Working as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) registered nurse in Georgia provides solid clinical ground, but earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) unlocks higher pay, leadership roles, and specialized clinical options. Georgia features more than 15 accredited higher education institutions delivering online RN to BSN options. Review state wage data on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics RN Data registry to evaluate nursing compensation across regions.
Georgia RN to BSN Decision Matrix
School Name | Est. Total | Credit | Program | NCLEX |
Columbus State University | $6,432 | 32 | 12 Months | 96% |
Georgia College & State University | $8,864 | 32 | 12–15 Months | 92% |
Georgia Southwestern State University | $6,633 | 33 | 12–24 Months | 90% |
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | $4,020 | 30 | 12 Months | 98% |
Clayton State University | $8,442 | 42 | 12 Months | 95% |
Mercer University | $11,968 | 32 | 12–20 Months | 80% |
Georgia Highlands College | $3,300 | 30 | 12 Months | 88% |
Georgia State University | $8,940 | 30 | 12 Months | 92% |
South Georgia State College | $3,300 | 30 | 12 Months | 91% |
College of Coastal Georgia | $3,300 | 30 | 12–24 Months | 92% |
Georgia's Top Accredited RN to BSN Programs
The Peach State offers a vibrant healthcare landscape, from bustling cities like Atlanta to its more rural areas. Georgia's RN to BSN programs are crafted to equip nurses with advanced clinical skills, leadership expertise, and patient care strategies, preparing them to excel in diverse healthcare settings. These programs help nurses elevate their careers, offering opportunities for growth both within Georgia and nationwide.
1. Columbus State University
Columbus State University's RN to BSN program is consistently ranked among the best in the state, offering exceptional flexibility for working nurses. With 100% online, asynchronous courses, students can complete coursework at their own pace. The clinical component is tailored to your location, and students also have free access to dedicated advisors and open educational resources. This program features eight-week courses and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Credit Hours: The RN to BSN portion of the program requires 60 credit hours. 32 credit hours are awarded for associate degree coursework in addition to any prerequisite credit hours transferred in. A total of 120 undergraduate credit hours needed to obtain a Bachelor's degree.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
Graduate Employment Rate: 100% within 6 months
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
A minimum GPA of 2.5
Completion of all prerequisite courses
A grade of "C" or better in all science prerequisite courses.
Graduation from a regionally accredited Associate degree Program
Active and unencumbered nursing license.
Application Deadlines: With open enrollment, prospective students can apply online anytime.
2. Georgia College & State University
Georgia College & State University's Nursing program is dedicated to helping professional nurses function effectively in interdisciplinary teams. The goal of students in programs like the RN to BSN is to help them better improve the health of Georgia's multicultural communities.
Credit Hours: 42
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%
For information on admission requirements, application deadlines, and financial aid, contact the admissions department at GC&SU.
3. Georgia Southwestern State University
Georgia Southwestern State University's RN to BSN program is regarded as one of the best in Georgia when it comes to value. Quality education is provided at an excellent rate of tuition. GSW has a long tradition when it comes to providing the highest quality of education to its students. This flexible program is 100% online and designed to be finished in 1-2 years.
Credit Hours: The RN to BSN program consists of 7 courses, including 2 clinical courses, totaling 33 core nursing credits. To graduate with a bachelor's degree, students must complete 60 hours of general education and 60 hours of junior and senior nursing courses, which includes credits transferred from associate-level coursework.
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
Active RN License
Two References
Resume
Good standing with all previous educational institutions
Application Deadlines:
Fall Deadline: July 15th
Spring Deadline: November 15th
Summer Deadline: April 15th
4. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
The RN to BSN program at ABAC is designed to expand career opportunities for working nurses. It provides the education needed to specialize in roles such as nurse practitioner, midwife, anesthetist, administrator, or educator. Tailored to meet individual goals, the program also lays a strong foundation for future graduate studies.
Credit Hours: 30 core nursing credits, totaling 120 credit hours required for a bachelor's degree, including transferable credits.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Nearly 100%
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
Completion of all prerequisite courses
Current, valid, unrestricted RN license
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5
Application Deadlines:
Fall Admission Deadline: July 1st
Spring Admission Deadline: October 1st
Summer Admission Deadline: March 1st
Financial Aid: Options for financial aid at ABAC includes Direct Loans, Federal Work Study, Grants, HOPE Scholarships, Private Loans, and the CARES Act for eligible students. These resources provide financial support to help manage the cost of tuition and other educational expenses.
5. Clayton State University
Focusing on human caring as the foundation of nursing education, the Clayton State University Online RN to BSN program equips students with essential skills. Students develop critical thinking, communication, client care, and technological skills, empowering them to serve diverse communities. Fully online and asynchronous, the program offers flexibility to meet the demands of a busy life. Thanks to year-round admissions and an accelerated eight-week course format, students can complete their degree in just three semesters.
Credit Hours: 4The RN to BSN portion of the program entails 42 core program credit hours. In addition to transferable credits for a total of 120 credit hours for a BSN.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95%
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
Unrestricted current American Nursing license OR eligibility for licensure
College GPA of 2.00
Completion of 45 semester hours of BSN core curriculum, with a "C" grade or higher in any natural science, behavioral science, math and Area F courses.
Clearance on criminal background check and urine drug screen
Application Deadlines:
Fall Deadline Application is April 15th
Spring Deadline Application is July 15th
Check with the university for any updates on application deadlines.
6. Mercer University
Mercer University's Georgia Baptist College of Nursing RN to BSN program that prepares nurses to apply their knowledge in diverse clinical and ethical settings. This program is designed to create well-rounded nursing professionals capable of addressing a wide range of healthcare scenarios. Offering both full- and part-time study options, the program is delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format, with just one orientation day at the start. Students can complete the program in 3 to 5 semesters, depending on their preferred pace.
Credit Hours: A minimum of 32 semester hours of this program must be completed at Mercer.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%.
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
An associate degree OR diploma in nursing
An unencumbered Georgia RN license
Completion of NCLEX-RN at some point during the program.
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Two letters of recommendation
7. Georgia Highlands College
Georgia Highlands College's RN to BSN program is designed to help students take on more advanced roles in their nursing career. This could involve focusing on positions with greater leadership, advancement into specialized roles, or even tackling graduate nursing programs. This online program can be finished at your own pace in as few as three consecutive semesters.
Credit Hours: 30
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88%.
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
Graduate of an ADN/ASN Program within the last 4 years; or documentation of 1,000 hours clinical practice in the last 3 years
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Current valid RN license in the U.S.
Completion of prerequisite general education and nursing courses
8. Georgia State University
Georgia State University Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions is highly regarded for its strong network of healthcare partnerships, offering students in the RN to BSN program access to some of the best healthcare knowledge and experience in Georgia. This flexible program can be completed in as few as three semesters, providing an efficient pathway for career advancement.
Credit Hours: 30
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%.
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
A minimum GPA of 2.5
Graduation from an accredited associate degree or nursing program
Current RN license
Letter of Recommendation
Minimum grade of C or higher on each IMPACTs course
Evidence of health insurance and CPR certification
Application Deadlines: May 30th for fall admissions
9. South Georgia State College
South Georgia State College's RN to BSN program is designed to help working nurses advance their careers by transitioning into more specialized roles. Offered entirely online, the program covers essential nursing knowledge needed for success and can be completed in as few as three semesters.
Credit Hours: 30
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91%.
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
Georgia RN license
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
A grade of "C" in any prerequisite coursework
Three or less core classes remaining prior to the beginning of the program
Application Deadlines: Nursing program applications open annually on October 1st. The early decision deadline is April 15th, with the regular deadline on May 15th.
10. College of Coastal Georgia
College of Coastal Georgia's RN to BSN program combines practical experience with a rigorous curriculum to prepare students for success in advancing their nursing careers or pursuing graduate studies. Known for its affordability, this flexible online program can be completed in three to six semesters, including two in-person clinical rotations.
Credit Hours: 30
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%.
RN-BSN Admission Requirements:
An Associate of Science in Nursing OR a Diploma from a nursing program.
Completion of any prerequisite courses
Active Georgia RN license
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 across all prerequisite courses.
Understanding the Georgia RN to BSN Academic Scope
RN to BSN degree programs build directly on Associate Degree coursework, expanding training in leadership, evidence-based care delivery, community health assessment, and healthcare informatics. Rather than re-testing basic bedside mechanics, upper-division BSN courses focus on critical management skills necessary for Magnet hospital recognition and specialized nursing tracks.
Degree coursework generally covers target operational subjects:
Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostics
Nursing Informatics and Data Management
Population Health and Community Interventions
Healthcare Policy, Law, and Nursing Ethics
Leadership Principles in Clinical Practice
Evidence-Based Research Application
2026-2027 Georgia Nurse Salary and ROI Breakdown
Earning a BSN in Georgia delivers measurable pay enhancements. Data from regional healthcare health systems and the Georgia Board of Nursing indicates clear financial incentives for degree completion.
Degree Level | Average Annual Wage | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) | $65,200 | $31.35 |
Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) | $81,500 | $39.18 |
BSN Wage Differential | +$16,300 | +$7.83 |
High-paying Georgia metropolitan areas for BSN-prepared nurses include:
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta: $87,200 annual average
Augusta-Richmond County: $81,000 annual average
Athens-Clarke County: $89,300 annual average
Admission Standards and Accreditation Protocols
Applying to an online Georgia RN to BSN option requires submitting prerequisite proof alongside active state licensure credentials. Essential admission criteria typically encompass:
An unencumbered Georgia or eNLC multistate Registered Nurse license
Graduation from an accredited ADN or ASN program
Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Completion of general science prerequisites (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology) with a C grade or better
Clear background check and drug screen verification
Always verify institutional accreditation through either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Proper accreditation guarantees credit transferability, access to federal student financial aid, and compliance with national employer hiring mandates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an online RN to BSN program take in Georgia?
Most accredited online RN to BSN programs in Georgia require 30 to 42 nursing credits and take between 12 to 24 months to complete, depending on whether a student registers full-time or part-time.
Do online Georgia RN to BSN programs require physical clinical hours?
Online RN to BSN programs do not require traditional hospital clinical shifts. Instead, practical requirements are satisfied through community health capstone projects and leadership practicums completed in local health settings near the student's residence.
What is the salary increase for earning a BSN in Georgia?
BSN-prepared nurses in Georgia earn an average annual salary of $81,500, representing an approximate $16,300 yearly increase over average ADN wages statewide.
Can nurses from other compact states enroll in Georgia online RN to BSN options?
Yes, nurses holding an active eNLC multistate license from participating compact states can enroll in accredited online Georgia RN to BSN options, provided they meet individual university admission rules.