About Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Atlanta Metropolitan State College serves working adults and career-changers who need flexible pathways to four-year degrees. The college enrolls 1,348 students in Atlanta's urban core. This historically Black institution focuses on bridging students from community college to university through transfer programs and professional development.
Students pay an average of $5,090 after financial aid, making it one of Georgia's most affordable options. In-state tuition runs just $3,105 annually. Graduates earn a median of $33,252 ten years after starting, while typical student debt reaches only $14,123. The low debt load makes this a financially sensible choice for students seeking an affordable start to higher education. Monthly loan payments average $150 for those who borrow.
The student body reflects Atlanta's demographics, with 87% Black enrollment and 65% women. However, the college struggles with retention, keeping just 37% of students from year to year. Only 14% of students graduate within six years. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes and less individual attention. Students serious about completing their degree need strong self-motivation and clear academic goals to succeed here.
Students pay an average of $5,090 after financial aid, making it one of Georgia's most affordable options. In-state tuition runs just $3,105 annually. Graduates earn a median of $33,252 ten years after starting, while typical student debt reaches only $14,123. The low debt load makes this a financially sensible choice for students seeking an affordable start to higher education. Monthly loan payments average $150 for those who borrow.
The student body reflects Atlanta's demographics, with 87% Black enrollment and 65% women. However, the college struggles with retention, keeping just 37% of students from year to year. Only 14% of students graduate within six years. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes and less individual attention. Students serious about completing their degree need strong self-motivation and clear academic goals to succeed here.
Academics & Faculty
Atlanta Metropolitan State College focuses on career preparation and workforce development for the metro Atlanta area. The college serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing associate degrees or transferring to four-year universities. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes offer more personal attention than large universities. However, the 18.67% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face completing their programs. The college emphasizes practical skills training in fields like business, health sciences, and information technology. Many students attend part-time while working, which contributes to the 37.04% retention rate. The institution particularly serves as an affordable entry point for first-generation college students in the Atlanta community.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 18.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 14.3%
- Retention Rate
- 37.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,252
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,103 |
Campus Life
Atlanta Metropolitan State College sits in the heart of Georgia's capital city, where 1,348 students navigate urban campus life. The college serves as a commuter school with minimal on-campus housing, meaning most students drive in from across metro Atlanta's sprawling suburbs. With 86% of students from Georgia, the campus buzzes with local connections and familiar faces from nearby high schools.
The student body is 65% women and 87% Black, creating a close-knit community atmosphere despite the 22:1 student-faculty ratio. Atlanta's humid subtropical climate means students wear shorts and flip-flops through October, though they'll need light jackets for brief winter months. Weekend activities center around Atlanta's attractions rather than campus events. Students often head to Centennial Olympic Park, catch Hawks or Falcons games, or explore the city's well-known music scene. The Trailblazers name reflects the school's mission of helping first-generation college students navigate higher education paths. Many students balance work with classes, taking advantage of the college's flexible scheduling to accommodate Atlanta's job market.
The student body is 65% women and 87% Black, creating a close-knit community atmosphere despite the 22:1 student-faculty ratio. Atlanta's humid subtropical climate means students wear shorts and flip-flops through October, though they'll need light jackets for brief winter months. Weekend activities center around Atlanta's attractions rather than campus events. Students often head to Centennial Olympic Park, catch Hawks or Falcons games, or explore the city's well-known music scene. The Trailblazers name reflects the school's mission of helping first-generation college students navigate higher education paths. Many students balance work with classes, taking advantage of the college's flexible scheduling to accommodate Atlanta's job market.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–54°F
- July Avg
- 71°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.2"
Student Demographics
This historically black institution draws students from across Georgia who need an affordable pathway to higher education. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 1,348 students, reflecting strong enrollment in the school's health sciences and education programs. The student body is 87% Black, maintaining the college's mission as a community anchor in Atlanta. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, showing how the school serves working-class families seeking career training. The $5,090 average net price makes college accessible to students who might otherwise skip higher education entirely.
- Men
- 34.6%
- Women
- 65.4%
- White
- 2.2%
- Black
- 87.0%
- Hispanic
- 4.7%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 86.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 53.8%
Location
Atlanta Metropolitan State College sits in Georgia's largest city, home to 6.1 million people in the metro area. The college serves students in the heart of the Southeast's major economic center. Atlanta's downtown business district and major corporations provide internship and job opportunities within miles of campus. The city's diverse neighborhoods and cultural attractions give students access to professional sports teams, music venues, and Fortune 500 companies. Nearly 87% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational resource. The urban setting contrasts with Georgia's rural areas and smaller college towns. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Atlanta Metropolitan State College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Atlanta, Georgia 30310-4448
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,252
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $34,848
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $24,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 22.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $150/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,123
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the retention rate at Atlanta Metropolitan State College?
Only 37% of first-year students return for their second year at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. This historically Black institution serves as a stepping stone for many students who transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce quickly.
How much does Atlanta Metropolitan State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,090 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $4,415. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class Atlanta families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Atlanta Metropolitan State College?
The student-faculty ratio is 22:1 across the college's 1,348 students. As a community college, Atlanta Metro focuses on career preparation and transfer programs rather than research.
What do graduates of Atlanta Metropolitan State College typically earn?
Graduates earn a median of $33,252 ten years after enrollment with typical monthly loan payments of $150. The college serves students seeking quick workforce entry or transfer preparation rather than high-earning career tracks.
Where do most Atlanta Metropolitan State College students come from?
About 86% of students are Georgia residents, and 87% are Black students. The college has deep roots in Atlanta's historically Black educational community and serves the metro area's diverse population.
Does Atlanta Metropolitan State College have high graduation rates?
The four-year graduation rate is 19% and the six-year rate is 14%. Many students use Atlanta Metro as a transfer pathway or complete certificates rather than degrees, which explains the lower traditional graduation metrics.
