- 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 (2026)
- 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
Colors
Blue and Gold
Total Faculty
405 staff
88 staff
Number of Programs Offered
40
11
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Georgia Highlands College has declined by 22% 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 more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,240 students
2,178 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
29:1
# Full-Time Students
2,042 students
797 students
# Part-Time Students
3,198 students
1,381 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
440 students
247 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,042 students
855 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,198 students
1,635 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
n/a
% Asian
17%
4%
% Black
15%
35%
% White
4%
38%
% Hawaiian
61%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
7%
Diversity Score
0.57
0.00
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)
20%
24%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$35,500
$28,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
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
Tuition Notes
$105 per credit hour
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
77%
91%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,104
$12,069
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
94%
76%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bolt
Profile last updated: 10/01/2025
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 76%.
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.
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