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Best Nursing Schools in Atlanta: Rankings, Tuition & Programs for 2026

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 30, 2026

Compare 16 Atlanta nursing programs from $2,960 at GSU Perimeter to Emory (#1 graduate nursing nationally). Atlanta RN salary averages $86,000-97,000.

Why Study Nursing in Atlanta?

Atlanta is a major healthcare hub in the Southeast, anchored by Emory Healthcare (the largest health system in Georgia), Grady Health System (one of the nation's largest public hospitals), Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (top-ranked pediatrics), Piedmont Healthcare, and Wellstar Health System. The metro area has 16 nursing programs ranging from $2,960/year at GSU Perimeter College to $60,774 at Emory.

Average RN salary in Atlanta is $86,000-97,000/year depending on the data source, with new graduates starting around $72,500. While lower than NYC or LA, Atlanta's significantly lower cost of living means your dollar goes much further.

Elite Programs

Emory University — Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Emory's nursing school is ranked #1 in graduate programs and #2 in undergraduate programs by U.S. News & World Report — making it the top nursing school in the Southeast. Doctoral graduates earn $109,067/year. Tuition is $60,774 with an 11.1% acceptance rate and 90.9% graduation rate.

Students pursue clinical rotations at over 500 sites across metro Atlanta, including Emory University Hospital, Emory Midtown, Grady Memorial, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The direct pipeline from Emory's nursing school to Emory Healthcare jobs is one of the strongest in the country.

Georgia State University

GSU's Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing produces Graduate Certificate graduates earning $107,220/year at just $8,478 in-state tuition. With a 62.3% acceptance rate and 54.3% graduation rate, it's accessible and well-regarded. Clinical partnerships with Grady Health System, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Atlanta VA Medical Center provide diverse training experiences.

Clayton State University (Morrow)

The hidden gem: Master's nursing graduates earn $117,223/year — the highest in metro Atlanta outside of Emory — at only $5,068 tuition. Located in the southern suburbs with a 70.6% acceptance rate. Excellent value.

Kennesaw State University

Georgia's third-largest university offers Master's nursing with graduates earning $98,123/year at $5,786 tuition. The 69.2% acceptance rate and 39,503-student campus in the northwest suburbs make it a major pipeline for Atlanta-area nurses.

University of West Georgia (Carrollton)

Master's nursing graduates earn $91,410/year at $5,971 tuition. The 49.4% acceptance rate makes it the most selective public university option in the area. Located west of Atlanta.

Mid-Tier & Private Programs

Georgia Gwinnett College (Lawrenceville)

BSN at $4,458/year with graduates earning $80,074. The 95.6% acceptance rate makes it essentially open admission. Serves the fast-growing Gwinnett County northeast of Atlanta.

Georgia Highlands College (Rome)

BSN graduates earn $83,986/year at just $2,944/year tuition — the best tuition-to-earnings ratio of any university program in the Atlanta area. Located northwest of the metro but serves students across north Georgia.

Herzing University-Atlanta

Graduate Certificate nursing graduates earn $107,900/year at $13,420. Small program (499 students) with a 94.1% acceptance rate.

Chamberlain University-Georgia (Sandy Springs)

BSN at $19,686 with graduates earning $74,013. Part of the national Chamberlain network with a 96.2% acceptance rate. Located in the affluent Sandy Springs area north of Atlanta.

Technical College ADN Programs

Georgia's Technical College System offers the most affordable nursing path in the Atlanta area.

School	Location	Tuition	ADN Earnings
Atlanta Technical College	Atlanta	$3,164/yr	$71,054
Gwinnett Technical College	Lawrenceville	$3,356/yr	$67,999
GSU Perimeter College	Atlanta (multiple)	$2,960/yr	$67,659
Chattahoochee Tech	Marietta	$3,252/yr	$63,472
Athens Technical College	Athens	$3,172/yr	$60,933
GA Northwestern Tech	Rome	$3,132/yr	$57,189

Atlanta Technical College leads with ADN graduates earning $71,054/year at $3,164 tuition — strong value in the city.

GSU Perimeter College has the lowest tuition at $2,960/year with a near-open 99.6% acceptance rate and nursing earnings of $67,659. As part of Georgia State University, it offers a seamless ADN-to-BSN pathway within the same institution.

Gwinnett Technical College serves the northeast suburbs with $67,999 ADN earnings at $3,356/year.

Atlanta Nursing Salaries (2025)

New graduate RN: $68,500-76,500/year
Experienced RN (3-5 years): $82,000-97,000/year
Specialized RN (ICU, ER, OR): $90,000-115,000/year
Nurse Practitioner: $105,000-135,000/year
CRNA: $175,000-205,000+/year

Major employers: Emory Healthcare, Grady Health System, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Piedmont Healthcare, Wellstar Health System, Northside Hospital, Atlanta VA Medical Center, HCA Healthcare (multiple Atlanta-area hospitals).

Clinical Rotation Sites

Emory University Hospital — flagship academic medical center
Grady Memorial Hospital — one of the largest public hospitals in the US, Level I trauma
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Egleston & Scottish Rite) — top-ranked pediatric system
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital — major community hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital — largest hospital in Cobb County
Atlanta VA Medical Center — veterans healthcare
Northside Hospital — high-volume maternity (delivers more babies than almost any US hospital)

Financial Aid

HOPE Grant: Covers tuition for Georgia residents pursuing certificates/diplomas at technical colleges. Students with 3.5+ GPA receive 100% tuition coverage.
HOPE Scholarship: For 4-year university students with 3.0+ high school GPA
Zell Miller Scholarship: Full tuition at public universities for students with 3.7+ GPA and 1200+ SAT
HOPE Career Grant: Additional support for students in high-demand technical programs including nursing
Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year — covers full tuition at technical colleges with money to spare
Emory needs-based aid: Emory meets 100% of demonstrated financial need

The Smart Path

Complete ADN at GSU Perimeter ($2,960/year) or Atlanta Technical College ($3,164/year)
Pass NCLEX, start working as an RN at Grady or Piedmont earning $72,000+
Bridge to BSN at Georgia State ($8,478/year) — seamless if starting at Perimeter
Total cost: under $15,000 vs. $60,000-243,000 at Emory

Next Steps

Compare Atlanta nursing programs on GradeToGrad — see tuition, outcomes, and admissions data for every school.