As the eighth largest state in the country, Georgia is home to nearly two dozen community colleges. Top rated community colleges in Georgia include Atlanta Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, Aiken Technical College, Athens Technical College, Oconee Fall Line Technical College and Albany Technical College. You can locate community colleges and technical colleges across the Peach State in both large cities like Atlanta as well as smaller towns such as Sandersville, Oakwood, Rome, Marietta, and Griffin.

2024 Best Community Colleges in Georgia

About Gwinnett Technical College is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia.  It was originally founded in 1984 as the Gwinnett Area Technical School.  Since its founding the school has been dedicated to providing an education in high demand fields that result in employment upon graduation.

The school changed its name to Gwinnett Technical Institute to better align itself with the state's technical institute system. During the next decade the school would add several degree programs and receive accreditation, finally meeting the standards required to be identified as a college in 2000 and changing its name to the current.

GTC had invested in its own development, utilizing funds to introduce new facilities and renovate previously existing ones in order to create new programs of study that meet the needs of the modern student.

Academics As a technical institute, GTI offers programs of study that allow students to develop the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a professional. The programs offered offer an extensive course of study that provide theoretical, classroom and practical courses, preparing individuals with the experience through simulated real world environments.

Programs are offered in a variety of fields, allowing individuals to choose the one that best reflects his or her goals and interests. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or diploma that demonstrates competency and allows for entry level employment upon completion.


The school also offers continuing education courses for established professionals seeking to update their knowledge base  or renew certification or licensure. Courses are taken individually and can offer flexible scheduling.

GTC also provides adult education courses that prepare individuals for the GED, allowing one to complete his or her high school education and earn an equivalency diploma.
Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid Gwinnett Technical Institute is a public, two year, open enrollment institution. Any individual wishing to enroll may do so through the completion and submission of the application for admission and payment of tuition.

Students should also supply standardized test scores (if available) and previous educational transcripts. Students may be required to take a placement exam. Students are also encouraged to participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to help choose programs and develop a curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it either online or through the mail. The information provided on the FAFSA will be used by the school to develop an aid package based on the student's needs and aid program eligibility.

Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Due to recent changes in financial aid regulations, students may be chosen at random to provide additional financial information to be compared to the FAFSA in order to ensure its accuracy.

Enrollment

9,124

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

About
Augusta Technical College, located in Augusta, Georgia, was founded in 1961 when it was known as Augusta Area Technical Vocational School. The school merged with Richmond Technical school five years later, then expanded its offerings over the next two decades, becoming Augusta Technical Institute in 1987. By 2000 the school had grown again, requiring a name change to better reflect its role in the community  and its offerings, taking its current name. The school is dedicated to providing a quality education to residents of its service area and students from afar, providing an atmosphere of growth and success while preparing individuals for profitable and successful career. The school is open to any student wishing to enroll regardless of race, religion, gender or any other factor. The mission of equal opportunity is very much a part of the school's overall mission, as it allows any individual seeking personal betterment to participate without discrimination.

Academics
Augusta Technical College offers a number of programs that result in a certificate or associate degree. These programs provide students the opportunity to develop the skills and abilities necessary to operate as professionals in the workplace of their chosen field. Offerings are representative of community needs and typically high demand fields. The school provides excellent resources, ensuring that the students are competent, capable, and able to serve their community and meet the demands for professional employment in growing and high demand fields. Programs take between one and two years to complete and allow students to seek employment immediately unless their chosen profession requires licensure or certification prior to employment.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institutions, any student wishing to enroll at Augusta Technical College will be admitted upon completion and submission of the application for admission, as well as provide all relevant transcripts and information. Most programs require the applicant to also have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students may be asked to take an assessment exam for basic skills prior to registration to determine which courses they will enroll in. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to determine curriculum and program enrollment as well as participate in student orientation to prepare them for student life and activity on campus.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants. Students in need of aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information resulting from which will be used to determine a student's financial need, family assistance, aid program eligibility and monetary awards. Students may be chosen at random to provide additional financial information by the school in order to verify the accuracy of their FAFSA as part of new federal regulations governing financial aid programs. Students must reapply for aid prior to each academic year as financial circumstances may change yearly.

Enrollment

4,409

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, located in Bradenton, Florida, was founded in 1957 as Manatee Junior College. By 1959 the school has moved to what is now the Manatee campus. By 1985 the school changed its name to Manatee Community College, a name it kept until 2009. The name was changed to the current after the school began offering a bachelor's degree program in nursing. Since then the school has added several more bachelor programs. SCF is part of the Florida College System and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Academics

State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota offers a number of academic and career programs. These programs prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue their goals. Academic programs fulfill the first two years of a four year education and allow for transfer to a four year institution to earn a bachelor's degree. Certain conditions are in place, and if met, allow for easy transfer within the Florida College System. Career and technical programs provide either an associate degree or certificate, and train the student in their area of study, providing them with all the necessary skills to succeed. Graduates of such programs are able to immediately enter the workforce. Bachelor programs are limited, and require separate application and requirements for entry.

Programs offered include:

SFC Manatee-Sarasota also offers non-credit courses for individuals interested in pursuing particular courses and adult education courses for those who wish to further their education as adults. Continuing education courses also allow individuals in need of license or certification renewal to obtain the hours necessary to qualify.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admission to FSC Manatee-Sarasota requires students to have a high school diploma or GED and be a resident of the state. IF a student qualifies, he or she may complete an application, providing all pertinent documents, including transcripts, to the school. Students may be tested for placement, though such a te4st may be waived if ACT and/or SAT scores are provided. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and work study programs. Students in need of aid should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA0 which will be used to determine eligibility and awards. Scholarships are also available, though they may require separate applications and may be awarded for a variety of reasons (including need).

Athletics

The SFC Manatees participate in a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through the National Junior College Athletic Association's (NJCAA) Suncoast Conference and the Florida Community College Activities Association. Athletic programs foster a healthy atmosphere of competition, increasing school pride as well as providing a rewarding experience. In addition, such programs develop skills that are useful for professional and academic life. These include teamwork, discipline, and maintaining good health.

Athletic programs:

  • Baseball (Men Only)
  • Softball (Women Only)
  • Basketball (Men Only)
  • Tennis (Women Only)
  • Volleyball (Women Only)

Clubs and Organizations

SFC Manatee-Sarasota offers a large number of clubs and organizations for students to participate in. Such groups provide students the opportunity to encounter other individuals with similar interests or to explore new interests by interacting with others who have maintained such interests. Clubs and organizations serve multiple purposes; some provide academic assistance and focus, some fall into the realm of the extracurricular, while others seek to expand the arts. These groups often hold events and maintain regular meetings, ensuring that students have ample opportunity to explore the workings of the club and see if it is right for them. Such clubs also help forge bonds with others that typically extend beyond the campus, and often last well after the students have graduated.

Clubs and organizations at SFC Manatee-Sarasota include:

  • Brain Bowl
  • History Club
  • Film/Video Club
  • Pop Culture Club
  • Swamp Scribes

Enrollment

10,229

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

York County Community College, located in Wells, Maine, was founded in 1994 through the approval of the Maine Legislature which had put forth a study to gauge the need of a postsecondary institution in York County. Originally established as the York County Technical College, the school opened to the public in 1995 to an enrollment of 156 students. Today the school enroll over 2000 students annually and has since its founding been updating and adding programs and facilities to meet the demand of current and future students and to keep pace with expected growth in enrollment. YCCC is one of the seven schools that comprise the Maine Community College System.

Academics

Students may choose from a variety of programs that assist in career training or allow for academic transfer. Career training programs help develop skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a qualified professional in a given field. Programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or associate degree which assists those seeking employment at the entry level.

Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education at YCCC, after which the student may apply for transfer to a four year institution to continue their education, completing their final two years and earn a bachelor's degree.

Programs offered  include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

York County Community College is a public two year institution that utilizes an open enrollment policy. As a result the requirements for admission are minimal, allowing any interested individual to enroll by applying and paying incurred fees. Students should also supply test scores, transcripts, and take a placement exam if deemed necessary. Financial aid must be applied for prior to each academic year. Aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and is applied for through the completion and submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Enrollment

1,632

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Columbus Technical College, located in Columbus, Georgia, was founded in and 1961 and was originally known as Columbus Area Vocational-Technical School and was a part of the Muscogee County School District. The school was merged with Muscogee Area Vocational-Technical School in 1965, resulting in an expansion of the latter's campus as the new home of the combined institutions.  The school experienced growth and expansion over the following years, and in 2000 was renamed Columbus Technical College due to changing legislation that allowed associate degree institutions to be called colleges. The school is one of thirty four in Georgia that are part of the Technical College System of Georgia.

Academics

Columbus Technical College provides education and training in a number of high demand fields for the purposes of long term employment for students after graduation. The education provided lays a foundation for individuals to build upon through experience and on the job skill development and training. Programs are in high demand fields and often instructed by industry professionals. Education is often divided by classroom and practical settings, with practical settings allowing for supervised skill development in an environment that emulates real world locations. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree upon completion.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Columbus Technical College admits any individual that is at least eighteen years old or has a high school diploma or equivalent. Students should supply test scores and transcripts if available, and may be required to take a placement exam prior to the start of the first semester. Meeting with a counselor to discuss enrollment options prior to registration is also encouraged. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and is awarded based on need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Enrollment

3,301

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Dalton State College (Dalton State) is the 24th of Georgia’s 35 units that operate under the University System of Georgia. Chartered in 1963, it was the community’s answer to a long hope that started when Joe Brown University shut down in the late 19th century. Today, Dalton State proudly offers baccalaureate programs in more than a dozen disciplines, including Accounting, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education and Technology Management.

Dalton currently enrolls nearly 6,000 students every year, and has been continuously accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to grant associate degrees since the first accreditation year (1969.) In 1998, its focus shifted to baccalaureate degrees, and it continues to serve the Dalton community in that capacity.

Tuition at Dalton State is an affordable $2,800 per year for in-state students, which is typically supported by financial aid from several sources. Campus activities are plentiful, and primarily focus on sports, fitness and recreation. Students are encouraged to develop their social skills by participating in the many events organized each year.

The college also focuses heavily on civic engagement to develop leadership qualities in its students, and believes that community involvement is innate in everyone with the desire to serve their community and lead people.

Dalton State Housing is provided on a first-come-first-served basis, and students must maintain a course load of no less than 9 credit hours per semester. Summer Bridge Housing is also available under similar terms of occupancy, but at highly reduced rates.

Enrollment

5,118

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Chattahoochee Technical College, located in Marietta, Georgia, was founded in 1963 and is named for the Chattahoochee River that flows nearby. The school has eight campuses total, the result of mergers to consolidate schools in the state and ensure that their direction and funding was properly utilized. Prior to the 2009 merger the school enrolled nearly 6000 students annually, and currently enrolls nearly 12,000.  The school is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia, which manages and maintains technical school located throughout the state with purpose of provide training and education to assist in workforce development. The school is also commonly referred to as CTCT or Chattahoochee Tech.

Academics

Chattahoochee Tech offers a variety of programs primarily aimed at career training and workforce development as its role as a technical school. Students Enrolled in such a program will receive an education and training in a high demand field or industry, particularly burgeoning industries that require specialized skills and labor. Individuals enrolled in a program will receive tradition and practical courses, with practical courses providing in depth training and skill development under the supervision of qualified professionals. Programs may take up to two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate that demonstrates competence and prepares students for future employment.

Additionally, student may choose to pursue academic transfer, utilizing their curriculum to earn credits used for transfer to a four year institution upon completion. Such programs take two years to complete, and the school maintains articulation agreements with a number of colleges and universities that allow for ease of transfer and a guarantee of credit recognition. Students who transfer will continue their education at the new school, completing the final two years and earning a bachelor's degree.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

CTC is a an open enrollment institution. As such, any individuals that meets the minimum requirements for enrollment (a high school degree or being 18 years of age or older) may enter upon completing the application for admission and paying all fees. Students are also asked to provide previous transcripts and standardized test scores if available, and may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration.  Additionally, participation in orientation and meeting with a counselor are encouraged for new students in order to become familiar with the campus and discuss what options for study are available.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Aid is typically awarded based on need, and is determined through the completion and submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the financial aid department of Chattahoochee Technical College to determine the need and program eligibility of the student when constructing his or her packet. Aid must be reapplied for each academic year and should be completed early in order to ensure funds arrive at the right time.

Enrollment

10,483

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Atlanta Metropolitan College, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a public four year institution founded in 1974. The school is part of the University System of Georgia, which manages public education institutions of higher learning throughout the state. Originally a community college and was originally known as Atlanta Junior College, changing its name in 1988 and becoming a state college in 2011 which allows the school to offer bachelor's degrees as part of the  educational programs offered by the school.

Academics

Atlanta Metropolitan primarily offers two year degrees and certificates. Some programs are aimed at preparing students for transfer to four year institutions, allowing them to complete their first two years at low cost and enter into the subsequent school as juniors. Other programs prepare individuals for long term careers in a given industry or field, offering skill and ability training and education to prepare students for the type of tasks and work required in that field.  Bachelor degree programs are applied for separately, requiring students to meet certain minimum requirements for consideration, after which the student will take on a curriculum that includes general education courses, upper and lower division courses related to one's major, and electives that round out one's education.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admissions to AMC is dependent on the type of program one pursues, with associate degrees and certificate programs utilizing an open enrollment policy that admits any individual who is at least eighteen years of age or having a high school diploma. Bachelor degree programs are more stringent, requiring review of applicant's transcripts, essays, and overall application to be considered for admission. Financial aid is available in the form of loans grants and scholarships, which are awarded based on need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Enrollment

2,187

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Georgia Highlands College is an outstanding educational institute located in Rome, Georgia. Now the college is offering a Bachelor of Science in nursing with more bachelor degree programs planned for the future. Georgia Highlands College is popular for many reasons which include affordability, accessibility, location, student/ teacher ratio, and a hands-on learning experience. Many classes are now being offered online which makes attending college more convenient for individuals that have a full-time job.

The college offers access to higher education. It was founded in 1970 as a part of the Georgia university system. Georgia Highlands College operates six colleges in Marietta, Dallas, Rome, Cartersville, and Douglasville.  In 2011, the college was approved to become a state college and now offers baccalaureate degree programs.  A Bachelor of Science in nursing will be the first degree offered.

Currently over 5,500 students are enrolled in the college from eastern Alabama and Georgia. The college employs 133 full-time faculty members.

Georgia Highlands College offers many outstanding transfer programs. The Associate of Arts degree is offered in English, political science, journalism, sociology and communications. Students can obtain an Associate of Science degree in education, agriculture, associated dental sciences, biology, business administration, computer information systems, chemistry, economics, general studies, geology, health information management, medical technology, mathematics, nursing, pharmacy, physician’s assistant, respiratory therapy, and physics.

The college is focused on providing affordable tuition to everyone. Grants are available to lower the cost of attending Georgia Highlands College. Full-time tuition for Georgia residents is $1,298 per semester. Out-of-state tuition is $4911 per semester.

Enrollment

6,184

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

East Georgia College is celebrating 40 years of education and serving the community. The college is located in Swainsboro, Georgia. It focuses on offering education that transforms students and makes them understand global issues and their place in the global world we live. The college has three campuses with locations in Swainsboro, Statesboro, and Augusta.

 Critical thinking is the soul of one’s education at East Georgia State College. Our goal is to enable students to develop themselves as productive members of society who can think clearly and critically, understand and respect differences, and express themselves persuasively.

The college offers many outstanding programs of study. Programs are offered in Agriculture, Art, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, Exercise and Health Sciences, Foreign Language, Forestry, Geology, History, pre-professional programs, psychology, and education.

East Georgia College offers an exciting study abroad program in San Luis, Costa Rica. Students have the chance to study and learn Spanish each summer. Studying in Costa Rica will give you the international experience needed to thrive in today’s global community. Plus you will come back with memories that will last a lifetime.

Athletics are an important part of any education. East Georgia State College provides individuals with the opportunity to develop physically, socially, and morally during their college experience which can include athletics. The college fields teams in baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and softball.

Attending East Georgia State College is affordable. The annual tuition is currently $5500. Students who are studying part time pay $2775 per year for six to eight credits. It is important to note that students must be enrolled in six credits to be eligible for a loan.

Enrollment

2,942

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

How Community Colleges in Georgia are Different than other Colleges

Community colleges are unique from other colleges and universities in a few key aspects. First, a community college offers guaranteed admissions to all qualifying students. This means that any qualifying student can study at one of two dozen community colleges in Georgia and advance their academic careers. Next, the organizational constructs of community colleges allow the tuition costs to be significantly less than other public or private colleges generally. As a state-funded organization, a community college effectively subsidizes tuition with state funds to allow access to quality programs at a reduced rate. Students graduating from a community college with a certificate or associate degree will be equipped to launch a career or continue on to earn an additional degree.

The following links may provide helpful information about community colleges in Georgia:

The following links may provide helpful information about community colleges in Georgia:

Metro Area Links for Community Colleges in Georgia

Community Colleges in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta

We have ranked the community colleges in the Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Marietta area by the percent of students who either completed their degree or transferred to a 4-year institution. Clayton State University in Waco, GA ranked as the #1 community college in this area. Visit their official website at http://www.clayton.edu

Clayton State University Highlights
  • Serving students from Waco and surrounding areas
  • 69% of students either graduated or transferred to a 4-year college/university
  • Tuition & fees are about $5,800 per year for state residents ($17,100 for out of state)
Top Community Colleges in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Marietta
Rate Institution Name Location Enrollment
69%Clayton State UniversityWaco, GA7,000
55%Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeAtlanta, GA3,000
52%Southern Crescent Technical CollegeBarnesville, GA5,000
38%Herzing University - AtlantaAtlanta, GA1,000
28%Point UniversityAtlanta, GA2,000

Community Colleges in Columbus

We have ranked the community colleges in the Columbus area by the percent of students who either completed their degree or transferred to a 4-year institution. Columbus State University in Columbus, GA ranked as the #1 community college in this area. Visit their official website at http://www.columbusstate.edu

Columbus State University Highlights
  • Serving students from Columbus and surrounding areas
  • 74% of students either graduated or transferred to a 4-year college/university
  • Tuition & fees are about $6,600 per year for state residents ($18,200 for out of state)
Virtual Campus Tour of Columbus State University
Top Community Colleges in Columbus
Rate Institution Name Location Enrollment
74%Columbus State UniversityColumbus, GA8,000
10%South University - MontgomeryPhenix City, AL-

Community Colleges in Rome

We have ranked the community colleges in the Rome area by the percent of students who either completed their degree or transferred to a 4-year institution. Covenant College in Rome, GA ranked as the #1 community college in this area. Visit their official website at http://www.covenant.edu

Covenant College Highlights
  • Serving students from Rome and surrounding areas
  • 96% of students either graduated or transferred to a 4-year college/university
  • Tuition & fees are $37,400 per year
Top Community Colleges in Rome
Rate Institution Name Location Enrollment
96%Covenant CollegeRome, GA1,000
77%Fort Valley State UniversityRome, GA3,000

Other Community Colleges in Georgia

The table below lists all the other community colleges in Georgia that do not belong to any large metropolitan or urban concentrated area. The table also displays the "Rate" column, which is the percent of students completing course work.

Rate Institution Name Location Enrollment
87%Emmanuel College - Franklin SpringsSwainsboro, GA1,000
87%Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah, GA14,000
81%Valdosta State UniversityValdosta, GA11,000
73%Agnes Scott CollegeTifton, GA1,000
70%Albany State UniversityAlbany, GA6,000
69%Berry CollegeAugusta, GA2,000
56%Remington College - Mobile CampusStatesboro, GA-
51%Life UniversityGainesville, GA3,000
49%West Georgia Technical CollegeBrunswick, GA7,000
48%Oglethorpe UniversityClarkesville, GA1,000
48%York County Community CollegeSandersville, GA2,000

The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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