Compare costs, completion times, and outcomes for every Georgia RN-to-BSN program side by side.
Which RN to BSN program in Georgia will actually move your nursing career forward without piling on debt? Hospitals with Magnet status or those working toward it increasingly expect a BSN, and Georgia's nursing workforce is growing faster than the national average, and the state projects a 15% increase in RN positions by 2032.
Fifteen accredited programs across the state, from Dalton State College's affordable hybrid model to Mercer University's flexible online track, let you choose a format that fits your work schedule and budget.
But net price can swing from under $5,000 to over $33,000, and completion times span 10 months to 2 years, so the right choice hinges on more than just the school name.
These top RN to BSN programs in Georgia combine affordable tuition, flexible schedules, and strong clinical partnerships to serve working nurses across the state. Rankings weigh net price, graduation rates, and program features, helping you find a path that fits your career goals and budget.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | $3,000 – $11,000/yr | Working RNs wanting hybrid flexibility | |
Dalton State College offers a hybrid RN to BSN program that pairs online nursing courses with hands-on clinical rotations, designed for working professionals seeking to advance into leadership or graduate study. As part of the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Plan, the program grants credit for previous nursing coursework and provides a streamlined path from LPN or paramedic bridge through the BSN. The Northwest Georgia location and recent grant for rural pathway expansion make this option especially accessible to nurses in the Appalachian region.
| |||||
| #2 | South Georgia State College | Douglas, GA | $9,000/yr (net price) | Rural nurses needing online completion | |
South Georgia State College's fully online RN to BSN program serves nurses across rural South Georgia, allowing them to complete clinicals in their own workplace. The 24-month curriculum requires no entrance or HESI exam, and 30 credit hours are awarded for prior ASN coursework. This no-hassle, place-bound model is ideal for RNs who need an affordable, accessible pathway without leaving their community.
| |||||
| #3 | Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | $8,000/yr | Accelerated-seeking RNs in Middle Georgia | |
Gordon State College's accelerated RN-BSN Completion Program operates on a three-semester schedule starting in summer, with hybrid online and clinical delivery. The curriculum emphasizes community health and leadership in rural Middle Georgia, and 15 upper-division credits are delivered through USG eCampus, extending access statewide. ACEN accreditation and Georgia Board of Nursing approval underscore program quality.
| |||||
| #4 | Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Clayton State University offers a campus-based RN Completion Track in metro Atlanta, following the Georgia RN-BSN articulation framework. Strong clinical partnerships with area health systems facilitate capstone placements for local nurses, preparing them for leadership and expanded practice roles.
| |||||
| #5 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Middle Georgia State University's fully online RN-BSN completion program targets nurses in central and rural Georgia, with local clinical experiences arranged at students' workplaces. The ACEN-accredited curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, community health, and leadership, and admits students with a minimum 2.5 GPA and current Georgia RN license.
| |||||
| #6 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | $9,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Georgia State University's online RN to BSN is a 30-credit, three-semester cohort designed for associate degree or diploma-prepared RNs. Clinical rotations at partner Atlanta health systems and a fall-only start foster a strong professional network, while scholarships and part-time options add flexibility.
| |||||
| #7 | Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Columbus State University provides a fully online, asynchronous RN to BSN that combines low tuition ($199 per credit), no-cost digital textbooks, and a 100% job placement rate. Five start dates per year and 8-week session scheduling, plus embedded success coaches, make it one of the most flexible and affordable options in Georgia.
| |||||
| #8 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Georgia Southern University's online RN to BSN can be completed in as few as two semesters, with asynchronous classes and no campus visits required. Transfer up to 29 nursing credits and enjoy a program marketed as half the cost of other online universities, with access to Sigma Theta Tau and other nursing communities.
| |||||
| #9 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $15,000/yr | ||
Kennesaw State University's hybrid RN-BSN program uses the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Model to award credit for prior nursing coursework, allowing nurses to enter senior-level courses after a bridge course. Once-per-year admission builds a cohesive cohort focused on community and family nursing, with both online and on-ground options available for metro Atlanta and North Georgia residents.
| |||||
| #10 | Thomas University | Thomasville, GA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Thomas University, a private institution, offers a fully online RN-BSN with 8-week sessions and articulation credit for active RN licensure. Clinical partnerships across South Georgia and Florida, plus faculty with current nursing expertise, make it a strong fit for rural nurses seeking a quick, 12-month completion with personal attention.
| |||||
The table below ranks the most affordable RN to BSN programs in Georgia by in-state tuition and fees. All schools listed are public institutions, and the cost figures are drawn from the latest IPEDS and College Scorecard data. Net price reflects what the typical in-state student pays after grants and scholarships, giving a more realistic picture of program affordability.
| School | In-State Tuition | Net Price | Graduation Rate | Retention Rate | Median Debt | 10-Year Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalton State College | $3,336 | $5,012 | 25.3% | 71% | $12,937 | $40,251 |
| Gordon State College | $3,628 | $8,105 | 20.4% | 51% | $17,500 | $37,871 |
| Clayton State University | $5,180 | $8,365 | 39.9% | 71% | $25,706 | $49,179 |
| South Georgia State College | $3,314 | $8,767 | 16.2% | 39% | $11,500 | $35,697 |
| East Georgia State College | $2,900 | $9,626 | 16.7% | 61% | $11,750 | $37,174 |
| Middle Georgia State University | $5,038 | $12,361 | 25.3% | 65% | $19,000 | $40,863 |
| Columbus State University | $5,898 | $13,115 | 41.8% | 70% | $26,000 | $44,544 |
| Kennesaw State University | $5,808 | $15,048 | 52.2% | 77% | $23,833 | $57,552 |
| Georgia Southern University | $6,022 | $15,267 | 54.9% | 78% | $23,250 | $53,236 |
| Georgia State University | $8,664 | $15,931 | 53.1% | 80% | $20,903 | $47,384 |
The net price for full-time beginning students after grant aid ranges from $5,012 at Dalton State College to $12,361 at Middle Georgia State University. Keep in mind that these are institution-wide averages; your individual costs may differ based on transfer credits, enrollment status, and financial aid eligibility. Median graduate debt for these programs spans approximately $11,500-$25,700, and estimated monthly payments on a standard 10-year plan will vary with interest rates.
A Georgia RN can earn a BSN in as little as 12 months, but the true timeline hinges on transfer credits and course pacing. Most programs require around 30 credit hours beyond the associate degree, and full-time students typically finish in 12 to 18 months. The exact window depends on how many nursing credits transfer, whether general education gaps remain, and how many courses you take each term.
A handful of programs advertise especially quick completions. Georgia Southern University's online RN to BSN packs 28 credits into just two semesters; full-time students can graduate in about eight months if they maximize the load. Columbus State University and Thomas University both list 12-month paths; Columbus State's asynchronous, eight-week sessions let you move briskly while still working.3 Georgia State University's three-semester plan also fits a 12- to 14-month full-time window, with fall admission and a clear 30-credit structure.2 Mercer University requires 32 credits, which full-time students often finish in 12 to 18 months.
Not everyone can commit to full-time study. Dalton State College offers a two- to three-semester hybrid track, making it practical to stretch to 18 months or longer. South Georgia State College promotes a 24-month fully online path, while Gordon State College's three-semester program can be taken synchronously or asynchronously, allowing working RNs to slow the pace. Even accelerated schools like Georgia Southern and Columbus State permit part-time enrollment, though extending the timeline.
Three factors often determine how quickly you move from RN to BSN: - Transfer credit limits: Programs accept varying numbers of associate degree nursing credits. Georgia Southern allows up to 29 nursing credits, covering most of your ADN coursework. Fewer accepted credits mean more BSN courses to complete. - Prerequisite clearance: Some programs require statistics, microbiology, or other courses before you start nursing core classes. If those are not already on your transcript, you may spend an extra semester or two. - Clinical scheduling: Even online RN to BSN programs often include a community health or leadership practicum. Finding a preceptor and site in your area can add weeks if not arranged early. - Enrollment pace caps: Some schools, like Kennesaw State University, admit only once a year, so missing a deadline can delay your start by a full calendar year.
Ultimately, the "fastest" program is the one that matches your transfer credits and life schedule. A 12-month plan works only if you bring a complete portfolio of prerequisites and can handle a full course load while working. For most nurses, a 16- to 24-month part-time route is more realistic, and many Georgia schools build that flexibility into their scheduling. Comparing stated completion windows alongside your own transcript and work demands will give you the most accurate personal timeline.
Most Georgia RN-to-BSN programs accept up to 90 transfer credits from your ADN, which can shrink the remaining coursework to about 30 credits, roughly one year. Before enrolling, get a formal transfer credit evaluation: it is the single most important step for estimating your timeline and cost.
Georgia’s RN to BSN landscape is overwhelmingly online, but programs vary in how they deliver that online experience. Some are entirely self-paced, while others incorporate optional live sessions or brief in-person components.
For nurses who prefer a completely online and self-paced curriculum, Columbus State University’s RN to BSN program delivers all coursework asynchronously with no on-campus requirements. Clinical rotations are arranged in your local community, so you never need to travel to campus.
Georgia Southern University’s RN to BSN is also fully online and primarily asynchronous, but it offers optional live sessions for orientations, expert talks, and presentations, ideal for those who enjoy occasional real-time interaction.
Mercer University’s RN to BSN combines online asynchronous classes with a single in-person orientation day at the start of the program. After that, there are no synchronous requirements, but the opening day adds a face-to-face networking opportunity that some students value.
Whether you favor the pure flexibility of Columbus State, the optional engagement of Georgia Southern, or the hybrid kickoff at Mercer, all three paths avoid regular campus visits and let working nurses earn their BSN without pausing their careers.
RN to BSN programs in Georgia typically require a set of practicum or clinical credit hours to bridge classroom learning with hands-on application. At Clayton State University, the RN-BSN completion track includes 9 credits of practicum work1 spread across courses that emphasize community health, leadership, and management. This structure allows working RNs to complete their required hours while continuing to practice. For working RNs, the ability to complete practicum hours at a familiar facility can save time and reduce logistical stress, but it may also limit the breadth of the learning experience.
The practicum experience is not a repeat of basic clinical skills. Instead, it pushes nurses toward population-level care and professional leadership. Common components include:
Because RN to BSN students are already licensed and employed, programs design practicums to fit a working schedule. A common question is whether a student’s own workplace can serve as a clinical site. Policies vary: some schools permit it if the experience differs from the nurse’s usual duties: for example, a staff nurse might shadow a nurse manager or take on a quality improvement project on a different unit. Others require a distinct site to broaden exposure. Clayton State University tailors its program explicitly for working RNs2, though specific workplace-as-site accommodations should be confirmed directly with the program coordinator.
Clinical hour requirements in Georgia RN to BSN programs are typically measured in credit hours rather than contact hours. For instance, 9 credits might translate to roughly 135 hours of practicum engagement over one or two semesters, but this can vary. Students should expect a mix of direct preceptor time, independent project work, and reflective assignments. The practicum is not a shadowing exercise; it demands active participation and measurable outcomes, often aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials. Always verify how many practicum credits are required and how they translate into actual hours, as this can affect your semester workload.
Before enrolling, verify the program’s policy on clinical placement assistance. Some Georgia programs provide a dedicated placement coordinator who helps arrange sites and preceptors, while others assign students more responsibility for finding their own. Planning ahead can make the difference between a smooth final year and unexpected delays.
A minimum GPA of 2.5 for Georgia State University's RN to BSN program or 3.0 at Georgia Southern sets the bar for RN-to-BSN entry in Georgia, though the latter also considers applicants with a 2.7 when space allows. These numbers are typical across the state, but specific thresholds and supplemental materials vary by program.
Every Georgia RN-to-BSN program expects an active, unencumbered RN license or eligibility for licensure by the time classes start. You will also need an associate degree or nursing diploma from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts confirming your prior nursing education are mandatory. Georgia State University adds a resume and a recommendation to its application, while Georgia Southern University simply requires proof of RN licensure or eligibility along with the standard degree verification. The common thread is straightforward: a valid license, a completed ADN or diploma, and a GPA that meets the program's floor.
Transfer credit maximums shape both cost and timeline. Most Georgia programs accept between 60 and 90 credits from prior coursework, applying them toward general education and nursing prerequisites. According to its RN-BSN program catalog, Georgia Southern awards a block of transfer credit for your nursing core, reducing the number of BSN-specific courses you must complete. Georgia State follows a validation credit model: after finishing 9 credits in the program with grades of C or better, you can receive credit for prior nursing courses. Before enrolling, always request a transfer credit evaluation to see exactly how many of your existing credits map into the degree plan.
An ADN alone may not cover every BSN requirement. Some schools list additional prerequisites such as statistics, microbiology, or anatomy and physiology with lab. A refresher course in anatomy or pharmacology might be needed if your previous grades fell below a C or if the course was taken more than five years ago. Georgia State and Georgia Southern both demand a C or better in any prerequisite course used for admission. Check each program's course list early so you can complete any missing prerequisites before the application cycle.
Application mechanics differ. Georgia State and Georgia Southern each use a separate nursing program application on top of the university's general admission form. Deadlines often align with the academic calendar: fall, spring, and summer start dates are common. While many programs offer rolling admissions and review files as they arrive, others lock into fixed cohort start dates that require applying months in advance. Because seats can fill quickly, submit everything well before the posted deadline, especially if the program accepts students on a first-come, first-served basis.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing is no longer just a competitive edge, for many Georgia hospitals, it has become a baseline expectation for hiring and advancement. While program-specific earnings for RN-to-BSN completers are not yet available, statewide and metro-level salary data make the return on investment clear.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses in Georgia reached $85,000 in 2024, with the top earners commanding even more. That translates to a median hourly rate of $41.00. Location matters significantly: the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area, the state’s largest healthcare hub, boasts a median of $95,800 per year, roughly $10,000 above the statewide median. Salaries in Savannah and Augusta typically fall closer to the state average, while rural communities often offer lower base pay but remain hungry for BSN-prepared nurses. With the statewide mean annual wage at $85,180, earning a BSN positions you near the upper half of the pay scale, especially if you’re willing to work in a higher-cost metro.
Nationally, ADN- and diploma-prepared RNs earn less than their BSN counterparts, often $8,000 to $10,000 less per year, and Georgia employers increasingly mirror that gap. While Georgia-specific differential data is limited, many health systems explicitly tie pay increases or clinical ladder promotions to degree level. More tangibly, Magnet recognition, a gold standard for nursing excellence, effectively mandates a predominantly BSN-educated workforce. Major Georgia Magnet hospitals include Emory University Hospital, Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, and WellStar Kennestone Hospital. These and other Magnet-seeking facilities prioritize hiring BSN nurses or require ADN nurses to enroll in a BSN program within a set timeframe. For nurses looking to enter specialty units, leadership roles, or graduate programs, the BSN is often non-negotiable.
One of the most practical ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses is through employer tuition assistance. Three of the largest health systems in the state, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, and WellStar Health System, offer tuition reimbursement programs that can cover a substantial portion of RN-to-BSN tuition. Eligibility typically requires a minimum employment period and a commitment to stay with the system for a year or two after completion. Combined with the relatively low tuition of public Georgia RN-to-BSN programs, this benefit can bring your net cost close to zero. As the demand for BSN-prepared nurses continues to rise, taking advantage of these employer-funded pathways turns a career advancement step into a financially savvy move.
While first-year earnings data for specific RN to BSN programs in Georgia is not yet available from the Department of Education, the state's overall RN wages offer a helpful benchmark. Registered nurses across Georgia earned a median annual wage of $79,440 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Completing a BSN often positions nurses for higher earning potential over time.
Registered nurse employment in Georgia is projected to grow by 15% over the decade from 2022 to 2032, generating roughly 5,990 annual job openings. That pace is significantly faster than the average for all occupations, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Prospective students often have similar concerns when evaluating RN to BSN pathways. The answers below summarize what you need to know about top programs, timelines, costs, and logistics.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, these additional Georgia schools offer online RN to BSN pathways worth exploring. Each program is accredited and tailored for working nurses, with varying costs and prerequisites.
