Every student deserves the opportunity to learn more about the best colleges in Georgia. With the chance to study in one of the best schools in the state, your dream career is right around the corner.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top-ranked schools in Georgia that feature several fantastic programs. Each of these schools meets the following criteria:

• An average annual cost of no more than $30,000
• A median starting salary no lower than $27,000
• Accredited programs by recognized bodies

Accredited Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

10 Best Colleges in Georgia

1. Chattahoochee Technical College

2-4 Year; Marietta, GA

Average Annual Cost: $1,137

Chattahoochee Technical College is the largest technical college in the entire state, enrolling over 14,000 students every year. Their educational programs are affordable and accessible to relatively every student, especially compared to large universities. Whether you’re looking to acquire an associate’s degree or an awards certificate, there are many programs to consider.

Chattahoochee Technical College understands the importance of students being career-ready upon graduation. With over 50 avenues of study, you will be able to establish your professional skills to improve your chances for employment. Also, all of the programs revolve around the most in-demand career fields.

Again, there are more than 50 individual fields of study that students can consider. However, a few of the most popular avenues include:

• Computers and Engineering
• Digital Media
• Technical
• Health
• Business and Professional

Along with standard classes, students can sign up for workforce training and continuing education. These two pathways help employed professionals further develop their skills. Over time, you will experience advancement and promotions within your current field.

2. Athens Technical College

2-4 Year; Athens, GA

Average Annual Cost: $4,937

Another school with ample learning opportunities for career-minded professionals is Athens Technical College. Their unique program offerings help students enter the workforce as prepared professionals. Also, they offer continuing education programs for currently employed individuals looking to diversify their skills.

One of the most convenient aspects of enrolling in Athens Technical College is its online degree options. Instead of visiting the campus for your classes, you can opt to take them from anywhere. This option is ideal for students with busy schedules or employed professionals.

There are a few tenets that this school focuses on to provide students with the utmost learning opportunities. The faculty helps students work towards workplace success while also fostering lifelong learning. Since you have complete control over your study method, acquiring your post-secondary degree has never been more convenient.

3. Atlanta Metropolitan State College

4 Year; Atlanta, GA

Average Annual Cost: $4,985

Atlanta Metropolitan State College has a student-centric environment, ensuring every enrollee gets the support they need for schooling. In a nutshell, it is a four-year liberal arts college that offers several fantastic learning pathways. A combination of in-person and online courses makes it an excellent option for working professionals and students with busy schedules.

This school offers a vast collection of baccalaureate and associate’s degree programs. Students also have the option to enroll in certificate programs. Let’s look at some of the most common courses for each degree field.

Baccalaureate:

• Business Administration
• Organizational Leadership
• Teacher Education
• Biological Science
• Criminal Justice

Associate’s Degree:

• Psychology
• Computer Information Systems
• Biological Sciences
• Engineering
• Mass Communication

Certificate:

• Forensic Chemistry
• Film & Television Production
• FinTech
• Law Enforcement Leadership

One of the more unique aspects of the school is that they recognize work experience as school experience. As an Adult Learner, you can take the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). With this process, all relevant areas of past experiences are considered and can help you receive academic credits.

4. Luther Rice College & Seminary

4 Year; Lithonia, GA

Average Annual Cost: $7,696

Students in all areas of life will be able to benefit from the degree programs offered at Luther Rice College & Seminary. This school has recently implemented graduate and undergraduate certificates for students to explore. Not only do they provide in-person learning, but you can also take online programs wherever you are in the world.

Luther Rice College & Seminary offers seminary programs, graduate programs, undergraduate programs, and certificate programs. The majority of their course offerings revolve around religion, as they are a Seminary school. Some of the most common degree pathways include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Religion
• Master of Arts in Apologetics
• Master of Arts in Christian Studies
• Master of Arts in Ministry
• Master of Divinity
• Doctor of Ministry

There are currently over 8,000 graduates that have attended the school and pursued ministry education. Students will get access to an engaging approach to learning religion and biblical studies while using fresh perspectives. As an institution serving its community for more than 50 years, it is a great option for Georgia-based students.

Another massive advantage of enrolling in the Luther Rice College & Seminary is its affordability. Compared to other private, non-profit, four-year schools, they have the lowest 10% tuition costs. Students will also be able to apply for financial aid and military tuition assistance for their studies.

5. Georgia State University – Perimeter College

2-4 Year; Atlanta, GA

Average Annual Cost: $9,184

Perimeter College is a valuable part of Georgia State University that helps students explore over 30 different learning pathways. Their programs are among the most convenient, giving students the option to attend school from home or in person. Online schooling has proven preferable for many, especially if you’re a career-minded individual.

There isn’t a shortage of programs that you will be able to take advantage of at this school. They ensure that many of the same courses available from traditional institutions are open for enrollment. A few key examples of fantastic degree options include:

• Business Administration
• Cultural and Behavioral Sciences
• Fine Arts
• Health Professions
• History and Political Science
• Mathematics
• Life and Earth Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Computer Science and Engineering

Students will also be able to expand their horizons by participating in school-led community projects. With programs such as the Prison Education Product and the STEM Center for Community Engagement, you can put your skills to good use. Also, there are several notable clubs and organizations to help you make new friends and begin networking early.

6. Gwinnett Technical College

2-4 Year; Lawrenceville, GA

Average Annual Cost: $11,110

Gwinnett Technical College is unique because it offers several different ways for students to get a well-rounded education. With the school’s ample academic resources, you can work alongside counselors to find your ideal major. You can use their career services to help you find a placement and prepare for job interviews.

Students will find online learning and nontraditional programs that are highly adaptable to their schedules. Traditional learning pathways are perfect for those interested in focusing on a full-time education. As you would expect, there is a wide assortment of course offerings for you to choose from.

Currently, the school offers six primary avenues of study, each with specialties within. For example, you can take Business Technology, Culinary Arts, and Accounting Technology in Business Sciences. A few other examples of the school’s most popular programs include:

• Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, and Design
• Nursing Sciences
• Computer Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Public and Professional Services

7. American InterContinental University – Atlanta

4 Year; Atlanta, GA

Average Annual Cost: $14,036

The central premise of the programs from American InterContinental University – Atlanta is to better students’ lives. Every course you find will be highly adaptable, fitting into your personal schedule and needs. You will have the necessary support from your first year to continuing education as a graduate.

American InterContinental University – Atlanta offers several remarkable learning pathways to obtain different degrees. Students can work towards a bachelor’s, master’s, or associate’s degree. There are also undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs for you to consider.

That said, this school focuses on a few key areas of study compared to larger colleges and universities. You’ll find a few different subjects with each degree type, including:

• Associate Degrees (Criminal Justice and Business Administration)
• Bachelor’s Degrees (Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Healthcare Management, and Information Technology)
• Master’s Degrees (Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Education, and Information Technology)

If you’re an active military member or from a military family, American InterContinental University – Atlanta is perfect for you. Their MOS Pledge for Transfer Credit is a fantastic option to transfer to the school and save your existing schooling history. Additionally, military members can receive up to a 45% discount on their tuition using military grants.

For the average student, transferring to American InterContinental University – Atlanta is easy. In most instances, the school allows students to bring up to 75% of their qualifying credits and put them towards their degree. This process is a fantastic way to help save additional tuition costs and schooling time.

8. Shorter University

4 Year; Rome, GA

Average Annual Cost: $19,495

As another Christian-led university, Shorter University helps students transform their lives with the help of Christ. It has a collection of graduate, undergraduate, and online programs for you to consider. The school is also known to offer several international and study-abroad programs, helping students experience the world.

When it comes to choosing your desired area of study, there are many great options. Students can work towards degrees in the following areas:

• Nursing
• Business
• Education
• Fine & Performing Arts
• Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Humanities and Social Sciences

Shorter University is a school that ensures every student has an equal opportunity to make friends and experience a community. They have an impressive number of programs covered by the Office of Student Life, including leadership programs, student government, Greek organizations, and intramural activities. Students will also be able to unlock a thriving community, nurturing their physical and mental well-being.

One of the more unique aspects of this school’s programs is that some classes are offered online. Also, you can find hybrid courses that include both on-campus and online learning. If you are looking for a program that adapts to your busy schedule, some of their options, like Business, could be helpful.

Working professionals will appreciate the programs available at Shorter University. As mentioned, it has an assortment of degree options to help you further your fundamental education. Working students can obtain a master’s degree to specialize in a field or get their first undergraduate degree to improve their employability.

9. South University – Savannah Online

4 Year; Savannah, GA

Average Annual Cost: $21,178

South University – Savannah Online takes the world of online schooling and transforms it to make it even more adaptable. Instead of using hybrid classes, all of its degree programs are 100% online. Students will never have to visit campus and instead earn their degrees while working or engaging in other activities.

This school’s immersive programs make it an ideal option for several degree pathways. You can earn a bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, or associate’s degree from home. Alternatively, they can also help you acquire various post-graduate certificates to help further your existing career experience.

One of the primary benefits of South University – Savannah Online is that it ensures every student is supported. By offering a more one-on-one approach to learning, every student gets the attention they deserve. As a result, you will feel more than prepared to enter your desired career field by the end of your studies.

There is a comprehensive list of programs and degrees that students can choose from, with some of the most popular being:

• Physician Assistant
• Counseling & Psychology
• Public Health
• Nursing
• Healthcare
• Pharmacy
• Business & Technology
• Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
• Public Administration

10. Herzing University – Atlanta

4 Year; Atlanta, GA

Average Annual Cost: $25,542

Gathering real-world experience while in school is essential for career-driven students. In line with that, Herzing University – Atlanta offers an impressive number of programs to help prepare you for employment. You’ll find that its conveniently located campus in downtown Atlanta is home to a thriving and vibrant community of faculty and students alike.

Herzing University – Atlanta offers several learning avenues for prospective students. You can work towards a degree in the following programs:

• Nursing
• Business
• Legal Studies
• Healthcare
• Technology
• Public Safety

The school also offers a long list of hybrid courses, allowing you to complete some of your degrees online. Through the virtual campus, you can customize your curriculum so that it adapts to your schedule’s specific needs. Alternatively, you can attend the traditional on-campus courses to earn your degree.

Like many of the best colleges in Georgia, Herzing University – Atlanta features different degree options. Students can work towards earning certificates, associate’s degrees, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees.

Accredited Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.