

    Swainsboro , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    13%

    Student body

    2K

    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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn-Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #22

    Gordon State College

    Barnesville , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    980/18

    Gordon State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management & Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    1K

    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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Service
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #24

    Thomas University

    Thomasville , GA

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    814/20

    What is Thomas University known for?

    Thomas University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Thomas University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical
    Degree Concentrations
    • Medical Laboratory Science
    • Rehabilitation Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported

Looking for more ways to save money while pursuing your college degree? Check out our guide to budgeting for college students.

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Georgia’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive
  1. East Georgia State College
  2. Georgia Highlands College
  3. Atlanta Metropolitan State College
  4. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
  5. Gordon State College
  6. Dalton State College
  7. Middle Georgia State University
  8. College of Coastal Georgia
  9. Georgia Gwinnett College
  10. Georgia Southwestern State University
  11. Clayton State University
  12. Albany State University
  13. Savannah State University
  14. Columbus State University
  15. University of West Georgia
  16. Georgia Southern University
  17. Valdosta State University
  18. Fort Valley State University
  19. Georgia State University
  20. Georgia College & State University
  21. University of Georgia
  22. Georgia Tech
  23. Paine College
  24. Thomas University
  25. Andrew College
  26. Brewton–Parker College