Georgia Highlands College
Out-of-state tuition
$10,080
In-state $3,120
Peer median $11,384
Undergraduates
5,382
Student-faculty ratio 21:1
Peer median 19 : 1
“Peers” are all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is a public college located in the scenic region of Northwest Georgia, USA. It is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a unique blend of academic excellence and community engagement. One of the key features of GHC is its commitment to providing accessible higher education opportunities, catering to a diverse student body. The college prides itself on small class sizes, which fosters personalized attention from faculty and encourages student participation in the learning process. This supportive learning environment contributes to a strong sense of community among students and faculty alike.
GHC offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees and transfer pathways to four-year institutions, making it an excellent choice for students aiming to further their education. The college emphasizes a well-rounded education, promoting not only academic success but also personal growth and career readiness. Additionally, GHC is known for its active campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic teams that nurture leadership skills and camaraderie among students. The college's dedication to student success is evident in its robust support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, which help students navigate their educational journeys effectively. Overall, Georgia Highlands College stands out as a vibrant institution that blends academic rigor with a nurturing environment, preparing students for successful futures.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Georgia Highlands College
Georgia Highlands College has exhibited notable trends across several key metrics over the years, especially regarding tuition, student enrollment, and retention rates.
Firstly, tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students saw fluctuations, starting from $2,720 in 2014 and peaking at $3,288 in 2018 before declining to $2,944 in 2023. This decline in recent years could indicate the college's efforts to make education more accessible amid rising living costs and student debt concerns nationwide. However, out-of-state tuition has consistently increased, from $8,360 in 2014 to $9,296 in 2023. This trend emphasizes the financial burden on students coming from outside Georgia, potentially impacting enrollment figures.
The total number of undergraduate students enrolled has also shown a concerning downward trajectory, decreasing from 5,533 in 2013 to 4,768 in 2023. Such a decline may reflect broader demographic shifts or dissatisfaction with the institution's offerings. Coupled with this, the graduation rates remain critically low, with only 2.05% of students graduating on time in 2014, a figure that has barely improved over the years. This low percentage raises questions about the institution's support systems and academic resources available to students.
Moreover, the retention rates present a mixed picture. After a peak retention rate of 100% in 2019, there was a notable drop to approximately 58.33% in 2023. This decline could signify challenges in maintaining student engagement and satisfaction, warranting a closer look at the academic environment and student services.
In conclusion, while Georgia Highlands College is actively managing tuition costs, it faces significant challenges in student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention. Addressing these issues will be critical for the institution's future stability and reputation.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a small city
- Nearest major city
- Atlanta, about 50 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), about 60 mi
- Also known as
- GHC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Mike Hobbs (President)
- Phone
- 8003322406
- Address
- 3175 Cedartown Highway, S.E., Rome, GA 30161-3897
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Georgia Highlands College 2023
The graduation data from Georgia Highlands College in 2023 reveals significant insights into the trends in various academic disciplines. Notably, the Health Services and Nursing programs demonstrate strong graduation numbers at the bachelor's level, with 39 and 34 graduates respectively. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the critical need for skilled healthcare workers.
Interestingly, the data shows a considerable number of graduates in the Liberal Arts and Sciences category, with 599 students earning degrees. This emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education and the versatility of liberal arts, which can provide graduates with essential skills applicable in various fields. However, the absence of international students graduating in these programs may suggest barriers to entry or a lack of awareness about these disciplines among potential international applicants.
Moreover, the data indicates a low involvement of international students across most programs, particularly in the Health and Business sectors, where there were no international graduates reported. This could reflect broader trends in higher education, where international student enrollment has fluctuated due to various factors, including visa regulations and global events.
Overall, the data underscores the strong emphasis on healthcare education at Georgia Highlands College, while also pointing to potential areas for growth in attracting international students in diverse fields. As the job market continues to evolve, the college may need to adapt its programs and outreach strategies to better serve both domestic and international student populations.
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 | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $35,435 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $37,376 | ||
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $75,106 | ||
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $43,683 | ||
| Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling. | - | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $87,195-$97,337 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $55,192 | ||
| Construction Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | $41,608 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources/Conservation, General. | - |
Students
5,382 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 34:66 · Freshman retention 59.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 3,269
- First-year undergraduates 508
- Transfers and others 1,605
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,382)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Georgia Highlands College in 2023
In 2023, Georgia Highlands College showcases a diverse student body, with a total of 4,768 undergraduate students and a small population of graduate students. Among undergraduate newcomers, there are 990 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 41.2% male and 58.8% female, reflecting a slightly higher female enrollment. This trend continues with the continuing undergraduate students, where females constitute 65.8% of the 3,026 students. The transfer student group, comprising 403 individuals, also shows a similar gender ratio with 64.8% females.
The racial composition reveals that White students represent a significant portion of the student population. Specifically, among newcomers, 567 are White, while the continuing students account for 1,697 White individuals. Interestingly, the data also indicates a growing presence of diverse ethnic groups, which is crucial for fostering an inclusive educational environment.
The gender disparities across different student classifications highlight the ongoing trends in higher education, where females tend to enroll in greater numbers than males. This observation aligns with national statistics indicating that women are increasingly pursuing higher education. The college's demographic diversity not only enriches the academic experience but also promotes cross-cultural understanding among students.
As institutions of higher learning continue to evolve, monitoring these demographics is essential for informing policy and ensuring equitable access to educational resources. Georgia Highlands College appears to be on a positive trajectory in terms of both enrollment and diversity, reflecting broader societal shifts towards inclusivity in education.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Georgia Highlands College
The age distribution of students at Georgia Highlands College reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of the student body. Notably, the largest group of students falls within the 18-19 age range, comprising 523 male undergraduates and 768 female undergraduates, making up a significant portion of the total student population. This trend is consistent with national statistics, where traditional college-age students (typically 18-24) dominate enrollment figures, reflecting a preference for immediate post-secondary education.
As we examine older age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment numbers. For instance, only 194 males and 393 females are in the 25-29 age group, and the figures continue to drop for older categories. This could indicate that older individuals may be less likely to pursue a full-time college education, perhaps opting for part-time study or professional development opportunities instead.
Interestingly, the data shows a minimal representation of students aged 50 and above, with just 14 males and 66 females, highlighting the challenges faced by older adults in accessing higher education. This aligns with broader societal trends where educational pursuits may be less common among this demographic, possibly due to career commitments or family responsibilities.
In conclusion, Georgia Highlands College's student age composition reflects a typical trend seen across many institutions, with a strong presence of younger students. This raises questions about the accessibility and support systems in place for non-traditional students who may wish to return to education later in life. As educational institutions navigate changing demographics, it will be crucial to foster inclusive environments that cater to the diverse needs of all age groups.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
44 in 2025 · 1.1% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Georgia Highlands College
The data on international student enrollment at Georgia Highlands College presents an intriguing picture of trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students has shown a general upward trend, peaking at 6,184 in 2019 before experiencing a decline in subsequent years.
International student enrollment, while initially modest, has seen notable fluctuations. In the earlier years, such as in 2004, only 19 international students were enrolled, representing just 0.58% of the total undergraduate population. However, the percentage of international students increased significantly in subsequent years, reaching a peak of 1.21% in 2018. This growth reflects a broader trend in American higher education, where institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of a diverse student body and the contributions of international students to campus life.
Despite the peak in 2018, the subsequent years from 2020 onwards indicate some challenges, with a slight decline in both the total number of students and the proportion of international students. This may be attributed to various factors, including the global pandemic's impact on travel and education, which resulted in many international students reassessing their study abroad plans.
Overall, while international student enrollment at Georgia Highlands College has experienced ups and downs, the gradual increase in their proportion over the years highlights an important aspect of the institution's commitment to diversity and global education. The coming years will be crucial in determining how this trend evolves in response to ongoing global challenges and shifts in educational priorities.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$23,440
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,080
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $3,120
- Room and board
- $13,360
Peer median tuition + room and board $23,440 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 10% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 86%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$60.1M
Expenses$50.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 45 | - |
| Softball | - | 22 |
| Basketball | 12 | - |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 49 | - |
| Basketball | 19 | 10 |
| Softball | - | 13 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 40 | - |
| Basketball | 12 | 10 |
| Softball | - | 17 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta · 54.1 mi
U.S. News #29
-
Spelman CollegeAtlanta · 54.2 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta · 55.2 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Emory UniversityAtlanta · 56.9 mi
U.S. News #23
-
Agnes Scott CollegeDecatur · 59.1 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
The University of the SouthSewanee · 82.2 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 90.2 mi
U.S. News #262
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 102.2 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 103.2 mi
U.S. News #191
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Georgia Highlands College:
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong engineering and technology programs.
-
Emory University - With a rank of 24, Emory is a prestigious research university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly noted for its health sciences and law schools.
-
Spelman College - Ranked 39th, this historically Black women's college is recognized for its commitment to the education of women of African descent and offers a liberal arts curriculum.
-
University of Georgia - This comprehensive university ranks 47th and is known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Clemson University - Ranked 86th, Clemson is well-regarded for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs.
These institutions offer a range of programs and opportunities for students in the area.
Peer median 0.7 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/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 Data at Georgia Highlands College
The crime data from Georgia Highlands College presents a largely positive outlook regarding campus safety. Over the span of a decade, the college recorded minimal incidents, with only one recorded case of armed arrest in 2016, translating to a crime rate of 0.24 per 1,000 students. This figure is significantly low compared to national averages at other institutions, indicating effective safety measures and a relatively secure environment for students.
From 2013 to 2023, the absence of recorded incidents in most years suggests that the college has successfully implemented programs to foster a safe academic atmosphere. With zero occurrences of drug-related arrests, alcohol-related arrests, and violence, the data reflects a commendable commitment to student welfare and crime prevention.
The emphasis on maintaining a safe campus aligns with a growing trend in higher education institutions across the United States, where universities are increasingly focusing on crime prevention strategies, mental health resources, and community engagement. This proactive approach is critical in addressing the challenges that may arise in college environments, such as substance abuse and violence.
Overall, Georgia Highlands College’s data suggests a thriving, safe community for its students, which is essential for academic success and personal development. This positive trend should encourage prospective students and their families while highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and preventive measures to maintain this standard of safety. For further details on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
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.