- Georgia Highlands College is a multi-campus, state college member of the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1970 as Floyd Junior College, the college now serves thousands of students from over 30 counties in Northwest Georgia. GHC has five sites in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, and Dallas, as well as a robust online program. GHC offers over 40 areas of study with associate degree and bachelor's degree options both in the classroom and online. GHC is proud to support the local economy with a regional economic impact of nearly $170 million.
School Highlights
Georgia Highlands College serves 5,240 students (39% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the state community college average of 29:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is more than the state average of 62%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 5,240 students
- In-state tuition: $453
- Out-state tuition: $759
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
- Minority enrollment: 96%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Georgia Highlands College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Georgia for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Programs offered
School Overview
The teacher population of 405 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Georgia Highlands College
(GA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 yrs but < 4 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1970
Total Faculty
405 staff
88 staff
Number of Programs Offered
40
11
School Calendar
School Motto
Where Talent Meets Purpose
Student Body
The student population of Georgia Highlands College has declined by 7% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 has decreased from 15:1 over five years.
The Georgia Highlands College diversity score of 0.57 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,240 students
2,178 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
29:1
# Full-Time Students
2,042 students
797 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
3,198 students
1,381 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
5,240 students
1,758 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,042 students
855 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,198 students
1,678 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
n/a
% Asian
17%
4%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
15%
35%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
4%
38%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hawaiian
61%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
7%
Diversity Score
0.57
0.71
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
8%
27%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
19%
24%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$35,500
$29,100
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $453 is less than the state average of $3,059. The in-state tuition has declined by 86% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $759 is less than the state average of $6,774. The out-state tuition has declined by 91% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$453
$3,059
Out-State Tuition Fees
$759
$6,774
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Tuition Notes
$105 per credit hour
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
77%
91%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,104
$12,069
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Acceptance Rate
94%
77%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
BaseballBasketball
SoftballVolleyball
Colors
Orange and Blue
School Mascot
Bolt
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Georgia Highlands College cost?
Georgia Highlands College's tuition is approximately $453 for In-State students and $759 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Georgia Highlands College?
The acceptance rate of Georgia Highlands College is 94%, which is higher than the state average of 77%.
What sports does Georgia Highlands College offer?
Georgia Highlands College offers 4 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Georgia Highlands College's ranking?
Georgia Highlands College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Georgia for: Average community college minority breakdown, Largest student body and Most Programs Offered.
Recent Articles
Required Course Full? Avoid Community College Degree Delays
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Catalog-Year Rules: Community College Graduation Requirements
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
What If Your Community College Program Closes?
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.
