Compare accelerated BSN costs, formats, admission requirements, and NCLEX outcomes across Georgia schools
Accelerated BSN programs in Georgia let career changers with a non-nursing bachelor's earn an RN license in as few as 12 months, but program length and format, campus-based, hybrid, or online, vary significantly. Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah drive clinical demand through large health systems like Emory, Piedmont, and AU Health, which shape where and how students complete rotations. The state's 13 ABSN programs range from public universities with in-state tuition under $9,000 per year to private options that can exceed $60,000 total. Since most programs require full-time immersion and handle clinical placements themselves, choosing a school often hinges on regional fit and cost rather than a simple ranking.
Before comparing specific program features, it is important to understand the regulatory environment that governs ABSN programs and graduate licensure in Georgia. The table below outlines the key rules and compact status that affect career mobility for accelerated BSN graduates in the Peach State.
| Factor | What to Know in Georgia |
|---|---|
| NLC Membership Status | Georgia is an active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact as of 2026, effective since 2018. |
| Clinical Hour Requirements | No separate clinical-hour minimum for ABSN graduates; standard RN criteria apply. |
| Licensure Eligibility | ABSN graduates are eligible for Georgia RN licensure on the same basis as other first-time RN applicants. |
| Program Approval | Must graduate from a Georgia Board of Nursing-approved prelicensure RN program. |
| NCLEX Requirement | Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, administered by NCSBN and Georgia Board of Nursing. |
| Background Check | Must meet background and character requirements set by the Georgia Board of Nursing. |
| Multistate License Eligibility | If Georgia is primary state of residence, can hold a multistate RN license valid in all NLC states. |
| Primary State of Residence Requirement | Georgia must be primary state of residence for a Georgia-issued multistate license. |
| 60-Day Rule for Incoming Residents | If moving into Georgia from a compact state, must apply for Georgia licensure within 60 days. |
| Single-State License Option | If home state is non-compact, may get a single-state Georgia RN license without multistate privileges. |
Georgia’s accelerated BSN pathways serve career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree, with options ranging from private universities in Atlanta to public schools in Savannah, Valdosta, and beyond. The programs below combine rigorous nursing coursework with clinical placements at regional healthcare systems and prepare graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure in as few as 12 to 16 months.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mercer University | Macon, GA | $24,000/yr | Atlanta-based second-career students | |
Mercer University’s accelerated BSN in Atlanta leverages its history as Georgia’s oldest nursing school to offer a fast-paced 12-month track for career changers. Students complete online coursework and in-person labs, then train at major Atlanta hospitals through clinical rotations. The CCNE-accredited program admits three times per year and prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure.
| |||||
| #2 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | Coastal Georgia second-degree students | |
Georgia Southern University’s accelerated BSN on the Armstrong-Savannah campus is a three-semester, 12-month program for students with a prior bachelor’s degree. The curriculum covers core nursing areas such as adult health, mental health, and community health, with clinical experiences at regional sites. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA in prerequisites and a HESI exam, and the program leads to RN licensure.
| |||||
| #3 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $15,000/yr | North Georgia career changers | |
Kennesaw State University’s accelerated BSN condenses nursing education into four consecutive semesters with no summer breaks, making it ideal for motivated career changers. Based on the Kennesaw campus, the program includes simulation labs and clinical rotations in metro Atlanta, accepting students twice per year. Applicants need a prior bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 GPA, and completion of 11 prerequisites with a TEAS exam.
| |||||
| #4 | Augusta University | Augusta, GA | $8,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Augusta University’s accelerated BSN allows students to graduate one semester earlier than the traditional track, integrating coursework with clinicals at Augusta University Health and other regional partners. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and Georgia licensure.
| |||||
| #5 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of North Georgia’s accelerated BSN is a hybrid program designed for adults with a prior bachelor’s or master’s degree who want to stay in northeast Georgia. Students complete online didactic coursework and on-campus labs, with guaranteed clinical placements at Northeast Georgia Health System. The program focuses on leadership and community health, addressing regional workforce needs.
| |||||
| #6 | Valdosta State University | Valdosta, GA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Valdosta State University’s accelerated BSN is a 15-month, four-semester cohort beginning each May and designed for second-degree seekers in South Georgia. Students take a consistent 15 credits per semester and complete clinicals at local healthcare facilities, graduating in July. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
| |||||
| #7 | Albany State University | Albany, GA | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | ||
Albany State University’s accelerated second-degree BSN spans five consecutive semesters starting each fall, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN through coursework and clinicals at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The program targets career changers and includes women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics content, with a 3.0 GPA and TEAS score required for admission.
| |||||
| #8 | Brenau University | Gainesville, GA | $19,000/yr | ||
Brenau University in Gainesville offers a 16-month, campus-based accelerated BSN for individuals with a prior associate or bachelor’s degree. Small class sizes and modern simulation labs support hands-on learning, and military personnel receive tuition discounts. Clinical rotations take place at North Georgia hospitals, and graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN.
| |||||
| #9 | University of West Georgia | Carrollton, GA | $13,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of West Georgia provides a pre-licensure BSN on its Carrollton and Newnan campuses with six- or seven-semester options, serving the West Georgia region. While not branded as a second-degree accelerated track, the program admits students with a minimum 2.75 GPA and offers CCNE-accredited preparation for the NCLEX-RN.
| |||||
| #10 | Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Clayton State University’s campus-based BSN in Morrow, south of Atlanta, prepares students for RN licensure through a blend of theory and clinical practice. The program is not exclusively designed for second-degree students but serves a commuter-heavy student body with affordable tuition.
| |||||
| #11 | Shorter University | Rome, GA | $17,000/yr (net price) | ||
Shorter University’s BSN program in Rome offers a Christ-centered approach to nursing education, focusing on patient-centered care and leadership. The program includes clinical experiences in North Georgia and requires standard university admission, though it is not tailored as an accelerated second-degree path.
| |||||
| #12 | Reinhardt University | Waleska, GA | $24,000/yr (net price) | ||
Reinhardt University in Waleska offers a campus-based BSN that emphasizes critical thinking and evidence-based interventions, with NCLEX pass rates above state averages. The program is open to traditional students and does not have a dedicated accelerated track, but small class sizes provide personalized instruction.
| |||||
| #13 | Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | $8,000/yr | ||
Gordon State College’s RN-BSN completion program in Barnesville is an online, three-semester accelerated pathway for working registered nurses, not an entry-level second-degree ABSN. It focuses on professional development, community health, and leadership, and is ACEN-accredited with full Georgia Board of Nursing approval.
| |||||
The way nursing schools deliver ABSN coursework is shifting, and a few Georgia programs now use hybrid models that move didactic content online while keeping essential hands-on training on campus.
In accelerated nursing, hybrid doesn't mean remote. It means that theory courses, like pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, are completed online through a learning management system. Labs, simulation sessions, and clinical rotations still happen in person at designated sites in Georgia. No hybrid ABSN eliminates the requirement for face-to-face patient-care hours.
University of North Georgia (UNG) offers the state's only hybrid ABSN. The program pairs online coursework with hands-on lab activities and clinical education at the Northeast Georgia Health System. Students must hold a prior bachelor's or master's degree, and the curriculum covers the same competencies as the on-campus track while cutting commute time for lectures. UNG's in-state tuition for the ABSN is competitively priced, though out-of-state students pay a higher rate.
All other Georgia ABSN programs are delivered in a traditional campus format. This includes the accelerated tracks at Mercer University, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Augusta University, University of West Georgia, Clayton State University, Valdosta State University, Albany State University, Brenau University, Shorter University, and Reinhardt University. Students in these programs attend in-person classes, participate in on-campus simulation labs, and complete clinical rotations at hospitals and clinics across the state. While these programs may use some online tools for assignments or discussion boards, the core nursing curriculum is not offered as a hybrid or online track.
No ABSN program, in Georgia or anywhere in the U.S., is 100% online. Clinical hours must be performed under direct supervision at approved healthcare sites, and simulation training requires access to high-fidelity manikins and equipment. Even programs that advertise online components still mandate extensive in-person attendance. The online nursing programs that exist in Georgia, such as the RN-BSN completion at Gordon State College, are designed for licensed RNs and are not pre-licensure ABSN options.
Because only one Georgia school offers a hybrid ABSN, some prospective students look beyond state borders. Out-of-state ABSN programs may accept Georgia residents and deliver theory courses online, but the critical question is whether they can arrange clinical placements within Georgia. Always confirm directly with the program that they have existing contracts with Georgia hospitals, clinics, or preceptors and that the placement process does not delay your graduation timeline. Without guaranteed clinical sites in-state, a fully campus-based Georgia ABSN may be the more reliable path.
Admission to an ABSN program in Georgia is competitive and requires a thorough understanding of each school's specific prerequisites. While program details vary, all accelerated tracks expect applicants to meet certain academic, testing, and documentation standards before they can begin clinical coursework.
Most Georgia ABSN programs require a previously earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The degree can be in any field, which makes these programs especially attractive to career changers. Applicants who are still completing their first degree should plan to finish all degree requirements before the program's start date, as final transcripts are usually due well ahead of orientation.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to 3.0 is a common minimum, although the more competitive programs often expect scores at the higher end of that range. Science prerequisite GPAs may be evaluated separately and can carry a stricter cutoff.
Some schools also look at grades in specific science courses like Anatomy and Physiology, so earning B's or better in those classes strengthens an application.
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is the most commonly required entrance exam among Georgia ABSN programs, though one program uses the HESI A2. Applicants should verify which exam their target schools accept and what score thresholds apply. At this time, no Georgia ABSN program in this review has moved to a fully test-optional policy.
Students may take these exams more than once, but schools typically consider only the highest score or the most recent attempt. Check individual retake policies when scheduling.
Cohort start dates vary significantly. Many programs admit once or twice per year, so missing a deadline can mean waiting 8 to 12 months for the next entry point. Below are published deadlines for upcoming cycles.
Most programs review applications on a rolling or fixed deadline basis and may schedule interviews within a few weeks after the submission window closes. Prerequisite coursework often must be completed by a deadline that precedes the program start date, sometimes by as much as two months, so applicants should plan their course sequencing carefully.
Beyond grades and test scores, Georgia ABSN programs typically ask for a completed application form, official transcripts from every college attended, a personal statement or essay, and two to three letters of recommendation. Some programs specifically request at least one reference from an academic source and one from a professional supervisor. Documented healthcare experience is not universally required, but volunteer or paid exposure can make an application more compelling.
Once admitted, students must clear a background check, drug screen, and immunization verification. These requirements are tied to clinical placement policies at partner hospitals and cannot be waived. Meeting all of these pieces by the specified deadlines is essential for a smooth transition into the fast-paced ABSN curriculum.
Georgia Southern University requires all science prerequisites be completed within five years, a recency standard common among accelerated BSN programs across the state.
Before applying to an ABSN program in Georgia, students must complete a set of foundational courses. While each school sets its own list, certain prerequisites appear almost universally.
Most Georgia ABSN programs enforce a window for science prerequisites. Georgia Southern mandates completion within five years of the application date.1 Kennesaw State requires that the TEAS exam (which often reflects recent coursework) be taken within five years, indirectly encouraging recent science credit.1 The University of Georgia recommends that prerequisites be no older than seven to ten years, though this may vary by course.2 Applicants should verify each program's recency policy, as expired courses may need to be retaken before admission.
While the core list is consistent, details differ. Herzing University requires a dedicated nutrition course4, while other programs might embed nutrition content elsewhere. Lifespan Development appears as a specific prerequisite at Georgia Southern1 but may be satisfied by a combined human growth and development course at other institutions. Psychology requirements range from general introductory psychology to developmental psychology, depending on the school3. Always confirm exact course titles and credit hours with the target ABSN program, as substitutions are rarely automatic.
Georgia's public universities offer the most affordable ABSN options, particularly for residents. In-state sticker prices range from $3,628 per year at Gordon State College to $8,414 at Augusta University. Out-of-state students can expect rates roughly $10,000 to $16,000 higher, though some programs may offer border-state or online tuition discounts. Net price, the amount students actually paid after grants and scholarships, is even lower. The average net price for in-state undergraduates at these institutions runs from $8,105 (Gordon State) to $15,048 (Kennesaw State). While these figures are institution-wide and not specific to the ABSN program, they signal how much price-reduction aid brings costs down for the typical student.
Private ABSN programs in Georgia carry higher sticker prices but also offer institutional aid that often reduces the final bill. Published tuition ranges from $24,630 at Shorter University up to $42,312 at Mercer University. After grant aid, the average net price at these schools lands between $16,646 and $24,425, still substantially above public school net costs.
Because private schools do not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state tuition, the gap between public out-of-state costs and private net prices sometimes narrows considerably, something to weigh if you are not a Georgia resident.
The net price figures listed here are institution-wide averages for all first-time, full-time undergraduate students, not ABSN-specific numbers. ABSN programs often charge program-specific tuition rates, intensive summer terms, and clinical fees that are not captured in the general undergraduate data. For example, the University of North Georgia lists an ABSN program tuition of $5,444 for in-state students, slightly above the full university's in-state tuition of $5,285. Similarly, Mercer's ABSN charges a per-program tuition around $31,565, which is lower than its annual sticker price but still reflects the compressed, full-time nature of the second-degree track. Always request a program-specific cost sheet directly from the nursing school before comparing options.
ABSN students should budget for expenses that fall outside tuition and standard fees:
These out-of-pocket costs rarely appear in published tuition figures but can total several thousand dollars over the accelerated program.
ABSN students who already hold a bachelor's degree typically do not qualify for Georgia's HOPE Scholarship (which is reserved for first-degree seekers). However, federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, remains available because the ABSN is a second degree. Many students also apply for private nursing scholarships or institutional grants based on need or merit. Some Georgia healthcare systems, such as Phoebe Putney Health System, have partnered with programs like Albany State's ABSN to offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for post-graduation employment commitments. The Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce also administers loan repayment programs for nurses practicing in underserved areas, which can offset debt after licensure.
Median federal student debt among all undergraduate borrowers at these schools ranges from $17,500 (Gordon State) to $27,000 (Brenau). While these are overall institutional medians, not limited to ABSN alumni, they give a rough sense of the borrowing landscape:
Graduates with debt in the $17,500, $27,000 range can expect monthly obligations in a ballpark of $180, $300 under standard 10-year federal repayment plans, depending on interest rates and plan choice. ABSN graduates often start work quickly and may use employer tuition-reimbursement benefits to pay down loans faster.
Across the 13 Georgia ABSN programs in our database, net price varies widely, with public schools generally costing less than private ones. The median net price is $13,787, while the lowest is $8,105 (Gordon State College) and the highest is $24,425 (Reinhardt University). Median graduate debt across these institutions is $23,970.
For prospective ABSN students, choosing a program often means weighing cost and location against reliable quality indicators like NCLEX-RN pass rates. A program's first-time pass rate tells you how well it prepares graduates for the licensing exam, and ultimately, for safe nursing practice in Georgia.
NCLEX-RN pass rates serve as a public accountability measure. Consistent, high first-time pass rates suggest that a program's curriculum, clinical rotations, and student support align well with the exam's standards. Conversely, a pattern of low pass rates may signal gaps in instruction, clinical readiness, or student preparation. Because ABSN students compress a BSN curriculum into 12 to 18 months, they need efficient, effective teaching that leaves no room for weak areas. Checking pass rates helps you gauge whether an accelerated program's intensity translates into licensure success.
The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for all nursing programs typically falls between 85% and 90% in recent years.1 Georgia's BSN programs, which award the degree earned by ABSN graduates, posted a combined first-time pass rate of approximately 91.3% for the 2024 testing cycle.2 That places Georgia BSN graduates slightly above the national norm. While Georgia ABSN-specific figures are not always separated from the overall BSN program data, these aggregated numbers indicate that Georgia's baccalaureate nursing education performs competitively.
Notably, Georgia's overall RN program pass rate, which includes associate degree programs, was 82.16% in 2022.2 The broader statewide rate reflects the performance of all pre-licensure tracks, but the BSN subset routinely exceeds that average, and ABSN students are part of that higher-performing group.
Several Georgia universities with BSN programs, which include ABSN tracks, report exceptional NCLEX results:
These figures come from annual NCLEX program reports published by the Georgia Board of Nursing and are not limited to ABSN cohorts; they represent the performance of all BSN graduates from each institution. Nevertheless, they offer a strong signal about the quality of nursing education at each school.
Pass rates can shift noticeably from year to year, especially when a program's graduating cohort is small. A 100% pass rate for a cohort of eight students is less predictive than the same rate for a cohort of 80 students. When evaluating these numbers, look for multi-year trends rather than a single data point. You can also contact ABSN program coordinators directly and ask for the first-time NCLEX pass rate specific to their accelerated cohorts. Many programs track this separately and will share it with prospective students.
Reliable pass rates are one piece of your decision, but they become most useful when paired with other factors such as clinical placement strength, prerequisite flexibility, and total program cost. Comparing these dimensions helps you select an ABSN program where a high-quality, accelerated education translates into a strong start as a registered nurse in Georgia.
Most Georgia ABSN programs are a full-time commitment. With intensive coursework, labs, and clinical rotations compressed into 12 to 20 months, working more than a few hours per week is rarely feasible. Prospective students should budget for the entire program and treat their studies as a full-time job.
Clinical placements arranged by the school and those the student must secure independently represent two very different ABSN experiences. In Georgia, the landscape tilts heavily toward program-facilitated placements, but the location of those sites can significantly shape your daily routine, commute time, and long-term job prospects.
Atlanta anchors Georgia's nursing workforce with a concentration of nationally recognized health systems. ABSN students here often rotate through Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, Grady Health System, Wellstar Health System, and Northside Hospital, gaining exposure to trauma care, community health, specialty units, and magnet-designated facilities. This density not only enriches clinical learning but also creates seamless pipelines for post-graduation employment. Herzing University’s Atlanta ABSN program, for example, describes its clinical experiences as delivered through community healthcare partners across the metro region, while Mercer University’s Accelerated BSN places students in what it calls highly respected healthcare facilities throughout the city.
Outside Atlanta, two markets stand out for their established clinical infrastructure. In Augusta, students may train at Augusta University Medical Center, an academic health center, and University Hospital, a community-based system. In Savannah, Georgia Southern University's ABSN students complete rotations at leading hospitals, clinics, and other sites, with Memorial Health University Medical Center serving as a notable graduate employer.1 St. Joseph's/Candler Health System adds additional capacity in the coastal region. These partnerships often mean students build relationships with potential employers long before graduation day.
Not every clinical day happens in a major medical center. Some Georgia programs intentionally rotate students through critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, public health departments, and community-based facilities outside of metro cores. These experiences can broaden competence in primary care and population health, but they also introduce logistical demands. A clinical site 30 to 60 minutes from campus is common, and in rural placements the drive can stretch further. Students should budget for fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the time required to arrive before shift change.
Most Georgia ABSN programs arrange clinical placements on behalf of students. The University of North Georgia’s Accelerated BSN Track, for instance, holds a guaranteed clinical partnership with Northeast Georgia Health System as of 2026, removing uncertainty for its cohorts. Other programs, while less explicit about exclusive agreements, still coordinate site assignments and manage compliance documentation. A small number of programs may ask students to identify or secure their own preceptors, particularly in specialized rotations. Clarifying this detail during the admissions process is essential because securing your own placement in a saturated market can delay progression and add stress. Because Georgia's large health systems maintain consistent hiring needs, program-facilitated placements often convert into job interviews, making the clinical site not just a training ground but a launchpad into the state's nursing workforce.
For career changers in Georgia, the choice between an accelerated BSN and a direct-entry MSN shapes not just the credential earned but the entire timeline to advanced practice nursing. Both pathways welcome students who hold a bachelor's degree in another field1 and both lead to RN licensure through the NCLEX-RN, yet the resulting degree, duration, cost, and long-term nursing career paths differ in meaningful ways.
Accelerated BSN graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and begin practice as a BSN-prepared registered nurse.1 A direct-entry MSN, sometimes called a Clinical Nurse Leader or generalist MSN pathway, awards a Master of Science in Nursing.1 While the initial job titles are similar, the master's degree positions graduates for leadership, education, or advanced clinical roles earlier, and it can shorten the subsequent route to becoming a nurse practitioner.
Accelerated BSN programs in Georgia typically run 12 to 18 months of full-time study2, making them the faster route to an RN license. Direct-entry MSN programs in Georgia generally take 20 to 36 months1, so they demand a longer commitment before entering practice. Because of that extended duration and the graduate-level credit load, direct-entry MSN programs also tend to carry a higher total tuition bill, though precise costs vary by institution and residency status.
An ABSN graduate follows a stepwise progression: serve as a BSN-prepared RN, gain clinical experience, and then apply to an MSN or DNP program for advanced practice. A direct-entry MSN graduate already holds a master's degree, which can condense the path to a post-master's NP certificate or a DNP. Some learners find that the direct-entry route cuts months or even a year off the total journey to an advanced practice role, though it does not replace the need for bedside nursing experience before pursuing certain specialties.
Emory University operates a well-known direct-entry MSN option, the MN to MSN Pathway3, designed specifically for students entering nursing from a different undergraduate discipline. Several other Georgia institutions offer accelerated BSN programs, both on campus and in hybrid formats, giving career changers multiple entry points into the profession. When choosing between the two models, prospective students should weigh how quickly they want to reach an RN license versus how directly they want to aim for graduate-level roles down the line.
If you are considering an accelerated nursing program in Georgia, these answers cover the most common questions from career changers.
