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Best Nursing Schools in Georgia: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 24, 2026

Explore 20 nursing programs across Georgia's public and private universities and community colleges. Compare tuition costs from $2,960–$60,774/year, acceptance rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in Georgia

Georgia offers prospective nursing students a diverse range of educational pathways, from affordable associate degree programs at community colleges to prestigious doctoral nursing programs at research universities. With 20 accredited nursing programs across the state—5 community colleges and 15 universities—students can choose based on budget, location, admission competitiveness, and career goals.

The nursing profession in Georgia is experiencing steady demand. Registered nurses in Georgia earn competitive salaries, with graduates from Georgia programs reporting earnings between $63,472 and $116,881 annually depending on their degree level and specialization. Whether you're a high school graduate, career changer, or working professional, Georgia's nursing schools provide flexible entry points into this rewarding healthcare career.

This guide walks you through your options, helping you understand the cost-benefit analysis of different programs and how to select the right fit for your circumstances.

Top University Nursing Programs in Georgia

Four-Year Public Universities

Georgia State University (Atlanta)

Georgia State University stands out as one of Georgia's largest universities with 27,109 students and a competitive nursing program. Located in downtown Atlanta, GSU offers strong urban healthcare partnerships and clinical placement opportunities.

In-state tuition: $8,478/year
Acceptance rate: 62.3%
Graduation rate: 54.3%
Nursing grad earnings: $107,220/year (Graduate Certificate)

GSU's location provides access to major medical centers and diverse patient populations, making it an excellent choice for students seeking robust clinical training.

Georgia Southern University (Statesboro)

With the lowest tuition among Georgia's four-year public universities at $5,905/year, Georgia Southern combines affordability with accessibility. The university's 89.6% acceptance rate makes it a realistic option for students with moderate academic profiles.

In-state tuition: $5,905/year
Acceptance rate: 89.6%
Graduation rate: 52.4%
Nursing grad earnings: $96,937/year (Master's Degree)
Enrollment: 21,029

Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw)

Kennesaw State is Georgia's largest nursing program by enrollment with 39,503 total students. The university offers strong value with in-state tuition at just $5,786/year and a reasonable 69.2% acceptance rate.

In-state tuition: $5,786/year
Acceptance rate: 69.2%
Graduation rate: 47.2%
Nursing grad earnings: $98,123/year (Master's Degree)

University of North Georgia (Dahlonega)

For budget-conscious students, University of North Georgia offers the lowest tuition among four-year public universities at $5,009/year. The mountain location provides a smaller-school experience within a public university system.

In-state tuition: $5,009/year
Acceptance rate: 72.2%
Graduation rate: 37.7%
Nursing grad earnings: $97,494/year (Master's Degree)

University of West Georgia (Carrollton)

University of West Georgia is the most selective public nursing program in the state with a 49.4% acceptance rate, indicating stronger academic requirements for admission.

In-state tuition: $5,971/year
Acceptance rate: 49.4%
Graduation rate: 43.0%
Nursing grad earnings: $91,410/year (Master's Degree)

Additional Public Universities:

Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville): $8,998/year tuition, 87.8% acceptance, 62.0% graduation rate, $103,252 nursing grad earnings
Valdosta State University (Valdosta): $6,007/year, 83.5% acceptance, 41.1% graduation rate, $96,299 earnings
Columbus State University (Columbus): $5,751/year, 99.2% acceptance, 42.6% graduation rate, $101,632 earnings
Middle Georgia State University (Macon): $4,432/year, 99.8% acceptance, 24.6% graduation rate, $116,881 earnings (highest among public universities)
Augusta University (Augusta): $8,122/year, 89.3% acceptance, 49.4% graduation rate, $116,061 earnings (Doctoral Degree)
Albany State University (Albany): $5,934/year, 24.7% graduation rate, $104,099 earnings
Georgia Gwinnett College (Lawrenceville): $4,458/year, 95.6% acceptance, 19.7% graduation rate, $80,074 earnings

Private Universities

Emory University (Atlanta)

Emory is Georgia's most selective nursing program with an 11.1% acceptance rate and the highest graduation rate at 90.9%. This elite institution commands premium tuition but produces graduates earning $109,067 annually with doctoral-level training.

Tuition: $60,774/year
Acceptance rate: 11.1%
Graduation rate: 90.9%
Nursing grad earnings: $109,067/year (Doctoral Degree)

Emory's selectivity and outcomes justify the cost for highly qualified applicants seeking a prestigious credential and strong academic support.

Mercer University (Macon)

Mercer offers a middle-ground option between public and elite private universities with reasonable selectivity and strong outcomes.

Tuition: $40,890/year
Acceptance rate: 66.5%
Graduation rate: 73.5%
Nursing grad earnings: $99,907/year (Master's Degree)

South University-Savannah Online (Savannah)

This for-profit institution offers online flexibility but presents significant concerns. With a 5.6% graduation rate, this program carries substantial risk despite offering online accessibility.

Tuition: $16,546/year
Graduation rate: 5.6%
Nursing grad earnings: $102,466/year (Graduate Certificate)

We recommend thoroughly evaluating this program's outcomes before enrolling.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Pathway

Community colleges in Georgia provide the most affordable entry point into nursing through Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. Graduates earn associate degrees, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and become registered nurses—with the option to pursue bachelor's degrees later through RN-to-BSN programs.

Cost Comparison: Community college tuition ranges from $2,960–$3,356 per year—approximately 50% less than public four-year universities and 95% less than private institutions.

Five Georgia Community Colleges with Nursing Programs:

Georgia State University-Perimeter College (Atlanta)

Tuition: $2,960/year (lowest cost option in Georgia)
Nursing grad earnings: $67,659/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 12,871

Chattahoochee Technical College (Marietta)

Tuition: $3,252/year
Nursing grad earnings: $63,472/year (Associate's Degree)

Gwinnett Technical College (Lawrenceville)

Tuition: $3,356/year
Nursing grad earnings: $67,999/year (Associate's Degree)

Central Georgia Technical College (Warner Robins)

Tuition: $3,180/year
Nursing grad earnings: $66,030/year (Associate's Degree)

West Georgia Technical College (Waco)

Tuition: $3,122/year
Nursing grad earnings: $65,769/year (Associate's Degree)

Community College Advantages

Lower upfront costs: Save $15,000–$20,000 in tuition over two years
Smaller class sizes: More individualized attention during prerequisites
Flexible scheduling: Many programs offer evening and weekend options for working students
Pathway to BSN: Graduates can pursue RN-to-BSN programs at universities without repeating core nursing courses
Faster entry to workforce: Begin earning as an RN after two years instead of four

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

1. Financial Considerations

Calculate total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. A student attending Georgia Southern University ($5,905/year) versus Emory University ($60,774/year) faces a $109,738 difference over four years—despite both producing competent nurses.

Consider your financial aid eligibility. Federal student loans, Georgia grants, and institutional aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Community college students may qualify for different aid packages than university students.

2. Admission Competitiveness

Match your academic profile to realistic options:

Highly competitive (acceptance <50%): University of West Georgia (49.4%), Emory (11.1%)
Moderately competitive (50–75%): GSU (62.3%), Kennesaw State (69.2%), UNG (72.2%)
Accessible (>75%): Georgia Southern (89.6%), Most community colleges, Middle Georgia State (99.8%)

3. Graduation Rates and Program Quality

Graduation rates vary significantly. Emory's 90.9% graduation rate reflects strong student support and resources, while some programs fall below 25%. Higher graduation rates suggest better student support and program quality, though they may also reflect more selective admissions.

4. Location and Clinical Opportunities

Urban programs (Atlanta, Savannah): Access to major medical centers, diverse patient populations, more specialty rotations
Regional programs (Statesboro, Macon): Smaller communities, strong relationships with regional hospitals, close-knit cohorts
Online options: Flexibility for working students, but verify accreditation and graduation outcomes carefully

5. Degree Level and Career Goals

Associate Degree (ADN): Community colleges, 2 years, $6,000–$7,000 total cost, entry-level RN positions
Bachelor's Degree (BSN): Universities, 4 years, $20,000–$35,000 for public schools, required for many hospitals and leadership roles
Master's Degree: Graduate programs, additional specialization, advanced practice roles, higher earning potential ($91,410–$116,881)
Doctoral Degree: Research, education, or advanced practice, highest earning potential ($109,067–$116,061)

Georgia's Nursing Job Market

Demand and Growth

Georgia's healthcare sector continues expanding, with nursing among the fastest-growing professions. The state's population growth and aging demographics drive consistent demand for registered nurses across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.

Salary Expectations

Nursing salaries in Georgia vary by degree level:

Associate Degree (ADN): $63,472–$67,999/year
Bachelor's Degree (BSN): $80,074–$103,252/year
Master's Degree: $91,410–$116,881/year
Doctoral Degree: $109,067–$116,061/year

Return on Investment: A graduate from Georgia Southern ($5,905/year × 4 = $23,620 total) earning $96,937 annually recoups tuition costs within 3 months of employment. Even Emory graduates ($60,774/year × 4 = $243,096 total) earning $109,067 annually break even within 2.5 years.

Employment Locations

Atlanta metro: Emory Healthcare, Grady Memorial Hospital, Georgia Tech Medical Center
Savannah: Memorial University Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital
Augusta: Augusta University Medical Center
Statewide: Rural health clinics, community hospitals, home health agencies

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Georgia

Federal Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Required for all federal aid, grants, and loans
Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2024–25) for eligible low-income students, no repayment required
Federal Direct Loans: Unsubsidized and subsidized loans available; repayment begins 6 months after graduation

Georgia-Specific Programs

Georgia HOPE Scholarship: Merit-based aid for Georgia residents attending in-state schools; amounts vary by institution
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): Career training funding for eligible workers
Nursing shortage loan repayment programs: Some Georgia hospitals offer loan repayment assistance for nurses committing to employment

Institutional Aid

Most Georgia universities offer nursing-specific scholarships and merit aid. Contact financial aid offices directly for current opportunities.

Work-Study and Employment

Many nursing programs allow students to work part-time in healthcare settings (as patient care technicians or medical assistants) while completing prerequisites, providing income and clinical experience.

Next Steps: Compare Programs and Apply

You've reviewed Georgia's nursing options—now it's time to narrow your choices and apply.

Create Your Shortlist

Based on this guide, identify 3–5 programs matching your:

Budget constraints
Academic profile
Preferred location
Degree level goals

Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Visit GradeToGrad's nursing program search to:

Compare detailed program information side-by-side
Review student reviews and outcomes
Access application requirements and deadlines
Calculate net cost after financial aid

Application Timeline

12–18 months before enrollment: Research programs, take TEAS or HESI entrance exams if required
6–9 months before enrollment: Complete FAFSA, submit applications, attend campus visits
3–6 months before enrollment: Receive acceptance decisions, compare financial aid packages, submit enrollment deposits
1–3 months before enrollment: Complete background checks, health screenings, and orientation

Questions to Ask Programs

When contacting nursing programs, ask about:

NCLEX-RN pass rates (aim for >90%)
Job placement rates for graduates
Prerequisite requirements and completion timelines
Clinical placement locations
Tuition payment plans and financial aid
Program accreditation status (ACEN or CCNE)

Conclusion

Georgia's 20 nursing programs provide pathways for every student—from budget-conscious community college students to ambitious applicants targeting elite universities. Whether you choose Georgia Southern's affordable four-year program ($5,905/year), a community college ADN ($2,960–$3,356/year), or Emory's prestigious doctoral program ($60,774/year), you'll enter a profession with strong job security, competitive salaries, and meaningful work.

The best nursing school for you balances cost, admission fit, location, and career goals. Use this guide to identify your top choices, then explore detailed program comparisons on GradeToGrad to make your final decision.

Your nursing career in Georgia awaits—start your research today.