Best Community Colleges in Georgia

If you’re trying to find the best community colleges in Georgia, look no further. Georgia has many community college programs, but we’ve carefully curated the best public community colleges in Georgia for an affordable and respectable college education. This article also lists the best community colleges for auto technology in Georgia and identifies distance learning opportunities.

These are two-year community colleges with low annual tuitions and many associate degree programs that you can use to transfer to four-year institutions. They also offer a wide range of course subjects like dental hygiene, supply chain management, air conditioning technology, human resource management, programs in accounting, and practical nursing.

How We Defined Our Georgia Community College Rankings

There are many ways to decide the best community colleges in Georgia, like gauging the number of distinct scholarships, the academic success rate, and the number of career training programs. Many have a range of options for degrees, technical certificates, and diplomas, from technical communications to health sciences programs.

We looked at each community college in Georgia. With an average tuition of between $7,460 total or $1,865 per semester , community colleges cost a lot less than private four-year universities or public schools. Most have online options, some have hybrid or web-enhanced courses, and all have in-person college courses. We took all of these factors into account to create the list below.

The Top 10 Community Colleges in Georgia

1. South Georgia Technical College
2. Albany Technical College
3. Lanier Technical College
4. Savannah Technical College
5. Augusta Technical College
6. Atlanta Technical College
7. Columbus Technical College
8. Gwinnett Technical College
9. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
10. Southern Crescent Technical College

The Best Community Colleges in Georgia: Explained

1. South Georgia Technical College (SGTC)

South Georgia Technical College is a small college that offers over 200 associate degrees, diplomas, and technical credit certificates. It is the second-oldest technical college in Georgia, established in 1948. It is one of only two facilities in Georgia that offers on-campus housing. SGTC also offers some online learning for online students, with a low yearly tuition cost.

Best South Georgia Technical College Programs

• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology
• Auto Technology Diploma
• Computer Support Specialist (CSS) program
• Welding and Joining Technology Diploma
• Culinary Arts Degree (CULA)

2. Albany Technical College (ATC)

ATC was founded in 1961 as the Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School. In 1988, the name changed to Albany Technical College. It is a two-year school, offering over 100 degrees and certificates. Many of these courses are available for online learning in various subject areas. Whether you want to study supply chain management or science technology, ATC’s affordable classes are worth considering.

Best Albany Technical College Programs

• Associate Degree in Business Management (BBM)
• Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology Associate Degree
• Automotive Technology Diploma
• Associate of Applied Science in Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management
• Welding and Joining Technology Diploma

3. Lanier Technical College

Lanier Tech is a smaller, two-year college boasting great school rankings , with a 100 percent acceptance rate, 61 percent retention, 36 percent graduation rate, and 86 percent licensure pass rate. Lanier Tech offers some tuition-free programs and various remote classes through online learning programs.

Best Lanier Technical College Programs

• Welding and Joining Technology Diploma
• Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Computer Support Specialist Associate of Applied Science Degree program
• Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
• Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Care and Education

4. Savannah Technical College (STC)

STC is a two-year school that states that 95 percent of its graduates are working in their field of study. It has over 45 programs, including industry training in various areas like healthcare management and business management, offering both degrees and certificate programs. STC takes a practical approach to education, with affordable tuition and online course options.

Best Savannah Technical College Programs

• Commercial Truck Driving Certificate
• Welding and Joining Technology Diploma
• Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Cosmetology Diploma

5. Augusta Technical College

Augusta Tech was established in 1961 and claims that 84 percent of its graduates are either employed in their field or continuing their education. Augusta Tech offers online learning through 100 percent online classes, hybrid, and web-enhanced classes. It provides various programs of study, like programs in business management, career training programs, and paralegal studies.

Best Augusta Technical College Programs

• Welding and Joining Technology Diploma
• Associate of Applied Science in Computer Support Specialist
• Electrical Systems Technology Diploma
• Cosmetology Diploma
• Automotive Engine Performance Technician Technical Certificate of Credit

6. Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta Technical College was founded in 1945. Atlanta Tech averages about 4,800 students per semester and offers various academic opportunities, including associate degrees, diploma programs, technical certificates of credit, and further education courses. Programs can be offered through evening classes, hybrid schedules, and online courses.

Best Atlanta Technical College Programs

• Cosmetology Diploma
• Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
• Automotive Technology Diploma
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning HVAC Credit Course

7. Columbus Technical College

Columbus Technical College began back in 1961, and, in 2020, it had almost 5,000 enrolled students. It offers dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students. It awards associate degrees, diplomas, technical certificates, and offers high school equivalency and English Language Learners (ELL) classes. Full and hybrid online learning options are available for some programs of study.

Best Columbus Technical College Programs

• Associate of Applied Science in Auto Technology
• Automotive Collision Repair Diploma
• Certified Production Technician
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Associate of Applied Science in Business Management

8. Gwinnett Technical College

Gwinnett Tech has provided career courses and training for over 35 years and offers over 140 degrees, diplomas, online courses, and certificate programs. According to its 2021 annual report, Gwinnett Tech has a 95 percent pass rate and was voted the second-best college for veterans by Military Times, thanks to its diverse degree options, accessible admission process, and welcoming student body.

Best Gwinnett Technical College Programs

• Automotive Technology Certificate program
• Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming
• Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Technology
• Associate of Applied Science in Networking Specialist
• PC Repair and Network Technician Certificate

9. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Wiregrass Georgia Tech was established in 1963 and has campus locations in Ben Hill County, Cook County, Coffee County, Lowndes County, and 11 other sites for adult education. It offers limited, online-only programs. It also provides access to a network of colleges and online learning programs and courses that are full-time, hybrid, or web-enhanced.

Best Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Programs

• Associate of Science in Nursing
• Cosmetology Diploma
• Vertical Shielded Metal Arc Welding Credit course
• Combination Vehicle Basic Operation and Range Work Credit course
• Administrative Support Assistant Technical Certificate of Credit

10. Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC)

SCTC has been around since the merger of Flint River Technical College and Griffin Technical College in July 2010. It has several locations for study and boasts that 90 percent of graduates have secured employment , and student retention is as high as 70 percent. It also offers online learning for online students in various areas, like nursing programs and vocational programs.

Best Southern Crescent Technical College Programs

• Associate of Science in General Studies
• Associate of Applied Science in Applied Technical Management
• Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Care and Education
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit

Other Georgia Community College Rankings

Forbes says that online is the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic. So, it makes sense that you may be specifically looking for online learning opportunities, and affordable tuition prices are a plus, too.

Here are a few of the best online community colleges you should consider in your school search. We will also look at the best colleges for auto technology in Georgia because this topic is widely studied amongst community college students in Georgia.

Best Online Community Colleges in Georgia

1. Central Georgia Technical College. This college offers associate degrees and transfers to four-year colleges. Central Georgia Technical College offers multiple online learning certificates, diplomas, and courses.
2. Albany Technical College. Many online programs are available for associate degrees, certificates, diplomas, and courses. Albany Tech graduates can choose to transfer to four-year colleges and complete a bachelor’s degree.
3. Southern Regional Technical College. You can apply for various online learning opportunities at Southern Regional Technical College.
4. Lanier Technical College. There are numerous online degrees, certificates, diplomas, and course options at Lanier Technical College, from emergency management classes to technical studies.
5. Coastal Pines Technical College. Coastal Pines Technical College offers many online classes, associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, including technical studies.

Best Community Colleges for Auto Technology in Georgia

1. South Georgia Technical College. This college offers a comprehensive course, granting a South Georgia Tech Auto Technology diploma that qualifies you to become an entry-level technician.
2. Ogeechee Technical College. You can acquire an auto technology diploma at this college that will grant you an entry-level technician career.
3. Lanier Technical College. You can apply for an associate degree, diploma, or certificate in auto technology at Lanier Tech.
4. Savannah Technical College. At Savannah Tech, you can earn an associate degree in automotive technology and other related certificates.
5. Augusta Technical College. You can apply to this college’s automotive technology diploma program. It also offers other technical certificates.

Should You Attend Community College in Georgia?

Yes, you should attend community college in Georgia if you’re looking to attain an affordable associate degree. You certainly have various course options, from science technology to business healthcare technology.

Whether you’re looking at associate programs, an adult student’s school diploma equivalency, or a training program for certificates or diplomas, there are some great reasons to attend a community college .

However, if you’re interested in studying technical subjects like coding with a customizable schedule, perhaps a top-rated coding bootcamp is the best fast-paced, flexible, and affordable program for you.

Best Georgia Community Colleges FAQ