Columbus Technical College
Out-of-state tuition
$7,262
In-state $4,052
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
3,307
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
20.7%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 30.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Columbus Technical College, located in Columbus, Georgia, stands out as a premier institution for technical education and workforce development. Established in 1961, the college has a clear mission to provide quality education and training that meets the needs of the local community and industry. With a diverse range of programs, Columbus Technical College offers over 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs across various fields, including health sciences, information technology, manufacturing, and business management. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers upon graduation.
The college's commitment to student success is evident in its strong support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring. Columbus Technical College also boasts modern facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing students to gain relevant skills in real-world environments. The college fosters a vibrant campus culture with numerous student organizations and extracurricular activities, promoting a sense of community among students. Additionally, with a focus on workforce readiness, Columbus Technical College maintains strong connections with local employers, enhancing job placement opportunities for graduates. This focus on practical education and community engagement makes Columbus Technical College a valuable asset to the region and a preferred choice for many students seeking to advance their careers.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Columbus Technical College
Columbus Technical College, as a public institution, has experienced notable trends in several areas over the years. One significant metric is tuition fees, which have steadily increased for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, the in-state tuition was $1,529, and by 2024, it had risen to $3,042. This increase of approximately 99.7% over a decade reflects the broader trend of rising educational costs across the United States, which has raised concerns about accessibility for prospective students.
Another key area of concern is the graduation rate, particularly the on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students, which has remained relatively low, hovering around 10% to 14% in recent years. This statistic highlights the challenges students face in completing their degrees in a timely manner, which can be attributed to various factors including financial strain, academic preparedness, and personal circumstances. The data indicates that the 150% graduation rate is higher, suggesting that while many students may not finish within the standard timeframe, they eventually do, which is crucial for their long-term career prospects.
Retention rates also present a challenge, having decreased from 55.9% in 2018 to 41.9% in 2023. This trend could indicate difficulties in student engagement or support services, which are critical for helping students navigate their academic journeys. Retention is a significant factor that institutions must focus on to ensure students not only enroll but also persist to graduation.
Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students shows a consistent trend of higher female enrollment, with women constituting about 70% of the undergraduate population in recent years. This demographic shift may influence campus culture and academic offerings, necessitating tailored support systems to address the unique needs of a predominantly female student body.
Overall, the data from Columbus Technical College reflects broader trends in higher education, including rising costs, challenges in graduation and retention, and changing demographics, all of which warrant focused attention from college administrators and policymakers.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Atlanta, about 90 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), about 80 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Martha Ann Todd (President)
- Phone
- 7066491800
- Address
- 928 Manchester Expressway, Columbus, GA 31904-6572
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Columbus Technical College
The graduation data from Columbus Technical College in 2023 reveals significant trends across various academic programs. Notably, the medical and health sciences fields appear to have the highest number of graduates, particularly in categories such as Health Information Technology and Registered Nursing, with a total of 61 graduates in the nursing program alone. This reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals, a trend that has intensified in recent years due to the ongoing global health crises and an aging population.
In contrast, engineering and technical disciplines show a very limited number of graduates. Programs such as Computer Programming and Engineering Technologies each graduated just one student, suggesting potential issues with enrollment or interest in these fields. Given the increasing reliance on technology and engineering solutions in various industries, this low turnout could hinder the workforce's ability to meet future demands.
Furthermore, the data shows that international students are mostly absent from graduating in Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate programs, with zero reported graduates in these categories. This highlights a potential area for growth, as attracting international students can enhance diversity and enrich the educational environment.
Overall, the data illustrates a clear disparity in graduation rates across different disciplines, with healthcare programs thriving while engineering and technology fields lag behind. This could prompt a reconsideration of strategies to boost enrollment in less popular programs, ensuring that students are prepared for the evolving job market.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General. | - | |
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
Students
3,307 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 31:69 · Freshman retention 52.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,647
- First-year undergraduates 183
- Transfers and others 1,477
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,307)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Columbus Technical College in 2023
The student body at Columbus Technical College showcases a diverse composition across various categories of enrollment for the year 2023. The data reveals the distribution of students into four main categories: new undergraduate students, continuing undergraduate students, transfer undergraduate students, and graduate students.
Among the new undergraduate students, the majority are female, with 62.6% compared to 37.4% male, indicating a trend towards higher female enrollment in this category. Continuing undergraduate students show an even greater disparity, with 73.5% female and 26.5% male, highlighting the prominence of female students in higher education at this institution. Transfer undergraduate students also reflect a similar pattern, with 67.9% being female.
However, the graduate student category presents a different picture, with males constituting 35.6% of the population. This variation may suggest that as students progress in their education, gender distribution might balance out, particularly in specialized fields that attract more male participants.
In terms of ethnic diversity, the data indicates a blend of different racial and ethnic backgrounds among students. While detailed breakdowns for the continuing and transfer categories were not available, it is essential for institutions to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates this diversity. The college's commitment to supporting various demographics can enhance learning experiences and prepare students for a global workforce.
This analysis underscores the importance of monitoring gender and ethnic diversity trends in educational institutions, as they reflect broader societal changes and can influence recruitment strategies and support systems.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Columbus Technical College
The age distribution of students at Columbus Technical College reveals some interesting trends regarding the demographics of the student body. Notably, the largest group of students falls within the 18-19 age range, with 556 students combined (219 male and 337 female). This indicates a significant influx of young individuals likely transitioning from high school to higher education, which aligns with national trends where many students begin their college journey at this age.
As we progress through the age categories, there is a gradual decline in the number of students, particularly among males, with only 65 males aged 30-34 and 45 males aged 35-39. This suggests that older individuals may be less prevalent in the undergraduate male population, potentially due to various life commitments such as work or family. Conversely, the female student population remains relatively stable across ages, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, indicating a growing trend of women pursuing higher education later in life.
There are also notable figures among older age groups, such as the 50-64 category, which comprises 38 males and 69 females. This could reflect a shift in attitudes towards lifelong learning, where older adults seek to enhance their skills or change careers.
Overall, the data emphasizes the importance of catering to diverse age groups in educational programs, as the needs and motivations of younger students differ significantly from those of older students. This demographic insight can help Columbus Technical College tailor its offerings and support systems to better serve its varied student population, promoting a more inclusive educational environment.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
16 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Columbus Technical College
The data on international student enrollment at Columbus Technical College reveals a fluctuating yet generally upward trend in the number of international undergraduate students over the years. Starting from just one international student in 2004, the number saw a significant increase, peaking at 22 students in 2020. This is noteworthy given the global context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted education systems and international travel. Despite these challenges, the college managed to attract a higher proportion of international students, with an impressive 0.63% in 2020.
However, the subsequent years witnessed a decline in both total enrollment and the number of international students. By 2023, the college had 3134 undergraduate students, with only 9 being international students, equating to a 0.29% representation. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changing immigration policies, the ongoing effects of the pandemic, and the increasing competition from other institutions worldwide that offer enticing programs for international students.
The college's ability to attract and retain international students is crucial not only for cultural diversity but also for enhancing the academic environment. With a historical peak in 2014 at 0.43% of the undergraduate population being international students, Columbus Technical College should consider strategies to rejuvenate its international recruitment efforts. Engaging in partnerships with foreign institutions and improving outreach could foster a more inclusive and globally-minded student body in the years to come.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$21,356
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $7,262
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $4,052
- Room and board
- $14,094
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 50% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 28%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$33.0M
Expenses$31.4M
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.
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
-
Auburn UniversityAuburn · 30.3 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Mercer UniversityMacon · 80.4 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Spelman CollegeAtlanta · 91.6 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta · 92.6 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta · 93.7 mi
U.S. News #29
-
Agnes Scott CollegeDecatur · 95.7 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Emory UniversityAtlanta · 96.3 mi
U.S. News #23
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 124.1 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 126.0 mi
U.S. News #137
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Columbus Technical College:
-
Auburn University - Ranked 93rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Auburn University is a comprehensive public university located in Auburn, Alabama.
-
Emory University - With a prestigious ranking of 24, Emory University is a comprehensive private university known for its strong academic programs and research initiatives.
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, Georgia Tech is a leading public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia, renowned for its engineering and technology programs.
-
Spelman College - This historically black women's college is ranked 39th and is known for its commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.
-
University of Georgia - Ranked 47th, the University of Georgia is a large public university in Athens, Georgia, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Clemson University - With a ranking of 86, Clemson University is a public research university in South Carolina, recognized for its engineering and business programs.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Columbus Technical College
The crime data from Columbus Technical College over the years reveals a significant downward trend in criminal incidents on campus. In 2013, the average crime rate was at 0.98 per 1,000 students, which is relatively high compared to subsequent years. By 2014, the rate decreased to 0.53, indicating an improvement in campus safety and a more secure environment for students.
Interestingly, from 2017 to 2022, there were no recorded incidents, suggesting that the college has effectively implemented measures to enhance campus security. The absence of crime during these years could be attributed to various factors, including increased awareness, security initiatives, and possibly a shift in student behavior. However, a small resurgence occurred in 2023, with a rate of 0.32 per 1,000 students, primarily due to a single incident of gun-related arrest.
The data also highlights the types of crimes reported. The most common type of offense during the years with recorded incidents was related to gun arrests, which raises concerns about campus violence. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance and the need for educational institutions to foster a safe atmosphere for learning.
Overall, while the significant drop in crime rates at Columbus Technical College is commendable, the occasional rise in incidents serves as a reminder of the need for continuous efforts in safety protocols. Educational institutions should remain proactive in addressing safety concerns to ensure a secure environment for their students. For a better understanding of how to calculate crime rates, refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
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.