Students at Georgia Highlands College benefit from exceptional affordability that makes higher education accessible to families across all income levels, with costs significantly below typical public institutions.
The college's combination of low net prices and zero default rates shows that students can pursue education without taking on unmanageable financial risk.
Georgia Highlands College operates as a public two-year institution serving students across Georgia with a strong focus on accessibility and affordability. While Azimuth does not rank two-year colleges in our national rankings system, the college demonstrates particular strength in keeping costs low for students from all income backgrounds. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and more than 40% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's role as an entry point for many families new to higher education.
The college's affordability profile ranks in the 90th percentile nationally, meaning it costs significantly less than most comparable institutions. Net prices range from about $5,000 for low-income students to roughly $11,600 for higher-income families, making it one of the most accessible options in Georgia. However, as a two-year institution, long-term earnings outcomes differ from four-year universities, with graduates earning a median of $43,184 ten years after enrollment.
Georgia Highlands serves as both a destination for students seeking associate degrees and a stepping stone for those planning to transfer to four-year institutions. With an estimated 18% of students transferring in from other colleges, it attracts students at various stages of their educational journey who value the combination of low cost, flexible scheduling, and solid academic preparation.
Georgia Highlands College offers a range of associate degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions. While specific program-level earnings data is limited, the college typically sees strongest outcomes in health sciences, business, and technical fields that align with regional employer needs. Nursing and allied health programs often provide the most direct pathways to stable, well-paying careers immediately after graduation.
The college's transfer programs in liberal arts and sciences serve students planning to continue their education at four-year institutions, where they can achieve higher long-term earnings while having minimized their initial educational costs. Business and computer information systems programs offer practical skills that translate well to local job markets, particularly in the Rome and northwest Georgia region.
As a community college, Georgia Highlands focuses on providing foundational education and workforce preparation rather than specialized high-earning programs. The institution's strength lies in offering affordable, accessible education that serves as either a complete credential for immediate employment or a cost-effective foundation for further study at four-year institutions.
Georgia Highlands College graduates earn a median of $43,184 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the typical earnings trajectory for associate degree holders. While these earnings are lower than those seen at four-year institutions, they represent solid outcomes for students who complete two-year programs and enter the workforce directly. The college shows a modest positive value-added effect, with graduates earning about $2,169 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the education provides meaningful economic benefit beyond what might be expected.
Earnings outcomes vary significantly based on the programs students choose and whether they continue their education after completing their associate degrees. Students who use Georgia Highlands as a transfer pathway often see substantially higher long-term earnings once they complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere. For those who enter the workforce directly, fields like nursing, business, and technical programs typically offer the strongest immediate earning potential.
The college's role as an affordable entry point into higher education means many students can avoid significant debt while building skills and credentials. With 133 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, there are clear pathways to strong financial outcomes, particularly for students who leverage their associate degrees strategically or continue their education at four-year institutions.
Georgia Highlands College excels in affordability, ranking in the 90th percentile nationally for keeping costs low across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $4,996 per year after aid, while middle-income families see annual costs around $8,456, and even higher-income students pay only $11,605 annually. These figures represent some of the lowest net prices available in Georgia's public higher education system, making the college accessible to families across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most students, with typical federal loan borrowing of just $12,000 over the course of their studies. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,252, reflecting the college's success in keeping family borrowing to modest levels. The combination of low sticker prices, substantial financial aid, and shorter program duration means most students can complete their education without taking on the debt burdens common at four-year institutions.
The college's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their modest debt loads, even with the lower earnings typical of associate degree holders. This strong repayment performance reflects both the manageable debt levels and the practical, career-focused education that helps students find stable employment after graduation.
Georgia Highlands College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
