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.
Our ranking of RN to BSN programs in Georgia prioritizes affordability, how many students stay enrolled, and flexibility for working nurses. Each school below offers a distinct mix of online, hybrid, or on-campus formats, with several accelerated options that can be completed in two to three semesters.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | $3,000 – $11,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious RNs wanting hybrid flexibility | |
A public college in Dalton, Dalton State offers a hybrid RN to BSN that combines online nursing courses with required in-person clinical rotations. The program is designed for working RNs and can be completed in as few as two to three semesters. Students are admitted in fall and spring, and the curriculum emphasizes affordability, faculty attention, and preparation for master's-level nursing study.
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| #2 | South Georgia State College | Douglas, GA | $9,000/yr (est. net price) | Rural South Georgia RNs favoring fully online | |
South Georgia State College is a public institution serving rural South Georgia, with a fully online RN to BSN completion program. The program awards 30 credit hours for prior ASN coursework and can be completed in 24 months. Clinical experiences are completed at the student's own workplace, and no entrance exam is required. No entrance exam
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| #3 | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | $7,000/yr (est. net price) | Asynchronous online learners in community health | |
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public college offering a 100% asynchronous online RN to BSN completion track. The program can be completed in as few as three semesters and emphasizes leadership, community health, rural healthcare, and nursing research. Beginning in Fall 2026, students participate in the University System of Georgia's RN-BSN Collaborative.
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| #4 | Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Gordon State College is a public institution with an accelerated hybrid RN-BSN completion program for working RNs. The program combines online synchronous and asynchronous instruction with hands-on clinical experiences and spans three semesters starting in summer. It holds Georgia Board of Nursing approval and ACEN accreditation.
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| #5 | Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Clayton State University is a public university in metro Atlanta offering an RN completion track on campus. The program draws many RNs from Atlanta-area health systems and follows Georgia RN-BSN articulation guidelines to award credit for prior nursing coursework and licensure. It is accredited by CCNE. | |||||
| #6 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA | $12,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Middle Georgia State University is a public university offering a fully online RN-BSN completion program serving central and rural Georgia. The curriculum covers evidence-based practice, community health, and leadership, with students completing experiences in their local workplaces. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and current Georgia RN license.
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| #7 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | $9,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | ||
Georgia State University is a large public research university in Atlanta with an online RN to BSN designed for RNs across Georgia. The 30-credit curriculum covers health assessment, pathophysiology, policy, research, community health, and leadership. The three-semester cohort model starts in fall and includes clinical rotations at partner organizations. CCNE accredited
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| #8 | Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Columbus State University is a public university offering multiple fully online RN to BSN tracks in 8-week sessions. The program features a 12-month completion option, asynchronous classes, and community clinical placements in the student's own geographic area. It is among the most affordable options in Georgia, with no-cost digital textbooks available. CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.) | ||
Georgia Southern University is a public university with an asynchronous online RN to BSN program. Students can finish in as few as two semesters or take up to five years, and may transfer up to 29 nursing credits. The program is accredited by CCNE and includes no campus visits. CCNE accredited
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| #10 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Kennesaw State University is a public university offering a hybrid RN to BSN program that blends online and on-ground courses. The program admits one cohort per year and uses the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Model to grant credit for prior nursing coursework. It is accredited by CCNE and emphasizes community and family nursing. CCNE accredited
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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.
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.
The schools below sit outside the ranked top ten but still offer RN to BSN pathways that working Georgia nurses use to finish a bachelor's degree. Each entry lists the city, the delivery format, and the average net price reported for the institution, so you can weigh them against the ranked programs above. This is a directory, not a second ranking.
