Georgia has one of the fastest-growing nursing education markets in the Southeast. The state has more than 60 Board of Nursing-approved RN programs across its public university system, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and private institutions. Georgia is a full member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning Georgia-licensed nurses hold multistate licenses valid across 40-plus states. Atlanta’s concentration of major health systems – Emory Healthcare, Grady Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, and Northside Hospital – drives strong demand for nurses at every level. This guide covers programs, admission requirements, licensing, salary data, and financial aid for prospective nursing students in Georgia.
Nursing education landscape in Georgia
Georgia’s nursing education infrastructure divides broadly into three segments: the University System of Georgia (USG), which includes flagship and regional universities; the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), which delivers ADN and diploma programs through its 22 colleges statewide; and private institutions, led by Emory University.
Atlanta is the dominant market. Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is the most research-intensive nursing school in Georgia and maintains national rankings in graduate nursing education. Emory Healthcare, Grady Health System (the public hospital and safety-net system for Atlanta), and Piedmont Healthcare are the largest hospital networks and offer strong clinical placement partnerships with regional nursing programs. Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and Kennesaw State University’s WellStar School of Nursing serve Atlanta-area students in BSN and graduate programs.
Outside Atlanta, Georgia State University College of Nursing in downtown Atlanta and Albany State University in the southwestern part of the state serve diverse student populations. Columbus State University’s School of Nursing in Columbus has strong program rankings. Middle Georgia State University in Macon and other USG regional institutions extend nursing education into rural markets where workforce shortages are most acute.
The Technical College System of Georgia delivers ADN programs through dozens of community campuses, making nursing education accessible across the state – including many rural counties where four-year university options are limited. Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, and Columbus Technical College are among the TCSG institutions offering ADN programs.
Georgia is a full member of the Nursing Licensure Compact. Georgia nurses who reside in the state hold multistate compact licenses, allowing them to practice in all NLC member states without obtaining separate licenses. This is particularly valuable given Georgia’s geographic location adjacent to South Carolina (compact), Tennessee (compact), Alabama (compact), and Florida (compact).
The Georgia Board of Nursing operates under the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office and is accessible at sos.ga.gov/georgia-board-nursing.
Admission requirements
Georgia nursing programs vary by level and institution. Here is what programs typically require:
For ADN programs (TCSG and community colleges):
- Minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 on prerequisite science courses
- ATI TEAS entrance exam (most Georgia ADN programs use TEAS)
- Prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition, Psychology or Sociology
- CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Criminal background check and drug screening required before clinical placements
- Many TCSG ADN programs use a point-based competitive admission system
For BSN programs (university):
- Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 on prerequisites; Emory and Kennesaw State programs are competitive, with admitted cohorts often averaging 3.5+
- TEAS or HESI (varies by institution; Emory uses its own screening)
- Prerequisite courses: A&P I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, English Composition, Nutrition
- Letters of recommendation (2–3 typically required)
- Some programs require documented healthcare experience (shadow hours or clinical volunteer work)
Programs in Atlanta and its suburbs are generally more competitive due to higher applicant volume. Programs in rural Georgia and smaller TCSG campuses may have more accessible timelines. If your GPA is below 3.0, see nursing schools that accept low GPAs.
Types of nursing programs in Georgia
Georgia offers nursing education at every level:
| Program type | Credential | Typical duration | Typical cost range (in-state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA certificate | CNA | 4–8 weeks | $700–$2,500 |
| LPN certificate | LPN | 12–18 months | $8,000–$16,000 |
| ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) | RN | 2 years | $6,000–$18,000 |
| BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | RN | 4 years (or 12–18 mo for RN-to-BSN) | $28,000–$55,000 (public); $65,000–$120,000 (private) |
| MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) | NP, CNS, educator, administrator | 2–3 years post-BSN | $25,000–$55,000 |
| DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) | Advanced practice / leadership | 3–4 years post-BSN | $35,000–$65,000 |
ADN programs through the Technical College System of Georgia are the most accessible entry point to RN licensure in the state. TCSG ADN programs are priced at community college rates (typically $6,000–$14,000 in tuition and fees) and distributed across the state. Several TCSG colleges also offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
BSN programs range widely in selectivity and cost. Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers both traditional BSN and accelerated BSN tracks; its NCLEX pass rates have averaged above 93% in recent years, and 88% of graduates in recent classes were employed within three months of graduation. Kennesaw State’s WellStar School of Nursing is one of the largest BSN programs in Georgia and serves a significant working adult population. Georgia State University, Augusta University, and Albany State University also offer BSN programs within the USG system at in-state tuition rates. Columbus State University’s nursing program is nationally ranked among affordable BSN options.
For a broader overview of degree pathways, see ADN programs and BSN programs. For accelerated options, see accelerated BSN programs.
Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) are available at Emory, Mercer, Kennesaw State, Georgia State, and Augusta University. Emory’s DNP and PhD programs are particularly strong, with research emphases in global health, oncology, and chronic disease management.
Licensing in Georgia
The Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON) regulates all nursing licenses and approves nursing education programs in the state. It operates under the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.
For RN licensure by examination:
- Graduate from a GBON-approved nursing program (ADN or BSN)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
- Submit application and initial licensure fee to the Georgia Board of Nursing (current initial licensure fee: approximately $40, non-refundable)
- Pass a criminal background check (required before initial licensure)
- Provide Social Security Number for verification
For LPN licensure:
- Graduate from a GBON-approved LPN program
- Pass the NCLEX-PN
- Submit application and fees; background check required
Compact license (NLC): Georgia is a full NLC member state. Georgia-resident nurses who hold a Georgia RN or LPN license hold a multistate compact license, valid across all NLC member states. Nurses moving to Georgia from another compact state automatically convert to a Georgia compact license when Georgia becomes their primary state of residence. See the nursing compact license guide for current NLC member states and details.
Georgia RN licenses renew every 2 years. See nursing license requirements by state for endorsement and reciprocity procedures.
Nursing job market and salary in Georgia
Georgia’s nursing market is strong and growing, driven by Atlanta’s expansion as a healthcare hub and persistent rural workforce shortages across the rest of the state. Emory Healthcare, Grady Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, Northside Hospital, and WellStar Health System are the dominant employers in the metro Atlanta market. In rural Georgia, smaller regional hospitals and critical access hospitals face significant nurse staffing challenges, which has translated into enhanced sign-on bonuses, loan repayment programs, and higher base pay in many underserved markets.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024 OEWS), the mean annual wage for registered nurses in Georgia is approximately $90,000. The range runs from roughly $63,000 at the 10th percentile to approximately $124,000 at the 90th percentile – one of the wider RN salary ranges in the Southeast, reflecting significant variation between metro Atlanta roles and rural facilities.
Regional variation within Georgia:
- Atlanta metro: highest wages in the state; Emory, Grady, and Piedmont all offer competitive base pay and specialty differentials; travel nursing in Atlanta is active year-round
- Savannah and Augusta: mid-tier wages; Memorial Health University Medical Center (Savannah) and Augusta University Medical Center are the largest employers in these markets
- Rural Georgia (south Georgia, coastal plains, Appalachian north): lower base wages but active loan repayment and sign-on bonus programs; critical access hospitals face the most acute staffing shortages
Georgia’s compact license membership means Georgia-based nurses can take travel nursing assignments across 40-plus NLC states using their home-state multistate license.
For a broader salary comparison, see the nursing salary by state guide.
Financial aid and scholarships
Federal aid: All accredited nursing programs are eligible for FAFSA funding. Submit as early as possible – the window opens October 1 each year. For step-by-step guidance, see nursing school FAFSA guide.
Georgia-specific programs:
- HOPE Scholarship and HOPE Grant: The Georgia HOPE program (funded by the Georgia Lottery) provides scholarship awards to eligible Georgia residents attending in-state USG institutions. HOPE Scholarship covers a percentage of tuition for academically eligible full-time students; HOPE Grant supports students at TCSG technical colleges pursuing diplomas and associate degrees. Nursing students at both USG universities and TCSG colleges may qualify.
- Georgia Nurses Foundation Scholarships: The GNF awards annual scholarships to nursing students enrolled in Georgia programs. Awards are merit- and need-based.
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment: Georgia nurses working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) – which include most of rural Georgia – may qualify for the federal NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program, covering up to 85% of nursing school debt in exchange for a two-year service commitment.
- Grady Health System Workforce Development: Grady offers scholarships and tuition assistance for nursing students who commit to employment at Grady after graduation. Given Grady’s role as Atlanta’s public safety-net hospital, these awards often support students with financial need.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Nurses employed full-time at nonprofit or public hospitals (Grady, Augusta University Medical Center, VA Medical Centers) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments.
Frequently asked questions
Is Georgia a compact state for nursing?
Yes. Georgia is a full member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). Georgia residents who hold a Georgia RN or LPN license hold a multistate compact license, valid across all NLC member states. This means Georgia nurses can practice in more than 40 states without applying for separate licenses – particularly useful for travel nursing and border-crossing employment with neighbors like South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida, which are all compact states.
What is the HOPE Scholarship and how does it help nursing students?
The HOPE Scholarship is funded by the Georgia Lottery and awards eligible Georgia residents a portion of tuition at in-state USG institutions. Eligibility requires maintaining a minimum GPA. Nursing students at Georgia universities like Kennesaw State, Georgia State, or Columbus State may qualify. Students at TCSG colleges may qualify for the HOPE Grant instead, which covers technical education. The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) administers both programs.
How competitive are Georgia nursing programs?
Competitiveness varies significantly by institution. Emory University’s BSN and accelerated BSN programs are among the most selective in the state. Kennesaw State’s WellStar School of Nursing is large and serves a broader range of academic profiles. TCSG ADN programs use point-based competitive admission; in high-demand metro Atlanta campuses, wait times and admission competition have increased in recent years.
What does it cost to become an RN in Georgia?
An ADN at a TCSG technical college typically costs $6,000–$18,000 in tuition and fees. A BSN at a public USG university costs approximately $28,000–$55,000 over four years for in-state students. Private programs (Emory, Mercer) run considerably higher. These figures cover tuition and fees only – books, uniforms, clinical fees, and living expenses add further costs.
What NCLEX pass rate should I look for?
The Georgia Board of Nursing publishes NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates by program annually. First-time pass rates for US-educated RN candidates have nationally ranged from approximately 82–88% in recent NCSBN cycles. Look for programs consistently at or above the national average. For NCLEX preparation strategies, see the NCLEX study plan guide.