2023 Best ADN Programs in Georgia
ADN Programs in Georgia
In Georgia, nursing students face a plethora of choices. With 61 Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs available and 28 of these accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), how can an aspiring nurse select the best ones to apply to?
Start by focusing on ACEN-accredited programs. This accreditation ensures that the programs meet high educational standards, making it a crucial factor when comparing schools.
Next, examine the NCLEX passing rates. In Georgia, these rates fluctuate between 41.90% and 98.00%. Schools with higher passing rates often have superior curricula and supportive faculty, crucial to student success.
Remember to take into account the program length. An ADN usually requires between 18 to 24 months to complete. Fitting this commitment into your personal and professional life is key to a successful nursing education journey.
Finally, check the student support services offered by each institution. Schools with robust support systems tend to yield higher student success rates.
Selecting the right ADN program involves a careful balance of many variables. By considering factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, program duration, and student support services, future nurses can find the program that best fits their career ambitions.
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Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.
2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Georgia

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Georgia?
First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Georgia and then rank the best school based on the following factors:
- Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
- RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
- The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
- Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade
More about our ranking methodology.
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Chattahoochee Technical College
Pass Rate

- 980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE, Marietta, GA - 30060
- (770) 528-4545
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.08%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 189
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,202
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,620
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 31%
Graduates of Chattahoochee College School of Nursing strive to promote optimum health, alleviate suffering, and help their patients achieve the best quality of life. The highly competitive and rigorous education takes place in classrooms, laboratories, and clinical rotations.
The nursing programs at Chattahoochee College have been consistently ranked as some of the nation’s and state’s best owing to the excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates and graduates placement. The students receive multiple scholarships and financial aids to facilitate their education at this college. The highly trained and qualified faculty help the nursing students develop judgment skills to effectively manage and care for patients in all kinds of healthcare facilities.
Undergraduate Programs: The ASN program at Chattahoochee College is one of the best in the entire state. This rigorous program prepares students to pass their NCLEX-RN examination and begin their journey as professional nurses.Â
Similarly, for working LPNs who wish to become RNs and advance their career, the college offers a LPN-RN bridge option. The three semester LPN course prepares students to work under the supervision of RNs and physicians to provide care and treatment to injured, ill, disabled, convalescent, and terminally ill patients.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Gwinnett Technical College
Pass Rate

- 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA - 30043-5702
- (770) 962-7580
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.97%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 135
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,236
Book and Supplies: $1,750
Percent Received Aid: 81%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,349
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 35%
Gwinnett Technical College educates its students in a greatly diverse, cooperative, and challenging community. The students receive high-quality education and experiences that prepare them to take on healthcare challenges in all kinds of healthcare facilities like community care facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals, home healthcare nursing, nursing care facilities, physicians' offices, and so on.
Education at Gwinnett Technical College is a combination of classroom and laboratory training with clinical experience. The students learn the theory and technical competencies needed to provide high-quality patient care in every situation. In addition to being highly affordable at $100 per credit hour + fees, Gwinnett Technical College also provides multiple scholarships and financial aid such as HOPE Grant, the HOPE scholarship, Career Grants, and more.
Undergraduate Programs: Their Traditional ADN program provides the education required to pass the NCLEX-RN examination and practice as a nurse generalist. Similarly, if you are an LPN who is currently practicing as such or a paramedic, the ADN and Paramedic bridge pathway is a great way to complete your ADN degree and obtain an RN license.
There is also an Associate Degree Surgical Technologist Bridge Option, ADN for students who have completed an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology and obtained the Certified Surgical Technologist credential through NBSTSA as a Surgical Technologist. The students are awarded with an ADN degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion.
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Athens Technical College
Pass Rate

- 800 U.S. Hwy 29 North, Athens, GA - 30601
- (706) 355-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 98
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,062
Book and Supplies: $900
Percent Received Aid: 90%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,481
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 37%
Athens Technical College is located in Athens, Georgia. Â Their nursing department offers an ASN degree and a bridge program, which is an LPN to RN program. Â Their LPN to RN program allows the student to graduate in three semesters as opposed to four.
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
Albany Technical College
Pass Rate

- 1704 South Slappey Boulevard, Albany, GA - 31701
- (229) 430-3500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.42%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 81
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,996
Book and Supplies: $410
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,311
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 46%
Albany Technical College is located in Albany, Georgia. Â Their RN nursing program is relatively new - it opened its doors in 2012. Â They had an existing LPN nursing program in place. Â Their nursing program has a traditional RN program and an LPN-RN bridge path.
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
South Georgia State College
Pass Rate

- 100 West College Park Drive, Douglas, GA - 31533
- (912) 260-4200

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.77%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 63
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,310
Book and Supplies: $1,056
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,372
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 16%
South Georgia State College School of Nursing provides quality education that focuses on individual attention that is facilitated and enhanced by a rich clinical learning environment. South Georgia State College itself has a long history of serving the people of Georgia by providing them with skilled and professional graduates.
Students at South Georgia State College learn the art of teamwork, professionalism, and trust not only in the classroom but also in the sports field. The college has extensive and diverse athletics that allow students to hone their talent and help make their college life interesting and fun.Â
In addition to that, nursing students benefit from the high-fidelity simulation labs where fun activities and simulations are conducted in addition to the regular practical lessons. The students also get the chance to observe and practice in clinical settings under the supervision of highly accredited faculty.
Undergraduate Programs: South Georgia State College offers both, a generic Associate of Science in Nursing track and an LPN-RN bridge track. The ASN course prepares students to evaluate general education content and enables them to make clinical decisions based on critical thinking.
Similarly, for RNs looking to complete their bachelor's degree, this college provides an RN-BSN program which allows a smooth transition from an ASN degree to a BSN degree.
In addition to these nursing degrees, the school of nursing also offers a Bachelor of Science in Long-Term Healthcare Management degree that helps students develop educational skills and knowledge for managing long-term healthcare provided inpatient residences and long-term care facilities.
#6 Associate Degree in Nursing
Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University
Pass Rate

- 100 University Parkway, Macon, GA - 31206
- (478) 471-2700

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.41%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 267
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,042
Book and Supplies: $1,293
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,339
Percent Admitted: 99%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 45%
Graduation Rate: 23%
The nursing department at Middle Georgia State University strives to provide quality evidence-based nursing education to a diverse population. The nursing programs prepare culturally sensitive graduates who are committed to providing safe and effective nursing care through health promotion and disease prevention.
Nursing students learn the core competencies of nursing practice, patient evaluation and treatment, and the basics of nursing leadership from highly qualified nursing educators. The students practice their skills in the laboratory and gain real-life experiences in clinical rotations in various healthcare institutions in the community.Â
Middle Georgia State University deems itself a cornerstone of human growth, progress, and success, so it has a very strict non-discrimination policy. The university provides its students with a collaborative and safe environment where they can learn and thrive to serve the community.
Undergraduate Programs: The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that combines nursing and general education courses. There is also an RN-BSN Completion Program designed to provide Central Georgia Registered Nurses with the opportunity to complete their bachelors' degree. The course is delivered in a flexible schedule and is available via both traditional classroom delivery and online.
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree enables students to sit for the NCLEX examination and begin a career as a professional general healthcare provider.
#7 Associate Degree in Nursing
College of Coastal Georgia
Pass Rate

- One College Drive, Brunswick, GA - 31520-3644
- (912) 279-5700

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.95%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 102
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,933
Book and Supplies: $1,750
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,113
Percent Admitted: 96%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
Graduation Rate: 23%
The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) is a public, four-year, liberal arts institution located in Brunswick, Ga. Founded as the Georgia Normal School in 1909, this college was named after its location being on coastal Georgia. It has grown and evolved since opening its doors with an enrollment of 20 students and eight educators. In the fall of 2012, CCGA boasts an enrollment of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
The oldest four-year institution in southeast Georgia is home to a variety of programs from arts and science majors to pre-professional and technology studies. The College also holds the distinction as being accredited by all six regional accrediting agencies for both its baccalaureate and its associate degree programs. CCGA is also the only institution in southeast Georgia to offer an internationally accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
Courses are offered at the main campus as well as centers located throughout the region such as Brunswick, Jesup, Kingsland, Ludowici, Waycross, and St. Marys.
This institution is part of the University System of Georgia (USG) which allows students to transfer seamlessly between USG institutions such as Waycross College in South Georgia and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga. The University System also offers a core curriculum for all associate's degree programs that eliminates the need for students to take a general education core at the institution of their choice.
College transfer options are also available as CCGA diplomas can be used at other USG institutions or many local universities such as Georgia Southern, The University of Georgia (UGA), Armstrong Atlantic State University (ASU), Jacksonville State University (JSU) and Valdosta State University (VSU).
The College of Coastal Georgia offers courses which lead to the Baccalaureate degree in Nursing (Pre-Licensure BSN and RN to BSN) as well as Career Associate of Science degrees in Nursing. These classes are available on campus, faculty practice clinics, or through distance education; our staff is transforming patient care and taking the nursing profession into the digital age.
The nursing programs at CCGA have also been recognized by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and Approved Nurse Education Programs (A-NEP). Students in these programs are required to pass a comprehensive state board exam, administered by NCSBN, upon graduation and receive their license issued through the Georgia Board of Nursing (GON) on their first attempt.
All programs are accredited through the ACEN or a comparable organization and graduates will be eligible to sit for appropriate certifying examinations with each examination board.
College of Coastal Georgia promises students the following:
- Clinical Experience: College of Coastal Georgia students receive a combined school and clinical experience from more than 40 regional clinical facilities within the Southeast Health System.
- Nursing programs at Coastal Georgia focus on practical instruction and critical thinking.
- Full-Time Faculty: Nursing students are taught exclusively by faculty who can offer individualized instruction due to the smaller class size.
- College of Coastal Georgia is one of the few schools in the country to have achieved a 100% passing rate and/or #1 ranking.
- The College of Coastal Georgia Nursing program consistently scores higher than the national average on their NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
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You Might Also Be Interested In
Nursing Programs Offered by Georgia Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 51
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 14
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
- CNL: 3
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Nurse Educator: 3
- Adult Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 1
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
- Nursing Administration: 1
- Nurse Midwife: 1
- NAP: 1
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Direct Entry MSN: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
Georgia Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Emory University: 10
- Augusta University: 8
- Georgia College and State University: 6
- Valdosta State University: 6
- Georgia State University: 6
- South University-Savannah: 4
- University of North Georgia: 3
- Piedmont College: 3
- Albany State University: 3
- Columbus State University: 2
Additional Georgia ADN Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Georgia Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
88.99 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | 9 | ADN |
88.54 | Dalton State College | 10 | ADN |
87.58 | Georgia Highlands College | 11 | ADN |
87.32 | West Georgia Technical College | 12 | ADN |
87.31 | Columbus Technical College | 13 | ADN |
86.59 | Atlanta Technical College | 14 | ADN |
86.54 | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | 15 | ADN |
83.58 | Augusta Technical College | 16 | ADN |
83.45 | Gordon State College | 17 | ADN |
80.50 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College | 18 | ADN |
78.17 | Albany State University | 19 | ADN |

ADN Programs in Georgia
ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Georgia Nurses
A financial commitment accompanies the pursuit of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Georgia. But what resources are on hand to help lighten this financial burden?
Georgia ADN students have access to a range of financial aid options, including Loans, Grants, and Scholarships. A key tool in this journey is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application unlocks access to federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Begin your FAFSA application journey here.
For additional resources specific to Georgia, visit the Georgia Student Finance Commission website.
ADN Scholarships for Georgia Nurses
Here are several scholarships that Georgia ADN students might consider:
- Georgia Nurses Foundation Scholarships: This foundation offers multiple scholarships for Georgia residents pursuing nursing education. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: July.
- Georgia Association for Nursing Education (GANE) Scholarships: GANE provides scholarships to Georgia residents pursuing nursing degrees. Award Amount: $1,000. Application Deadline Month: May.
- Georgia Hospital Association Research and Education Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship targets Georgia residents studying nursing with a focus on acute care. Award Amount: $500. Application Deadline Month: April.
- Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships are available to female Christian students in Georgia studying nursing. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: Varies.
- Ty Cobb Educational Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships are open to Georgia residents demonstrating financial need and high academic performance. Award Amount: Up to $3,000. Application Deadline Month: March.
Navigating the financial aid landscape can be a challenge, but these resources offer a way to ease the financial load for Georgia ADN students, helping them focus on their nursing education.
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Georgia Resources for ADN
In Georgia, various state and organizational resources support nursing students pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). These resources offer essential information and guidance throughout their educational journey. Below is a list of vital resources for Georgia ADN students:
- Georgia Board of Nursing – Visit Website
The Georgia Board of Nursing regulates the nursing profession, ensuring that nurses meet the required standards. They provide licensing, renewal, and continuing education information for ADN students and registered nurses. - Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Georgia – Visit Website
The IPEDS College Navigator is a valuable resource for Georgia ADN students to search and compare accredited nursing programs in the state. It offers detailed information on tuition, enrollment, graduation rates, and financial aid. - Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Georgia – Visit Website
The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment and wages for registered nurses in Georgia. This resource helps ADN students understand the job market, average salaries, and employment trends in the nursing profession within the state. - Georgia Nurses Association – Visit Website
The Georgia Nurses Association is a professional organization representing nurses in the state. They offer networking opportunities, advocacy, and continuing education resources for ADN students and registered nurses. - Georgia Hospital Association – Visit Website
The Georgia Hospital Association represents hospitals and healthcare organizations in the state. They provide resources, advocacy, and educational opportunities for ADN students interested in working or advancing their nursing careers within hospital settings.
By utilizing these resources, Georgia ADN students can enhance their educational experience and prepare for successful nursing careers.
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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.