2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Georgia
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Georgia? We have ranked 141 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 45 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Georgia
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Coastal Pines Technical College, our #1 best-value Nursing school in Georgia. This public school is set in Waycross, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,268 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Coastal Pines Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $5,812 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,214. Set against $5,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Coastal Pines Technical College
You'll get strong value at Athens Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,951 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Athens Technical College profile
Southern Regional Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Georgia. Southern Regional Technical College is a public school based in Thomasville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,007, with out-of-state students paying around $5,575. Students borrow a median of $9,086 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,293. Set against $9,086 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southern Regional Technical College
A rank of #4 makes Oconee Fall Line Technical College one of the best values in Georgia. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public school based in Sandersville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,380, compared with $5,948 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,718 in student loans. Oconee Fall Line Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,899 a decade after entry. Set against $12,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College profile
A rank of #5 makes Wiregrass Georgia Technical College one of the best values in Georgia. Set in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,864. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,864. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. Get the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College report
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public school based in Warner Robins, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,448, while out-of-state students pay about $6,016. Graduates carry a median of $11,693 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,848 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,693 median debt. Get the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins report
Chattahoochee Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $6,108. Chattahoochee Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $9,616 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,138. Set against $9,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Chattahoochee Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. The median Nursing program debt is $8,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tifton, GA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,268, compared with $10,588 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,368 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,996. That is a strong return on a $22,368 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Savannah Technical College is a public school based in Savannah, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Savannah Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,018 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Savannah Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Southern Crescent Technical College is a public school based in Griffin, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,619. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Gwinnett Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. Gwinnett Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $18,048 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Set against $18,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Gwinnett Technical College
Southeastern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Southeastern Technical College is a public school based in Vidalia, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,400, compared with $5,968 for out-of-state students. Southeastern Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $10,290 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,329. That is a strong return on a $10,290 median debt. Read more about Southeastern Technical College
Georgia Highlands College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Highlands College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, compared with $10,080 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,134 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,184. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Georgia Highlands College report
South Georgia State College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. South Georgia State College is a public school based in Douglas, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,314 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,274 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $17,518. Median earnings reach $35,697 ten years out. Set against $17,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Georgia State College
West Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,410, compared with $5,978 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. See the full West Georgia Technical College profile
Lanier Technical College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,980 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,190 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,278 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,623 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lanier Technical College
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. Get the full Augusta Technical College report
North Georgia Technical College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $12,279. Median earnings reach $32,932 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,279 median debt. See the full North Georgia Technical College profile
Ogeechee Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in Georgia this year. Located in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $11,894. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ogeechee Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,716. Median earnings reach $34,619 ten years out. Set against $15,716 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College report
Middle Georgia State University landed the #22 spot for value in Georgia this year. This public school is set in Macon, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,038 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,390 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,976 in student loans. Middle Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $40,863 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,976 median debt. Middle Georgia State University admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Middle Georgia State University profile
South Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. South Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Americus, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,202. Graduates carry a median of $10,423 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,364 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,423 median debt. More on South Georgia Technical College
Gordon State College landed the #24 spot for value in Georgia this year. Based in Barnesville, GA, Gordon State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,628, while out-of-state students pay about $10,948. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,545. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Gordon State College
Dalton State College placed #25 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. Dalton State College is a public school based in Dalton, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,336, while out-of-state students pay about $10,656. Graduates carry a median of $14,955 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,251. That is a strong return on a $14,955 median debt. Read more about Dalton State College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Georgia
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Atlanta Technical College landed the #26 spot for value in Georgia this year. Based in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,655 in student loans. Atlanta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,350 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,655 median debt. Read more about Atlanta Technical College
Columbus Technical College landed the #27 spot for value in Georgia this year. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,052, compared with $7,262 for out-of-state students. Columbus Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $15,845 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,238 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,845 median debt. More on Columbus Technical College
Albany Technical College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Albany, GA, Albany Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,364, while out-of-state students pay about $5,932. Graduates carry a median of $16,321 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,541 ten years out. Set against $16,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Albany Technical College
University Of North Georgia placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. Set in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,439. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,135 ten years after entry. Set against $21,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about University Of North Georgia
College Of Coastal Georgia came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brunswick, GA, College Of Coastal Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,616, while out-of-state students pay about $10,936. Graduates carry a median of $19,240 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of Coastal Georgia has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full College Of Coastal Georgia profile
Albany State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Albany, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,656 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,008. The median Nursing program debt is $28,158. Albany State University alumni report median earnings of $40,674 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Albany State University profile
Georgia Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Georgia Southern University is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southwestern State University placed #33 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. This public school is set in Americus, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,572. The median Nursing program debt is $28,245. Median earnings reach $48,757 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Georgia Southwestern State University report
Augusta University placed #34 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,745. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augusta University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Augusta University
University Of West Georgia placed #35 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. University Of West Georgia is a public school based in Carrollton, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. Students borrow a median of $26,789 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. That is a strong return on a $26,789 median debt. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
Clayton State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Morrow, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,180, compared with $16,532 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $35,088. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,179. Set against $35,088 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clayton State University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Clayton State University
Kennesaw State University placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. The median Nursing program debt is $27,004. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
Columbus State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,493 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,493 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Columbus State University
Georgia College And State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,186 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,512. Georgia College And State University Nursing students take on a median of $24,412 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia College And State University admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Georgia College And State University profile
Valdosta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $28,661. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,361. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Valdosta State University
Georgia State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Georgia State University Nursing students take on a median of $26,091 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,384 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Georgia State University report
Thomas University placed #42 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. Based in Thomasville, GA, Thomas University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,640. Students borrow a median of $28,454 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,716. Set against $28,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full Thomas University report
Mercer University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Mercer University is a private not-for-profit school based in Macon, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,565. The median Nursing program debt is $32,463. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Mercer University
Brenau University landed the #44 spot for value in Georgia this year. Located in Gainesville, GA, Brenau University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,757. Students borrow a median of $36,299 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,003. That is a strong return on a $36,299 median debt. Brenau University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Brenau University
Emory University placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in Georgia. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. Emory University alumni report median earnings of $80,137 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,431 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. More on Emory University
Pontifex University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Pontifex University
Elaine Sterling Institute ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read more about Elaine Sterling Institute
Brewton Parker College landed the #48 spot for value in Georgia this year. More on Brewton Parker College
Beaver Beauty Academy offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. More on Beaver Beauty Academy
South University Savannah offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. See the full South University Savannah profile
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 45 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 141 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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