Most important takeaways…
- Georgia offers 16 NP programs for 2026, with the most affordable options concentrated at public University System of Georgia schools.
- Accelerated BSN-to-DNP tracks exist, though accreditation standards and clinical hour requirements set a firm floor on completion time.
- Median NP pay in Georgia reaches $126,060, with smaller metros like Gainesville and Columbus sometimes outpacing Atlanta salaries.
Nearly 40% of Georgia's 159 counties qualify as health professional shortage areas, creating persistent demand for nurse practitioners in primary care, behavioral health, and specialty clinics outside the Atlanta metro. For working nurses weighing an advanced practice degree, that demand translates into strong job prospects but also a crowded field of program options with widely varying tuition, clinical requirements, and delivery formats.
Sixteen Georgia institutions currently offer online or hybrid NP programs. Tuition gaps between the most and least expensive options can exceed $40,000, and completion timelines range from under two years for accelerated BSN-to-MSN tracks to four-plus years for part-time DNP pathways. Whether you are exploring online FNP programs in Georgia, PMHNP programs in Georgia, or another specialty track, choosing well means matching cost, pace, and clinical access to your specific situation, not just chasing a name.
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia: Ranked for 2027
Georgia offers an unusually wide range of online-eligible NP pathways, from a fully online 22-month family nurse practitioner master's to hybrid doctoral tracks that bring students to campus only once a month. Every school below enrolls working nurses, and each entry notes the degree levels offered, the delivery format, and the outcomes graduates can expect so you can compare options side by side.
Factors considered
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Tuition adjusted for regional costs
- Graduation rates
- Online and hybrid flexibility
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Independent editorial research
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern anchors its NP offerings in online graduate certificates plus a hybrid BSN-to-DNP, a combination that suits nurses who already hold a master's and want to add a certification without starting over. The post-master's certificates in family, adult-gerontology primary care, and adult-gerontology acute care each run 19 credit hours, mostly delivered online. The doctoral program spans four concentration tracks, and both levels lean into rural and underserved Georgia communities.
- 19 credit hours, fully online
- Fall entry only with a March 1 application deadline
- Requires a master's degree in nursing, 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license
- APRN certification required; pharmacology course within five years
- Credits can carry into the DNP program
- Focus on rural and underserved communities
- 19 credit hours completed in three semesters
- Online coursework with some live sessions
- Clinicals completed in Georgia or South Carolina
- Requires one year of RN experience plus critical care background
- CCNE accredited; $50 application fee
- 19 credit hours to complete
- No GRE or MAT required
- Students secure their own clinical preceptors
- Individualized plan of study built from a gap analysis
- Built for currently certified advanced practice nurses
- 80 credit hours; CCNE accredited
- Synchronous and asynchronous class options
- GRE required with a fall start
- Capstone project required
- Cohort-based structure
- One of four BSN-to-DNP concentration options
- Prepares graduates for psychiatric NP certification
- Scholarships from the Georgia Nurses Association and AANP
- Clinical placements in Georgia and South Carolina
- MSN exit option available along the way
- One year of clinical experience required
- Prepares students for AGPCNP certification
- Asynchronous coursework with live sessions
- Individualized plan of study
- One year of critical care experience required
- Master's exit option after 43 credits
- Personalized gap analysis for each student
- Fall cohort with a March 1 deadline
Post-MSN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Online
Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-BSN to DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-BSN to DNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Emory University
Emory is Georgia's highest-profile nursing school, and its NP portfolio is correspondingly broad: master's tracks in adult-gerontology primary care, adult-gerontology acute care, and women's health, plus a family nurse practitioner pathway and a post-BSN DNP in acute care. Coursework runs online or hybrid with in-person intensives in Atlanta, and the psychiatric mental health certificate places clinical training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Expect premium private tuition offset by substantial financial aid participation among doctoral students.
- 26 credit hours over three semesters
- 720 precepted clinical hours
- Hybrid format with onsite or virtual intensives
- Focus on child and adolescent behavioral health
- Clinical training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- Requires a master's degree and a Georgia APRN license
- Four-semester program
- 750 clinical hours
- Fall and spring start terms
- Prepares students for ANCC certification
- Military benefits accepted
- State-of-the-art simulation facilities
- 700 clinical hours
- Requires one year of acute or critical care RN experience
- Part-time option runs six to seven semesters
- Clinical partners include VA hospitals and community centers
- Prepares graduates for critical care and trauma roles
- 780 clinical hours
- Prepares students for WHNP-BC certification
- Two letters of recommendation required
- Specialty rotations available
- Online courses with in-person intensives
- Seven-semester program
- Distance-based delivery with in-person intensives
- Prepares students for ANCC or AANP certification
- VANAP-GE scholars program available
- Clinical rotations in specialty areas
- $1,936 per credit
- Complete in about 2.5 years
- No entrance exam required
- Requires short residencies in Atlanta
- Seven concentration options
- Most students receive financial assistance
Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate Program — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Doctorate — Online
Post-BSN DNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Augusta University
Georgia Southwestern's fully online MSN in family nurse practitioner is among the lowest-cost NP pathways in the state, and its 44-credit curriculum arranges clinical placements near where students already live. Full-time students finish in roughly 22 months, noticeably faster than many part-time alternatives, and the program reports a 100% FNP certification exam pass rate. Two start terms a year and a $25 application fee keep the process simple for nurses who are still working.
- 44 semester hours, fully online
- 780 clinical hours
- Clinical sites arranged near the student's location
- 22-month completion for full-time students
- 100% FNP certification exam pass rate
- Two admission cycles per year
- $25 application fee
- CCNE accredited
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Georgia Southwestern State University
Georgia College & State University runs one of the state's broadest online NP portfolios, spanning MSN tracks in psychiatric mental health and women's health, matching post-master's certificates, and BSN-to-DNP routes. Coursework is fully online with occasional campus labs, and the FNP and PMHNP certificates let board-certified APRNs complete an individualized plan in as few as 11 credits. The psychiatric track was designed around rural Georgia mental health needs.
- Up to 32 credit hours for non-certified APRNs
- As few as 11 credits for board-certified APRNs
- Fully online with minimal campus visits
- Individualized study plan built with a program coordinator
- CCNE accredited
- 570 clinical hours, completed in Georgia
- Full-time in six semesters or part-time in nine
- Mandatory campus immersion week
- Summer cohort start each year
- Focus on rural mental health
- 675 clinical hours
- Preceptor assistance provided
- Interview required for admission
- Seven-year completion limit
- Part-time and full-time options
Nursing Post-Master Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science in Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Georgia College & State University
Kennesaw State's Wellstar School of Nursing offers a hybrid MSN in family nurse practitioner that the university describes as one of the shortest NP programs in Georgia, finishing in five semesters full time or eight part time. Classes are fully online or meet just one weekend a month, a schedule built for nurses who cannot attend weekday sessions. A post-graduate psychiatric mental health certificate targets Georgia's behavioral health provider shortage.
- 44 credit hours
- Five semesters full time or eight part time
- Classes online or one weekend per month
- No GRE required
- Up to 9 transfer credits accepted
- Two letters of recommendation
- Priority deadline December 15, regular deadline May 1
- Four-semester completion timeline
- Three weekend on-campus intensives
- Synchronous online weeknight classes
- Requires a master's or doctoral nursing degree
- Prepares students for ANCC or AANP exams
- Addresses Georgia's mental health provider shortage
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate — Online
Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Online
Kennesaw State University
The University of North Georgia delivers a hybrid MSN in family nurse practitioner with 46 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, offered on both a two-year and a three-year plan so nurses can dial their courseload up or down. The program reports a 100% certification pass rate and 100% job placement rate for its graduates. A summer cohort start and a February application deadline set clear timelines for applicants.
- 46 credit hours and 750 clinical hours
- Two-year or three-year plans of study
- Hybrid delivery with a Dahlonega campus base
- 100% certification pass rate reported
- 100% job placement rate reported
- Summer cohort start with a February 28 deadline
- $40 application fee; 3.0 GPA minimum
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
University of North Georgia
Middle Georgia State focuses squarely on acute care, pairing a hybrid MSN in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner with a post-master's certificate in the same specialty for APRNs certified in other areas. The MSN runs 45 credit hours across five consecutive semesters with 855 clinical hours and just two on-campus immersion days. The certificate requires no campus attendance at all, which makes it practical for practicing providers.
- 24 credit hours, fully online instruction
- Post-master's certificate for APRNs certified in other areas
- No on-campus attendance required
- Prepares students for AGACNP certification
- Requires a Georgia nursing license and APRN certification
- 45 credit hours over five consecutive semesters
- 855 clinical practice hours
- Online coursework with two on-campus immersion days
- ACEN accredited
- Requires one year of RN experience and a 3.0 GPA
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate, Master's — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Middle Georgia State University
Albany State is a public HBCU whose online MSN in family nurse practitioner was built to widen primary care access across southwest Georgia. The 44-credit program runs six consecutive semesters with full-time and part-time options and admits in fall, spring, or summer. Clinical practicum hours, a scholarly project, and a comprehensive exam round out a curriculum that prepares students for AANP or ANCC certification.
- 44 credit hours over six consecutive semesters
- Fully online with clinical practicum hours
- Fall, spring, and summer start terms
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prepares students for AANP or ANCC certification
- Scholarly project and comprehensive exam required
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Albany State University
Clayton State sits in metro Atlanta and keeps graduate nursing tuition low relative to private competitors nearby. Its 47-credit MSN in family nurse practitioner blends online coursework with 585 clinical hours placed in Georgia, and the curriculum emphasizes culturally competent care for diverse urban and suburban populations. Nurses who already hold an MSN may be able to apply prior coursework toward the degree.
- 47 credit hours, including 585 clinical hours
- 23 credits of nursing core and 24 clinical credits
- Hybrid format; clinical hours completed in Georgia
- Post-MSN applicants may receive credit for prior coursework
- Prepares students for ANCC and AANPCB certification
- Minimum 3.0 GPA and a Georgia RN license required
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Clayton State University
Augusta University pairs hybrid doctoral tracks with a set of post-master's certificates, so both BSN-prepared and already-certified nurses have a route in. The DNP covers family, psychiatric mental health, pediatric, and adult-gerontology acute care, while the certificates include a one-year psychiatric mental health option of 22 credits and 504 clinical hours. Coursework is more than half online, and clinical placements extend across Georgia and South Carolina.
- Designed for practicing APRNs expanding their scope
- Part-time study with fewer than 9 credits per semester
- Web-based with more than half of coursework online
- Clinical experiences in Georgia or South Carolina
- Gap analysis aligns coursework with certification standards
- Primary care focus for children through young adulthood
- Post-master's certificate for APRNs
- Part-time study options
- Focus on family care across the lifespan
- Prepares students for national certification exams
- Family nurse practitioner concentration
- Full-time and part-time options
- Capstone required
- Program cites an average FNP salary of $127,976
- Interactive web-based classes
Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Master's — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner, Master's — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, Master's — Hybrid
The NP Workforce in Georgia: Demand, Practice Authority, and What It Means for You
Is Georgia a good state to practice as a nurse practitioner right now? The short answer is yes, but with important caveats about how much independence you will have on the job. Understanding both the demand picture and the regulatory environment before you enroll in a program can save you from surprises after graduation.
A Growing Need, Especially in Rural Areas
Georgia has a documented primary care access problem. As of 2024, the state carries more than 229 federally designated primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas, with roughly 2.7 million residents living in communities that do not have enough providers to meet demand.1 Rural counties in south and central Georgia face the steepest shortages, and nurse practitioners in rural healthcare are widely viewed as a practical answer to that gap.
BLS data places Georgia NP employment at approximately 10,580 positions as of 2024.1 While national projections for the NP occupation remain strong, specific state-level growth figures for Georgia should be verified against the most current Georgia Department of Labor releases, since BLS state projections are updated on a rolling cycle. What is consistent across sources is that demand in primary care, family practice, and rural health settings is outpacing supply across the Southeast.
Georgia's Restricted Practice Model
Here is the regulatory reality every prospective NP student in Georgia needs to understand: Georgia operates under a restricted practice authority model. That means you cannot practice independently after graduation. You must maintain a collaborative agreement with a physician, and your prescriptive authority is tied to a physician-approved protocol agreement.1
Schedule II controlled substance prescribing is tightly limited. Under House Bill 557, signed into law in April 2024, NPs may prescribe a Schedule II medication in a genuine emergency, but only a five-day supply, only for patients 18 and older, and only after accumulating at least one year of clinical experience.1 That bill also extended NP authority to sign disability parking permits, a small but practical expansion.
As of 2026, no full practice authority legislation has passed in Georgia. You can track which states have full practice authority and compare Georgia's position against the national trend. Advocacy efforts continue at the state level, but the collaborative agreement requirement remains in place.
Why This Matters When You Choose a Program
Georgia's regulatory environment shapes where you can realistically work after graduation. If you plan to open an independent primary care practice, you will need a collaborating physician before you can see a single patient. Some rural employers actively recruit NPs and offer built-in physician collaboration as part of the employment package, which can ease that burden. But it is still a structural constraint.
When comparing programs, look at how their curricula address collaborative practice models, interprofessional communication, and documentation practices aligned with protocol agreements. Programs that graduate students with strong physician-partnership skills tend to serve Georgia NPs better than those built around fully autonomous practice assumptions borrowed from full practice authority states. Neighboring states including South Carolina and Tennessee have moved further toward autonomous NP practice, which is worth noting if you have flexibility about where you ultimately settle.
Georgia NP Program Snapshot: Costs, Earnings, and Outcomes at a Glance
Here is a bird's-eye view of the 16 Georgia institutions we evaluated for nurse practitioner programs in 2026. These aggregated figures can help you benchmark tuition, outcomes, and delivery format as you narrow your options.
Most Affordable NP Programs in Georgia
All three of the lowest-cost NP programs in Georgia are public universities, which is no coincidence: public institutions in the University System of Georgia consistently offer the most competitive graduate tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. The net price figures shown below represent institution-wide averages after financial aid and are not guaranteed quotes for any individual student. Your actual cost will depend on your residency status, aid package, and enrollment intensity. Beyond tuition, working RNs in Georgia can tap several financial aid pathways to bring costs down further. The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program covers up to 60% of qualifying nursing education debt in exchange for a two-year service commitment at an eligible facility in a Health Professional Shortage Area, with an additional 25% available for a third year. Federal Stafford and GradPLUS loans remain the backbone of graduate financing, and many Georgia hospital systems offer employer tuition reimbursement for nurses pursuing advanced degrees. The NHSC Loan Repayment Program can award up to $75,000 for a two-year commitment, and the Students to Service program offers up to $120,000 for three years of service. Be sure to also check with your school's financial aid office about institutional scholarships and assistantships.
| School | Net Price (Avg. After Aid) | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton State University | $8,365 | $6,493 | $12,779 | 39.9% | Hybrid |
| University of North Georgia | $9,823 | $5,416 | $18,484 | 37.3% | Hybrid |
| Valdosta State University | $10,945 | $6,316 | $18,934 | 42.4% | Hybrid |
Fastest and Accelerated NP Programs in Georgia
Balancing speed against depth of preparation is the central tension for nurses seeking the fastest path to NP practice in Georgia. Accelerated programs promise quicker entry into advanced practice, but clinical hour requirements and accreditation standards set a floor that every program must meet. Understanding how Georgia's major nursing schools structure their fast-track options helps you find a timeline that fits your life without compromising the training you need.
BSN-to-MSN and BSN-to-DNP Timelines
Georgia's flagship nursing programs offer several pathways for registered nurses who already hold a BSN. At Emory University, the BSN-to-MSN-FNP track typically spans about two years of full-time study, while the BSN-to-DNP option extends to three years for those seeking doctoral-level preparation from the start. You can explore BSN to DNP programs Georgia for a deeper comparison of doctoral pathways across the state. Georgia State University structures its BSN-to-DNP program similarly, with most students completing coursework and clinical requirements in roughly three years of full-time enrollment.
Kennesaw State University and Georgia Southern University both offer BSN-to-MSN pathways that can be completed in approximately two to two-and-a-half years, depending on enrollment status and clinical placement availability. Mercer University and Augusta University also provide BSN-to-DNP options, with timelines ranging from three to four years based on specialty track and cohort scheduling. Because program structures change, checking each school's official graduate nursing page for the most current semester-by-semester breakdown is essential.
Post-Master's FNP Certificates
For nurses who already hold an MSN in another specialty, post-master's FNP certificates offer the fastest route to family practice certification. These programs typically require 12 to 18 months of coursework and clinical hours. Availability varies by institution and academic year, so searching each school's graduate admissions or nursing program page for current offerings is worthwhile. Before committing, review common mistakes to avoid when enrolling in MSN program options, since many of the same pitfalls apply to certificate tracks. If a certificate program is not listed, contacting the program coordinator directly often reveals upcoming cohorts or waitlist options.
Clinical Hour Requirements
Regardless of program length, all Georgia NP programs must meet clinical hour standards set by accrediting bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. For a side-by-side breakdown of what each accreditor requires, see our nursing accreditation guide. Most FNP tracks require between 500 and 700 direct patient care hours, though some DNP programs exceed 1,000 hours total. You can verify specific requirements through each school's curriculum handbook or by cross-referencing with the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Related Articles
Choosing Between Online and Hybrid NP Programs in Georgia
What is the real difference between an online and a hybrid nurse practitioner program in Georgia for a working nurse?
Online vs. Hybrid: What the Terms Actually Mean
When Georgia schools label a program "online," they are referring to the didactic coursework, the lectures, discussions, and assignments you complete through a learning management system. Clinical rotations are always in person, no matter the program format. Hybrid programs add periodic on-campus intensives for skills labs, simulations, or cohort-building events. These intensives might happen once a semester or a few times during the entire program. For a deeper comparison of format trade-offs, see our guide on online vs on-campus NP programs.
Flexibility for Working RNs
Fully online tracks give you the most control over your weekly schedule. You can watch lectures after a 12-hour shift or review materials on weekends. Hybrid programs trade some of that flexibility for hands-on practice and face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers. For nurses balancing family and a full-time job, the online model often wins on convenience, but missing out on in-person networking can be a drawback.
Clinical Placement Logistics and Preceptor Support
This is where the format choice hits the pavement. In Georgia, most NP programs use a shared-responsibility or self-placement model for clinical sites. Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, for example, operates with shared responsibility: a dedicated Clinical Placement Team actively searches for affiliation agreements and provides coordinator support, but students are also expected to identify potential preceptors.1 Emory caps third-party placement reimbursement at $1,000 and does not guarantee a site.2
Other Georgia programs lean even more heavily on self-placement, meaning you must secure your own preceptor and clinical location. A program that offers robust placement assistance can significantly speed up your time to completion. When you are responsible for finding a preceptor, delays are common, especially in competitive specialties or rural areas. Ask any program directly: "What percentage of students secure a clinical site through school resources, and what is the average time from request to placement?"
Cost and the Bottom Line
Online programs often trim campus-based fees and commuting costs, but tuition rates themselves may not differ dramatically. Hybrid programs add travel expenses for on-campus intensives, which can add several hundred dollars per visit. When comparing costs, factor in these logistics and the potential loss of income if clinical placement delays push your graduation date back. If you are weighing a fully online approach, our step-by-step guide on how to enroll in NP school online walks you through the application process from start to finish.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Your Step-By-Step Path to Becoming an NP in Georgia
Earning your nurse practitioner license in Georgia involves a clear sequence of milestones. Before you begin, visit the Georgia Board of Nursing website for the most current APRN application forms, fees, and requirements, as published guidelines may not always reflect the latest 2025-2026 changes. When in doubt, call or email the Board's licensure division directly.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Georgia: Statewide and by Metro Area
Georgia employs roughly 10,580 nurse practitioners statewide, and the pay reflects the strong demand for advanced practice providers across the state. The median NP salary in Georgia sits at $126,060, which is competitive with the national median of approximately $126,260. For context, that represents a significant step up from the median registered nurse salary of $86,560 in the state, roughly a $39,500 increase that underscores the financial return on an NP education.
| Occupation | Total Employment in Georgia | 25th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 75th Percentile Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 10,580 | $107,090 | $126,060 | $136,770 |
| Registered Nurses | 97,410 | $76,600 | $86,560 | $104,790 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 9,610 | $105,000 | $136,030 | $181,520 |
| Nursing Instructors (Postsecondary) | 1,610 | $60,480 | $75,950 | $82,740 |
Georgia NP Pay by Metro Area: Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and More
Atlanta employs the largest NP workforce in Georgia by a wide margin, yet it does not always offer the highest pay. Smaller metros facing critical provider shortages, such as Gainesville and Columbus, can match or exceed salaries in bigger cities. If you are studying near Augusta or Savannah, choosing a program with strong local clinical placement networks can give you a head start in the job market you plan to enter after graduation.
| Metro Area | Employed NPs | 25th Percentile | Median Salary | Mean Salary | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell | 6,280 | $115,690 | $128,640 | $129,710 | $140,140 |
| Augusta, Richmond County | 500 | $100,640 | $110,410 | $115,250 | $125,250 |
| Columbus | 410 | $103,230 | $118,680 | $122,130 | $131,090 |
| Macon, Bibb County | 360 | $107,400 | $109,170 | $115,900 | $126,410 |
| Gainesville | 350 | $108,190 | $127,100 | $126,820 | $134,480 |
| Savannah | 300 | $101,920 | $112,000 | $115,500 | $127,130 |
| Athens, Clarke County | 280 | $104,580 | $123,250 | $121,320 | $135,200 |
| Dalton | 170 | $105,640 | $114,130 | $113,970 | $125,000 |
| Albany | 110 | $101,560 | $111,350 | $114,730 | $127,670 |
| Rome | 110 | $97,120 | $105,500 | $111,430 | $127,640 |
According to the AANP Certification Board, the national first-time pass rate for the FNP certification exam was 81% in 2025, meaning roughly one in five candidates does not pass on the first attempt. Program quality, clinical preparation, and board-review resources can meaningfully shift those odds in your favor.
How We Evaluated Georgia's NP Programs
Three core metrics from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard form the foundation of every ranking on this page: institution-wide graduation rate, average net price after financial aid, and reported graduate earnings. Programs had to offer online or hybrid delivery to qualify, then each school received a composite score weighted across these data points.
What the Ranking Measures
Graduation rate reflects how effectively an institution supports students through degree completion, though it captures the entire university rather than nursing programs specifically. Average net price gives you a sense of what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, though your individual cost may differ based on residency, aid eligibility, and enrollment status. Graduate earnings data, drawn from federal records, shows what former students earn after completing their programs, offering a reality check on return on investment.
What the Ranking Does Not Measure
This methodology has clear boundaries. Certification exam pass rates, which matter enormously for your career, are not captured in the Scorecard dataset. Neither is clinical placement quality, faculty-to-student ratios, or student satisfaction. These factors can make or break your experience, but they require program-specific research beyond federal data.
Why Transparency Matters
Being upfront about limitations builds trust. The graduation rates you see here apply institution-wide, not specifically to NP cohorts. Net price is an average across all aid recipients, not a promise of what you will pay. Graduate earnings reflect broad program categories, not necessarily the NP specialty you are pursuing.
Use this ranking as a starting point, not a final verdict. If you are comparing options across multiple states, our directory of best online nurse practitioner programs can help you broaden the search. Contact admissions offices directly to confirm current tuition, clinical site partnerships, and NCLEX or certification pass rates. Ask about preceptor support and whether the program helps secure clinical placements in your area. The data here narrows your search; your own due diligence completes it.
More Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia Worth Exploring
Beyond our top-ranked programs, Georgia offers many other excellent NP options. Whether you're looking for a specific location, a particular schedule format, or a more affordable tuition, these additional schools deserve consideration. Browse the directory below to discover programs that might better fit your personal and professional needs.
Middle Georgia
Mercer University Macon, GA · Hybrid
- BSN to DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP with Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Southwest Georgia
Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA · Hybrid
- Post-Master’s Certificate Program (Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
West Central Georgia
Columbus State University Columbus, GA · Online
- Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
Northeast Georgia
Brenau University Gainesville, GA · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Coastal Georgia
South University-Savannah Savannah, GA · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
South University-Savannah Online Savannah, GA · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
State by State
Southeast
Northeast
Midwest
Southwest
DC & Territories
Explore More State Topics
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Best Accelerated Nurse Practitioner
- Best Affordable Nurse Practitioner
- Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- DNP NP
- Best Online Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
- Best Online FNP
- MSN NP
- Best Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Best Online PMHNP Programs ( Rankings & Guide)
- Best Online PNP
- Post-Master's Certificate NP
- Best Online WHNP
- Cardiology Nurse Practitioner (CNP)
- Critical Care Nurse Practitioner (CCNP)
- Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Forensic Nurse Practitioner
- Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner (FMNP)
- Holistic Nurse Practitioner (HNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner (OHNP)
- Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP)
- Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
- Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP)
- Pediatric ER Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Guide
- Trauma Nurse Practitioner (TNP)
- What Do Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners Do? Role Guide
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
