Georgia is one of the strongest nursing markets in the Southeast. Atlanta offers major academic medical centers and high-acuity hospital systems, while rural and regional areas need nurses who can handle broad, community-focused care.
That variety is good news if you are choosing a nursing program. It also means "best" depends on your goal.
Do you want the fastest route to RN licensure? A lower-cost ADN may make sense. Do you want the strongest shot at competitive metro hospital roles or graduate school later? A BSN or entry-level master's pathway may fit better.
This guide compares Georgia nursing schools by what matters most: Georgia Board approval, nursing accreditation, NCLEX performance, degree options, clinical access, cost, and student fit.
Start here: ADN vs. BSN vs. entry-level master's
Before comparing schools, decide which nursing pathway actually fits your timeline, finances, and career goals.
ADN: Associate Degree in Nursing
An ADN is usually the faster and lower-cost route to RN licensure. In Georgia, many ADN programs are offered through technical colleges and state colleges.
Best for: Students who want to become an RN sooner, manage cost carefully, and complete an RN-to-BSN later.
Reality check: ADN graduates can become licensed RNs after passing the NCLEX-RN, but some large metro hospital systems may prefer or require a BSN for certain new-grad roles, specialty units, or long-term advancement.
BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A traditional BSN usually takes four years, though transfer and accelerated formats vary. For many students, the BSN offers a smoother path into competitive hospital roles, leadership, public health, military nursing, and graduate nursing programs.
Best for: Students who want a broader university experience, stronger long-term mobility, or a direct path to graduate study.
Entry-level master's: For students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree
Georgia also has pre-licensure master's options for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. These programs are intensive and usually cost more than ADN options, but they can be efficient for career changers.
Best for: Second-degree students who want graduate-level preparation and a direct path to RN eligibility.
How we selected these Georgia nursing schools
This article uses an editorial, data-informed shortlist rather than copying third-party rankings.
We weighed:
- Georgia Board of Nursing approval
- Programmatic nursing accreditation through ACEN, CCNE, or another recognized nursing accreditor
- NCLEX-RN performance trends, especially three-year and four-year averages
- Degree options, including BSN, accelerated BSN, ADN, RN-to-BSN, LPN-to-BSN, and entry-level master's tracks
- Clinical access and geography
- Value, flexibility, and applicant fit
Useful official sources:
- Georgia Board of Nursing nursing education page
- Georgia RN approved nursing education programs PDF
- Georgia RN NCLEX pass-rate results PDF, 2022-2025
- NCSBN NCLEX information
- Nurse Licensure Compact information for Georgia
Best BSN and entry-level master's programs in Georgia
1. Emory University - Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Location: Atlanta School type: Private university Best for: Students targeting Atlanta clinical networks, high-acuity care, research, leadership, global health, or graduate pathways
Emory's nursing school is one of Georgia's best-known options for students who want a private university setting and access to a major academic healthcare environment. The school offers multiple nursing pathways, including bachelor's and graduate-level options.
Emory is especially worth considering if you are interested in leadership, advanced practice, public health, research, or highly specialized clinical environments.
Programs to review
- Emory School of Nursing academics and admissions
- Master of Nursing, fall-start pre-licensure program
- Master of Nursing, spring-start pre-licensure program
- Master of Nursing pathway to MSN
NCLEX signal: The Georgia Board's latest published RN NCLEX PDF should be checked by track. Current Board data includes Emory's pre-licensure master's pathway and reports multi-year pass-rate averages. Always confirm the exact line for your intended pathway before applying.
Why students choose it
- Strong Atlanta location
- Multiple nursing pathways
- Good fit for graduate-school-minded students
- Strong brand recognition in healthcare and research settings
Potential drawbacks
- Higher private-school cost
- Competitive admissions
- Not the cheapest route to RN licensure
2. Augusta University College of Nursing
Locations: Augusta and Athens School type: Public health-sciences university Best for: Students who want a public university nursing education tied closely to a health-sciences environment
Augusta University is a strong Georgia option for students who want a public university pathway with deep health-sciences infrastructure. The College of Nursing offers BSN education and an entry-level MSN Clinical Nurse Leader pathway for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
The Athens option may also appeal to students who want access to the Athens area while completing upper-division nursing coursework through Augusta University.
Programs to review
- Augusta University BSN admissions
- Augusta University MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program
- Augusta University College of Nursing
NCLEX signal: The Georgia Board's 2022-2025 RN NCLEX data reports Augusta University BSN and pre-licensure master's results separately. In the latest PDF, Augusta's BSN four-year average is listed at 90.00%, and the pre-licensure master's four-year average is listed at 92.41%.
Why students choose it
- Public university value
- Strong health-sciences environment
- Augusta and Athens campus options
- Entry-level master's option for second-degree students
Potential drawbacks
- Campus structure varies by pathway
- Prerequisite planning matters
- Competitive cohorts
Visit Augusta University College of Nursing
3. Kennesaw State University - Wellstar School of Nursing
Location: Kennesaw/Marietta metro area School type: Public university Best for: Students who want a large Atlanta-area BSN program, including accelerated options
Kennesaw State University's Wellstar School of Nursing is one of the most visible public nursing options in the Atlanta metro area. It offers both traditional and accelerated BSN pathways, making it a serious contender for first-degree students and qualified second-degree students.
Programs to review
NCLEX signal: The Georgia Board's 2022-2025 RN NCLEX PDF lists Kennesaw State University's BSN four-year average at 91.28%.
Why students choose it
- Large public university environment
- Traditional and accelerated BSN options
- Atlanta-metro access
- Good fit for students who want a BSN without private-school pricing
Potential drawbacks
- Competitive admissions
- TEAS planning matters
- A large university may feel less personal than a smaller cohort
Visit KSU Wellstar School of Nursing
4. Georgia State University - Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
Location: Atlanta School type: Public university Best for: Students who want an urban public university pathway with multiple nursing entry points
Georgia State is a strong fit for students who want an Atlanta-based public university setting, diverse clinical exposure, and multiple nursing pathways. Depending on the track, students may consider BSN, RN-to-BSN, LPN-to-BSN, and associate-level pathways through Georgia State's broader nursing ecosystem.
Programs to review
- Georgia State nursing programs
- Georgia State TEAS information
- Georgia State RN-to-BSN
- Georgia State LPN-to-BSN
NCLEX signal: Georgia State has more than one RN pathway in the Georgia Board NCLEX PDF. Check the row for the exact program type you are applying to. The latest Board data separates associate and bachelor's results, and the program type matters when you compare pass rates.
Why students choose it
- Urban Atlanta location
- Public university pricing
- Multiple pathways for different student backgrounds
- Good option for working adults and bridge students, depending on track
Potential drawbacks
- Track-specific requirements can be easy to confuse
- Applicants should verify the current TEAS, GPA, and prerequisite rules for their exact pathway
Visit Georgia State Lewis College nursing programs
Best ADN programs in Georgia: Affordable routes to RN licensure
ADN programs can be excellent choices for students who want to become RNs sooner, reduce debt, and complete a BSN later. The tradeoff is that applicants should be especially careful about transfer plans, RN-to-BSN articulation, clinical access, and NCLEX trends.
5. Gwinnett Technical College - Associate Degree Nursing
Location: Lawrenceville School type: Technical college Best for: Cost-conscious Atlanta-area students who want an ADN pathway with RN-to-BSN options later
Gwinnett Technical College remains a strong ADN option to consider, especially for students in the northeast Atlanta metro area. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN practice.
Programs to review
- Gwinnett Technical College Registered Nursing ADN
- Gwinnett Technical College ADN catalog page
- Gwinnett Technical College ADN fact sheet
NCLEX signal: The Georgia Board's 2022-2025 RN NCLEX PDF lists Gwinnett Technical College's ADN four-year average at 86.12%. That is still a useful signal, but applicants should compare it against recent-year movement and other ADN programs before deciding.
Why students choose it
- Lower-cost ADN route
- Atlanta-area location
- Good fit for students planning ADN first, RN-to-BSN later
- Bridge options may fit some licensed or allied-health applicants
Potential drawbacks
- Latest NCLEX trend should be reviewed carefully
- ADN graduates may still need a BSN for some long-term goals
- Admission requirements include prerequisite and exam planning
Visit Gwinnett Tech Registered Nursing ADN
Other Georgia nursing programs worth comparing
The schools below may be strong fits depending on location, admission competitiveness, cost, and degree pathway.
High-performing ADN options to compare
Use the Georgia Board's 2022-2025 RN NCLEX PDF to verify current performance and cohort sizes.
| School | Program type | Why compare it |
|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee Technical College | ADN | Strong multi-year NCLEX signal in the latest Board data |
| Athens Technical College | ADN | Strong technical-college option in northeast Georgia |
| North Georgia Technical College | ADN | Strong recent Board data; regional access |
| Georgia Highlands College | ADN | State college pathway with strong multi-year pass-rate signal |
| West Georgia Technical College | ADN | Good option for west Georgia applicants |
| Southeastern Technical College | ADN | Worth comparing for students in southeast Georgia |
| Lanier Technical College | ADN | Regional technical-college option with favorable Board data |
BSN programs to compare
| School | Program type | Why compare it |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Georgia | BSN | Strong public option for north Georgia students |
| Georgia College & State University | BSN | Public university pathway with strong Board data |
| Columbus State University | BSN | Strong option for west Georgia students |
| Valdosta State University | BSN | Regional public option for south Georgia students |
| Mercer University Georgia Baptist College of Nursing | BSN | Private-school option with a long nursing identity |
| Georgia Southern University | BSN | Large public university pathway with regional reach |
Nursing in Georgia: career outlook, salary, and licensure
Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state
Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Eligible nurses whose primary state of legal residence is Georgia may be able to hold a multistate license, allowing practice in other compact states without obtaining separate licenses for each compact state.
Start here:
Registered nurse wages in Georgia
ONET, using Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, lists Georgia registered nurses at $86,560 annually and $41.61 hourly for the statewide median. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area is higher in the same dataset, listed at $96,370 annually and $46.33 hourly*.
Salary can vary widely by hospital system, specialty, shift differential, region, overtime, and experience.
Useful source:
Georgia RN employment outlook
ONET lists Georgia registered nursing employment projected to grow from 81,800 employees in 2022 to 94,310 in 2032, with projected annual job openings of 5,990*. Treat projections as planning estimates, not guarantees.
Useful source:
Application playbook: how to stand out
1. Build a prerequisite map early
Common nursing prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics or college algebra, chemistry, psychology, human development, nutrition, and English composition. Requirements vary by school and track.
Make a spreadsheet with:
- Required courses
- Minimum grades
- Science GPA rules
- Course age limits
- Transfer equivalencies
- Application deadlines
- Entrance exam rules
2. Prepare for the TEAS or required entrance exam
Many Georgia nursing programs use the ATI TEAS or another entrance exam. Do not assume the published minimum score is competitive. Strong applicants often aim well above the minimum.
Official resource:
3. Check NursingCAS requirements
Some Georgia programs use NursingCAS for applications. You may need transcripts, prerequisites, references, essays, resume details, and program-specific documents.
Official resource:
4. Apply for financial aid early
Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, complete the FAFSA and check school-specific scholarship deadlines.
Official resource:
5. Choose based on fit, not just prestige
A program is only "best" if you can afford it, get admitted, complete it, pass the NCLEX, and move toward the kind of nursing career you want.
Ask each program:
- What percentage of students graduate on time?
- What is the first-time NCLEX pass rate by track?
- What clinical sites are used?
- How are clinical placements assigned?
- What is the total estimated cost, including fees, uniforms, testing, background checks, supplies, and transportation?
- What support is available for students who struggle?
- Can credits transfer into an RN-to-BSN or graduate program later?
Suggested shortlists by student goal
If you want a high-acuity Atlanta pathway
Start with:
- Emory University
- Georgia State University
- Kennesaw State University
- Mercer University Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
If you want a public BSN
Start with:
- Augusta University
- Kennesaw State University
- Georgia State University
- University of North Georgia
- Georgia College & State University
- Columbus State University
- Valdosta State University
If you want the lowest-cost route to RN licensure
Start with ADN programs such as:
- Gwinnett Technical College
- Chattahoochee Technical College
- Athens Technical College
- Georgia Highlands College
- North Georgia Technical College
- West Georgia Technical College
- Southeastern Technical College
If you already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree
Compare:
- Emory University Master of Nursing
- Augusta University MSN Clinical Nurse Leader
- Kennesaw State University Accelerated BSN
- Other accelerated BSN options that match your prerequisites and budget
Frequently asked questions about nursing schools in Georgia
What is the best nursing school in Georgia?
There is no single best school for every student. Emory, Augusta University, Kennesaw State, Georgia State, and several technical colleges all serve different goals. Choose based on degree path, total cost, NCLEX trend, location, admissions fit, and whether you want an ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN, or entry-level master's pathway.
Is Georgia a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which can allow eligible Georgia residents to hold a multistate nursing license.
Should I choose an ADN or BSN in Georgia?
Choose an ADN if you want a lower-cost and faster route to RN licensure, especially if you plan to complete an RN-to-BSN later. Choose a BSN if you want a stronger starting credential for competitive hospital roles, leadership, specialty nursing, military nursing, public health, or graduate study.
Are Georgia ADN programs worth it?
Yes, for many students. A strong ADN program can be a smart route to RN licensure with less debt. Just confirm NCLEX trends, clinical placements, program approval, and RN-to-BSN transfer options before enrolling.
Which Georgia programs are good for second-degree students?
Emory's Master of Nursing pathway, Augusta University's MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program, and Kennesaw State's Accelerated BSN are worth comparing if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field.
How important is NCLEX pass rate?
Very important, but not by itself. Look for multi-year trends, not just one year. Also consider cohort size, attrition, graduation rate, accreditation, student support, and whether a school screens out students before they become NCLEX-eligible.
Where can I verify Georgia NCLEX pass rates?
Use the Georgia Board of Nursing's nursing education page and the latest RN NCLEX results PDF. Confirm that you are reading the row for the correct school and program type.
What entrance exam do Georgia nursing schools use?
Many programs use the ATI TEAS, but some use other exams such as Kaplan. Always check the program's current admissions page.
How much do RNs make in Georgia?
O*NET lists Georgia registered nurses at $86,560 annually and $41.61 hourly, using Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data. Metro Atlanta is higher in the same dataset.
Can I work in another state with a Georgia nursing license?
If you qualify for a Georgia multistate license under the Nurse Licensure Compact, you may be able to practice in other compact states without obtaining a separate license for each compact state. Check the Georgia Board and Nurse Licensure Compact rules before relying on this for a job move.
Final thoughts
Georgia gives nursing students several strong routes into the profession. You can pursue a private university pathway in Atlanta, a public BSN through a major state university, an accelerated option if you already have a degree, or a lower-cost ADN through a technical college.
The right move is to shortlist three to five programs, verify the official Board and NCLEX data, map your prerequisites, prepare for the required entrance exam, and compare total cost before you apply.