Best Nursing Schools in Atlanta in 2024 (On-Campus & Online)

Nursing is a noble profession that millions of people each year enter into. There are schools for students of all ages, all education levels, and all chosen degree paths and finding the school that is best for you is key. There are plenty of accredited nursing schools in Atlanta, Georgia. Whether you’re looking for 2-year nursing schools in Atlanta, GA or longer programs, knowing what to look for in a school can certainly make the selection process easier and can help you to get the best results for your particular search. We’ve made it easier to choose by compiling this list of nursing schools in Atlanta, Georgia.

Nurses make anywhere from $30,000 per year to $100,000 per year depending on where they are located, what specialties they may have, and what field they ultimately enter into. Most nurses make around $16 to $20 per hour with rates being higher for night shifts, weekends and any other shift that might not be desirable. Nursing is a career that is always in demand. No matter how many nurses there are in the field, there is always room for more as it is a career that is always going to be needed.

Nurses take on a range of responsibilities that all culminate in the care of patients. In most cases, nursing schools require only that you have a high school diploma or GED and that you have some general education requirements completed to be considered to start the nursing program. Students are going to be able to enter the program and come out prepared to take their nursing licensing tests and become a nurse. Nurses have a range of responsibilities, most relating to the direct care of patients and aiding doctors and other medical professionals in completing their own tasks. Whether you’re looking for BSN programs in Georgia, MSN, or others, we have compiled a list of some of the best nursing schools in and around the Atlanta, GA area to help aid in your selection of the best nursing school for you.

List of the Best Nursing Schools in Atlanta, GA in 2024

1. Emory University—Atlanta, GA

Emory University has the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and they offer a range of nursing programs. They offer a BSN, MSN and accelerate nursing programs. This is a very competitive school and program.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99.34%
• Length of Program: 4-year nursing program with clinical hours
• Admission Requirements: Acceptance rates for this school are in the 22% range and it is a rather competitive nursing program to enter. The school requires that students have their first two years of general education completed before they can be entered into the program.
• Tuition: $26,867
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

2. Kennesaw State University—Kennesaw, GA

The WellStar School of nursing at Kennesaw State University offers a range of nursing programs for students. They have a traditional BSN, a doctor of Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing as well. Acceptance rates to this program are just slightly over 50%.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.04%
• Length of Program: depends entirely on the program chosen and if you do decide to go the accelerate route or stick with a traditional program. You can complete a four-year nursing degree in as little as two years with the accelerated program.
• Admission Requirements: you must have your general education completed and must have an active application on file for Kennesaw University. You also need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• Tuition: $17,929
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

3. Georgia State University—Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University has the Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions and they have an admit rate of about 70%. They do offer both undergraduate nursing degrees as well as graduate nursing degrees.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: over 50%
• Length of Program: this depends on the program chosen. They offer a two-year nursing degree, a four-year degree, as well as graduate nursing degrees for those that have already completed a four-year degree and want to further their education.
• Admission Requirements: students need to have a high school diploma and have already completed their prerequisite courses for the school prior to application to the nursing school.
• Tuition: $15,350
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

4. Brenau University—Gainesville, GA

Brenau University offers a range of programs from BSN of nursing to higher degrees as well.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84%
• Length of Program: this depends on the program but they do offer an accelerated BSN program, a BS program that is a traditional four-year degree, and other more advanced degrees like DNP and MSN in Nursing.
• Admission Requirements: students must complete prerequisite courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Acceptance rates to this program are around 66%.
• Tuition: $21,021
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

5. University of West Georgia—Carrolton, GA

The University of West Georgia offers a range of programs from a BSN, to a master’s in nursing, and they have been named a college of distinction for the 2019-2020 year.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98%
• Length of Program: program length depends on what course you choose but the average is two years of general education and two years of nursing-specific content.
• Admission Requirements: students must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must have completed their prerequisite courses prior to applying to the program. In order to remain in the program, students must have a GPA of 2.8 or higher after 24 hours of nursing school courses.
• Tuition: $14,351
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

6. Georgia Gwinnett College—Lawrenceville, GA

Georgia Gwinnett College is a bit easier to get into with an average acceptance rate of nearly 100%. They do offer a very good campus and a great value for the money.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
• Length of Program: the length of the program does depend on the overall course you choose but the BSN program is four years.
• Admission Requirements: students must complete prerequisite courses prior to applying for the nursing program. It is also recommended that all courses be completed well in advance of applying for the program.
• Tuition: $12,348
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

7. Georgia Perimeter College—Atlanta, GA

Georgia Perimeter College is one of the least expensive options on the list and it does offer a fully accredited program that is easy to apply for and that is great for applicants of all types.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95%
• Length of Program: they do offer a two-year nursing program so this is great if you want to get in and out and want to get your degree fast.
• Admission Requirements: it is required that you do have at least one biology course completed before you can be admitted to the nursing program.
• Tuition: $5,905
• Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission

8. Clayton State University—Morrow, GA

The nursing school at Clayton State University has been around since 1969, and has one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation. It offers three different nursing programs: a traditional BSN, an RN to BSN completion program, and an MSN to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88%
• Length of Program: the length of the program does rest on how much you have completed when you enter the program and you can take courses online or in person.
• Admission Requirements: it is required that you complete the BSN prerequisite courses prior to applying to the program and that you have a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Tuition: $10,232
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

9. Chattahoochee Technical College—Marietta, GA

Chattahoochee Technical College is an innovative nursing program with an excellent curriculum and they’re always striving to impact nursing education and nursing practice in a positive manner. The school offers an Associate of Science in Nursing Program that holds an LPN-RN Bridge option that allows students to get their RN.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.25%
• Length of Program: this is a two-year program that results in an associate degree in nursing at the conclusion of the program and testing.
• Admission Requirements: students need to be applied to the university and prerequisite courses are recommended.
• Tuition: $3,115
• Accreditation: Georgia Board of Nursing

10. Gwinnett Technical College—Lawrenceville, GA

Gwinnett Technical College offers a range of programs including a two-year degree and a four-year degree.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%
• Length of Program: they offer both two-year degrees and four-year degrees at a fraction of the price of traditional colleges.
• Admission Requirements: there is a list of prerequisite courses that are necessary to help prepare you for the program.
• Tuition: $7,862
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

11. West Georgia Technical College—Waco, GA

West Georgia Technical College offers both practical nursing and registered nursing in an atmosphere that is diverse and full of new technology to help make for a great overall experience.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%
• Length of Program: they offer both two year and four-year programs.
• Admission Requirements: there is a list of prerequisite courses that should be completed prior to applying to the nursing program.
• Tuition: $3,943
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

12. Southern Crescent Technical College—Griffin, GA

Southern Crescent is a great technical college that offers a varied and technically advanced program. They offer a two-year program that is perfect for those that want to get their classes done quickly.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.6%
• Length of Program: this is an associate RN in nursing program that lasts 2 years.
• Admission Requirements: this school requires that you complete prerequisite courses in order to be approved for the program.
• Tuition: $9,160
• Accreditation: Georgia Board Nursing

13. Atlanta Technical College—Atlanta, GA

The Atlanta Technical College has several information sessions about their nursing programs with the specific date/time on their website for those who are interested in a more personal QA session. Their Associate of Science in Nursing degree is a great way for people to earn their nursing license.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84%
• Length of Program:
• Admission Requirements: students must submit their ACT scores and also their transcripts in order to enter the program. Prerequisite work is suggested.
• Tuition:  $2,882
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

14. Georgia Piedmont Technical College—Clarkson, GA

Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers a practical nursing diploma that can be later applied to get your nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.2%
• Length of Program: this program requires 57 credit hours and clinical rotations.
• Admission Requirements: the program does require special admission and it is required that you have prerequisite courses completed prior to the start of the program.
• Tuition: $7,234
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

15. Lanier Technical College—Oakwood, GA

Lanier Technical College offers two nursing programs: Practical Nursing (LPN Program) and Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (RN Program). The LPN Program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses and give competent nursing care. Students learn a variety of techniques and go through several clinical experiences planned to prepare the student for a career in nursing. The RN Program is a two-year associate-level nursing program that is designed to prepare students for positions in the nursing profession. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN and licensure by the Georgia Board of Nursing, graduates are employable as registered nurses in a variety of settings.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%
• Length of Program: 5 semesters (LPN Program), 6 semesters (RN Program)
• Admission Requirements: Must be 18 years of age. High school diploma or GED is required prior to admission. Official transcripts or GED scores must be submitted from all colleges and/or high schools attended for credit. ACCUPLACER Testing, or submit SAT, ACT, COMPASS, or ASSET test scores.
• Additionally, the RN Program requires:
  • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) composite score of 70 or higher
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Completion of all general education core and biology coursework (27 credit hours)
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification for Healthcare Professionals
  • Attendance at a program information session
• Tuition: $4,325
• Accreditation: Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses

16. Chamberlain College of Nursing—Atlanta, GA

The Chamberlain College of Nursing offers both online and in-person options so that you can choose the option that is going to work best for you and for your particular needs as a student.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.2%
• Length of Program: the length of the program depends on the hours you have when you start the program as well as what program you choose.
• Admission Requirements: students must be accepted to the university and you must have the prerequisite courses to be admitted to the program.
• Tuition: $25,481
• Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Associations of Colleges and Schools (HLC)

18. American Professional Institute—Gainesville, GA

The American Professional Institute offers a great program for those that want a degree quickly and want to be able to get out into the field without much trouble.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83%
• Length of Program: this depends on the program chosen and how much you have completed before you enter the program.
• Admission Requirements: you must be accepted to the university and you also need to complete prerequisite courses.
• Tuition: $21,990
• Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education

19. Augusta State University—Augusta, GA

Augusta State University offers both online and in-person glasses so that you can find the classes that fit your schedule and your personal goals.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85%
• Length of Program: program length depends on what program you choose but there is a BSN, an MSN and some graduate degrees.
• Admission Requirements: students must be admitted to the college and prerequisite classes are a good idea as it does help to show intent and to move your degree along.
• Tuition: $484 per credit for in-state students and $1,185 for out of state students
• Accreditation: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs

20. Augusta Technical College—Augusta, GA

Augusta Technical College offers both online and in-person classes for its ADN program. Their program is specifically designed to help students learn to practice professional nursing in a variety of settings. Graduates will understand the nursing process, learn to think critically, and make appropriate clinical decisions in their position as a nurse. They will use current evidence as a scientific rationale for making such decisions.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86%
• Length of Program: this program is a two-year program that does allow students to complete 72 hours of classes and clinical rotations in six terms.
• Admission Requirements: students must be admitted to the college and they must also have prerequisite classes completed prior to being admitted to the nursing program.
• Tuition: $19,428
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

21. South Georgia College—Americus, GA

South Georgia College offers both in-person and online courses and they also offer all the classes you need for the entire program. Choose from their LPN-RN bridge program, ASN, or RN-BSN program.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%
• Length of Program: they offer an LPN to RN bridge program, an ASN program, and more.
• Admission Requirements:  this school requires that you are admitted to the university and that you complete prerequisite courses in order to be considered for the program.
• Tuition: $92 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

22. Georgia Highlands College—Rome, GA

Georgia Highlands College’s ASN program will train students to be competent, entry-level graduate nurses that can demonstrate excellent decision-making skills, teaching and learning capabilities, compassion, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. GHC offers both online classes and in-person classes and offers a range of different degree options.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.6%
• Length of Program: they offer an ASN program and do offer bridge programs as well
• Admission Requirements: students must be admitted to the college and must complete the prerequisite courses that are listed by the university.
• Tuition: $3,288 per year for Georgia residents and $9,485 for non-Georgia residents
• Accreditation: Georgia Board of Nursing

Methodology

Schools were ranked based on their overall NCLEX-RN pass rates, the programs offered, and the overall quality of the program. If you represent one of the schools on the list and would like to change or amend the entry listed here, please feel free to contact us.