In the early 20th century, community colleges were established so that a more skilled workforce could make the economy stronger. During this time, there was an increase in enrollment in high schools and grades 9 through 12 were necessary to earn a four-year university. Some postsecondary schools offer associate degrees, certificate programs, developmental courses, and vocational courses. Also, they allow students to take online courses; they can be scheduled on a flexible basis; and they offer childcare services for students with children at home.

Not every student, especially those coming from diverse backgrounds, wants to put all their efforts into earning a bachelor’s degree immediately after high school. Community colleges offer convenient alternatives because they allow students to pursue higher education while also juggling professional or personal commitments. A degree or certificate from a community college should not take more than two years to complete. The longest degree available is usually the associate degree, which needs two years or four semesters to earn. Other common programs include certificate and workforce training programs, which take a year at most and sometimes even less than that.

Best Community Colleges In Atlanta

The selection of the best Atlanta, GA community colleges was done based on acceptance rate, student-faculty ratio, number of programs, graduation rate, tuition fees, our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review.

So, based on these criteria, here is a list of the best community colleges in Atlanta, Georgia:

• The Art Institute of Atlanta: Founded in 1949 as Art Institute Atlanta, the school became the Art Institute of Atlanta in 1975 and is now part of an ever-growing chain of more than fifty schools. A collaborative education at The Art Institute of Atlanta is all about the work, the students who create it, and the instructors who guide them. The Art Institute of Atlanta, a private college of professional studies, prepares students for careers in design media arts and culinary arts by offering them an educational environment that incorporates concepts of problem solving, critical thinking and creative expression through various educational programs.

• Georgia State University: Georgia State University is ranked as No. 2 in the nation for innovation and as No. 2 among national universities for its unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching after its ranking last year as No. 3 on those measures. Georgia State University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), is designated as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), “and receives grants from the federal government supporting the school’s efforts to serve low-income Blacks

• Herzing University Atlanta: Herzing University is committed to supporting all students for success in work, learning and engagement in our communities and global society. Career-oriented degree programs include a complementary and integrated general education curriculum established to stimulate students intellectual growth, to contribute to their personal development.
• Atlanta Technical College: At Atlanta Technical College, our mission is to provide quality education at an affordable cost. We are proud to offer affordable tuition that ranks among the most incredible values in the nation. Atlanta Technical College offers more than 150 programs in a wide variety of career fields. Students can obtain a degree, diploma or certificate in 1 to 2 years and some programs can be completed in eight weeks.
• Gwinnett Community College: The GTC (Gwinnett Technical College) is a public institution in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Its campus is located in a suburb with a total enrollment of 9,124. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. Gwinnett Technical College doesn’t have courses in all 17 of the most popular majors, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an attractive school for prospective students. The in-state tuition and fees for 2018-2019 were $2,972, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $5,108. The application fee is $25.
• Southern Crescent Technical College: Southern Crescent Technical College was established in July 2010 from the merger of Flint River Technical College (FRTC) and Griffin Technical College (GTC). Southern Crescent Technical College is a flagship technical college in the state, with a combined student population of over 6,500 credit students. As one of the largest technical colleges in Georgia, the two campus locations and three centers will serve the workforce and community needs of the over 500,000 citizens in the nine counties of the South Atlanta region including Butts, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, Taylor, and Upson counties.
• Oglethorpe University: Oglethorpe is a small college in the big city of Atlanta, where students have the opportunity to be part of a diverse community, enjoy small classes on a gorgeous campus, and take advantage of all the professional opportunities Atlanta has to offer.
• Lanier Technical College: Lanier Tech, like many other technical colleges, is accredited by an organization that determines if their graduates can be accepted to a four-year school. Students have comprehensive service learning opportunities to help them develop the skills they need to become leader in their field.

• Georgia Piedmont Technical College: Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a medium, 2-year, public technical college. This coed college is located in a large city in a suburban setting and is primarily a commuter campus. It offers certificate and associate degrees. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is committed to providing students with on-the-job training opportunities through state-of-the-art training facilities, by creating unforgettable learning experiences for students, and by supporting them in their on-the-job careers.