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Public, 2-year

West Georgia Technical College

Waco, Georgia · www.westgatech.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$5,978

In-state $3,410

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

6,940

Student-faculty ratio 19:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

30.1%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 36.1%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is a prominent institution located in Waco, Georgia, offering a wide range of technical and vocational programs. Established to provide quality education and workforce training, WGTC is known for its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in various fields. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, ensuring that students gain practical experience alongside their theoretical knowledge. This focus on applied skills is reflected in its extensive array of programs, including nursing, electrical systems technology, and culinary arts, which cater to the needs of the local and regional job markets.

The college boasts modern facilities equipped with the latest technology, providing an enriching learning environment. WGTC emphasizes a supportive and inclusive campus culture, where students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities and community service. The college's dedicated faculty members are not only experienced professionals in their respective fields but also provide personalized attention to students, fostering an environment conducive to academic success. As a result, WGTC has a strong track record of graduate employment, with many students securing jobs shortly after completing their programs. With its focus on student achievement and community involvement, West Georgia Technical College continues to play a vital role in workforce development in the region.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at West Georgia Technical College

West Georgia Technical College has experienced notable trends in tuition, student retention, graduation rates, and the student-to-faculty ratio over recent years. The tuition fees for in-state undergraduates have shown a consistent increase, rising from $2,628 in 2014 to $3,172 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 20.7%. This upward trajectory in tuition is reflective of broader trends in higher education, where rising costs often lead to increased financial burdens for students and families.

In terms of student retention, there has been a fluctuation in the retention rate over the years, peaking at approximately 60.2% in 2018 before slightly declining to around 50.3% by 2023. This trend could indicate challenges in student satisfaction or support services, which are critical factors in maintaining ongoing enrollment. A high retention rate is essential as it correlates with better academic outcomes and graduation rates.

The graduation rates at West Georgia Technical College have also exhibited variability. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates was particularly low in 2016 at just 6.9%, but saw improvements in the following years, reaching 25.3% in 2022. This increase suggests that the institution has made strides in academic advising and support services, which are pivotal for student success.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 18 students per faculty member in 2013 to 19 in 2023. While this ratio is still favorable, maintaining smaller class sizes is crucial for personalized instruction and can impact both retention and graduation rates positively.

Overall, these metrics highlight the ongoing challenges and improvements at West Georgia Technical College, emphasizing the importance of addressing tuition affordability, enhancing student support, and maintaining a conducive learning environment to foster student success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Atlanta, about 45 mi
Nearest international airport
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), about 45 mi
Waco, Georgia
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Julie Post (President)
Phone
6788213800
City
Waco, Georgia
Address
176 Murphy Campus Blvd., Waco, GA 30182

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3120 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
45
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
43
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
27
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping
22
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other
19
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician
16
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
15
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
15
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
14
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
12

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Data from West Georgia Technical College

The graduate data from West Georgia Technical College presents a clear picture of the institution's output in various fields for 2023. Notably, the majority of the programs report a significant number of associate degrees conferred, particularly in the fields of Business Administration and Registered Nursing, with 44 graduates in each. This indicates a strong emphasis on these fields, likely reflecting both demand in the job market and the college's strategic focus on providing relevant vocational training.

Interestingly, the data reveals a stark absence of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates across the board. This trend suggests that the college primarily caters to students seeking associate degrees, which aligns with the institution's mission as a technical college. The lack of international students graduating from these programs could be indicative of the college's limited appeal or resources for higher-level degree offerings, which may also reflect broader trends in community colleges focusing on immediate workforce readiness rather than advanced academic degrees.

Furthermore, the data reflects a commitment to health and technical fields, with programs like Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician and Pharmacy Technician also contributing to the number of associate graduates. This aligns with the growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare and technical sectors, especially in the post-pandemic landscape where these roles have become increasingly vital.

Overall, the data from West Georgia Technical College underscores the institution's role in preparing students for immediate employment in essential fields while highlighting potential areas for growth, particularly in higher degree offerings and attracting international students.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 110 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.-
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.$35,320-$36,879
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.$35,320-$36,879
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant.$35,820
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$44,993-$55,181
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$44,993-$55,181
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$44,993-$55,181
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$81,879
Businesshas 72 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.$43,033
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.$42,345
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 59 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician.-
Network and System Administration/Administrator.$44,883
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.$44,883
Engineering technologieshas 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General.-
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Liberal arts has 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.-
Educationhas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$29,198
Culinary has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.-
Homeland security has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Fire Services Administration.-
Mechanic and repair has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair Technology/Technician, General.-

Students

6,940 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 33:67 · Freshman retention 57.8%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,940)

White
3,266 · 47.1%
Black
2,368 · 34.1%
Hispanic
812 · 11.7%
Two or more races
329 · 4.7%
Asian
89 · 1.3%
International
32 · 0.5%
Unknown
24 · 0.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
19.5%
18–19
21.1%
20–21
13.4%
22–24
13.5%
25 and over
32.5%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at West Georgia Technical College in 2023

The demographic data for West Georgia Technical College in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the composition of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 823, with a notable gender distribution of 43.6% male and 56.4% female students. This indicates a healthy representation of female students, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.

For undergraduate continuing students, the figures are significantly larger, with 3,147 students enrolled. Here, the male representation drops to 29.8%, while the female demographic rises to 70.2%. Such a disparity may prompt discussions about retention strategies and the experiences that older male students have within academic environments, which could be an area for further investigation.

The undergraduate transfer student population is 507, also showing a gender imbalance with 27.8% males and 72.2% females. This trend mirrors the continuing undergraduate student demographic, suggesting that transfer students may also be influenced by similar factors affecting the overall gender ratios at the institution.

Additionally, the total number of non-degree seeking students is 1,663, with a male representation of 37.8% and a female representation of 62.2%. The consistent underrepresentation of males across these categories highlights a potential area for the college to explore in terms of outreach and support programs aimed at male students.

Overall, the data from West Georgia Technical College reflects wider trends in higher education enrollment, emphasizing the need for targeted initiatives to ensure equitable support for all student demographics, particularly male students who appear to be underrepresented at various stages of their educational journey.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at West Georgia Technical College

The age distribution of students at West Georgia Technical College reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. A notable observation is the predominance of younger students, particularly those under the age of 24, who constitute a substantial majority of the total enrollment. Specifically, students under 18 years account for approximately 37% of the total female students and about 25% of the male students, indicating a strong influx of recent high school graduates pursuing further education immediately.

As we analyze the age brackets from 18 to 24, we see that the combined total for these categories remains high, with over 60% of the female students and around 50% of the male students falling within this age range. This trend mirrors a national phenomenon where younger demographics are increasingly prioritizing higher education, likely influenced by the growing emphasis on advanced qualifications in today’s job market.

The data also highlights a stark decrease in enrollment as age increases, particularly past the age of 30, which may reflect changing life priorities or barriers to education for older individuals. For instance, only 38% of the total student body is aged 30 or older, which emphasizes the college's appeal to younger individuals.

These trends suggest the importance of creating supportive frameworks within educational institutions that cater to the unique needs of both younger and older students, ensuring accessibility to education for all age groups. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, understanding these demographic trends will be crucial in shaping future educational policies and programs.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.5%

32 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.4%2017: 0.4%2018: 0.3%2019: 0.3%2020: 0.2%2021: 0.2%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.1%2024: 0.4%2025: 0.5%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at West Georgia Technical College

The data on international student enrollment at West Georgia Technical College over the years indicates a notable fluctuation in the number and percentage of international students among the undergraduate population. Starting with only four international students in 2010 and 2011, the college saw a gradual increase, peaking at 28 international students in 2016, which constituted 0.44% of the total undergraduate population. This surge could be attributed to various factors, such as enhanced global outreach efforts, increased recruitment initiatives, or favorable study conditions.

However, the following years show a decline in both the number and percentage of international students. By 2023, only eight international students were enrolled, representing 0.13% of the total undergraduate student body. This downward trend raises questions about the college's attractiveness to international students, particularly in the context of the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly affected global student mobility.

Such changes in enrollment patterns could also reflect broader trends in higher education, where many institutions are re-evaluating their internationalization strategies. As competition among colleges and universities increases, it's crucial for West Georgia Technical College to explore innovative approaches to attract and retain international students. Fostering a welcoming environment, providing support services, and creating partnerships with foreign institutions could be potential strategies to revitalize international enrollment in the years to come.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$13,471

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$5,978
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$3,410
Room and board
$7,493
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 23% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 14%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$58.8M

Government grants and contracts
$39.2M66.7%
Tuition and fees
$10.9M18.5%
Sales and services of educational activities
$2.8M4.7%
Gifts and private grants
$300K0.5%
Other
$5.6M9.6%

Expenses$56.4M

Instruction
$18.6M33.0%
Academic support
$9.0M16.0%
Scholarships
$8.0M14.1%
Student services
$6.1M10.7%
Institutional support
$5.5M9.8%
Other
$9.3M16.4%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$40,627peers $68,588
Instructor
$40,627peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near West Georgia Technical College:

  1. Spelman College - Ranked 39th in the 2024 US News rankings, Spelman College is a prestigious women's college known for its commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.

  2. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - This top-ranked public research university is placed 33rd nationally. Georgia Tech is renowned for its engineering and technology programs.

  3. Emory University - With a rank of 24, Emory University is a leading private university recognized for its strong programs in health, business, and law.

  4. University of Georgia - Ranked 47th, the University of Georgia is one of the oldest public universities in the United States, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. Clemson University - Ranked 86th, Clemson University is known for its vibrant campus life and outstanding programs in engineering, business, and agriculture.

These institutions provide a variety of academic opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Crime Trends at West Georgia Technical College

The crime data from West Georgia Technical College over the past decade indicates a remarkably low rate of incidents on campus. From 2013 to 2023, the average number of crimes recorded per 1,000 students has remained minimal, with most years showing zero incidents. Notably, the years 2014, 2016, and 2017 saw some minor occurrences, including arrests related to firearms, but these represented a very small fraction of the student population.

This trend reflects a broader context within educational institutions, where safety and security measures have been increasingly prioritized. Many colleges have invested in enhanced surveillance, campus policing, and educational programs aimed at preventing crime, which likely contributes to this favorable data. The absence of serious offenses such as violent crimes or drug-related incidents is particularly commendable and suggests a positive campus environment.

Moreover, the low crime rates can encourage prospective students and their families, fostering a sense of security and community. However, it is also essential for the institution to remain vigilant and proactive in crime prevention strategies, ensuring that the campus remains a safe haven for learning. Continuous assessment of safety protocols and engagement with students regarding crime awareness can help sustain these positive trends.

For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, additional information can be found at the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.