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$3,040Tuition
1,688Students
46%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$30,214Earnings
#18 in GeorgiaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Coastal Pines Technical College

Coastal Pines Technical College prepares students for hands-on careers in Georgia's rural southeast. The college serves 1,688 students in Waycross, a town surrounded by the Okefenokee Swamp and pine forests. Founded in 2014 as part of Georgia's technical college system, it focuses on workforce training for industries like healthcare, automotive technology, and manufacturing. Students learn practical skills that local employers need immediately.

The financial picture looks remarkably student-friendly. Average net price sits at just $124 per year after aid. In-state tuition starts at $3,040, but financial assistance brings costs down dramatically for most students. Graduates earn a median of $30,214 ten years after starting college. That earnings potential against minimal debt creates one of the strongest return-on-investment stories in higher education.

Women make up 71.45% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. The student body is 59.77% white and 28.26% Black, serving the diverse communities of southeast Georgia. With a 90.9% employment rate after graduation, students find jobs quickly in their chosen fields. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means personalized attention in technical labs and hands-on training environments.

Academics & Faculty

Coastal Pines Technical College focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for immediate employment in healthcare, manufacturing, and public safety fields. The college is known for its nursing, welding, and criminal justice programs that connect directly to regional job markets. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on instruction in small classes that emphasize practical skills over theory. The 45.70% graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face balancing school with family and job responsibilities. However, the 90.9% employment rate shows that graduates who complete their programs find work quickly. Women make up 71.45% of students, largely due to popular healthcare and early childhood education tracks.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
67.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
45.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$30,214

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Certificate $37,568
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $36,312
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $32,925
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $32,071
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $30,409
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. Certificate $29,141
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $28,366
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Certificate $20,140
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $19,835
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Certificate $14,318

View all 67 programs →

Campus Life

Coastal Pines draws students to a compact campus in Waycross, about 80 miles from Jacksonville and two hours from Savannah. Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. You'll need lightweight jackets for winter lows in the 40s, but pack plenty of sunscreen for Georgia's humid summers that stretch into October.

The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in welding labs and dental hygiene clinics. Students commute from across southeast Georgia since 100% are in-state residents. Weekend life revolves around nearby Okefenokee Swamp for outdoor enthusiasts, though many students work part-time jobs that align with their technical training. With a 91% employment rate after graduation, classmates often land jobs at local hospitals, manufacturing plants, and automotive shops. The Rays compete in intramural sports, but campus life stays focused on hands-on learning rather than traditional college social scenes. Most students balance family responsibilities with their technical education goals.
Setting
Town-Remote
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
2014

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
39°–62°F
July Avg
71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
96.8"
Annual Snowfall
0.1"

Student Demographics

Students come from across rural Georgia seeking hands-on career training. Women make up 71% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and early childhood education. The student body draws heavily from working-class families, with 27% receiving Pell Grants. All students come from Georgia, showing Coastal Pines serves as a vital workforce pipeline for southeastern Georgia's agricultural and healthcare sectors. The college attracts career changers and recent high school graduates who want practical skills training without leaving their home region.
Men
28.6%
Women
71.5%
White
59.8%
Black
28.3%
Hispanic
7.9%
Asian
0.5%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.1%

Location

Coastal Pines Technical College sits in Waycross, Georgia, a town of about 14,000 people roughly 80 miles northwest of Jacksonville, Florida. The campus serves Georgia's rural southeastern region, known for its pine forests and agricultural communities. Waycross functions as a regional center for the Okefenokee Swamp area, offering small-town charm with easy access to outdoor recreation. All 1,688 students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce development center. The town maintains a close-knit feel where students often know their neighbors and professors personally. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Coastal Pines Technical College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Waycross, Georgia 31503
Coastal Pines Technical College sign
Coastal Pines Technical College sign

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$30,214
Median Earnings (5 years)
$36,967
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$23,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Coastal Pines Technical College?

Coastal Pines Technical College maintains an open enrollment policy for most programs, meaning students can typically get in with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,688 students focused on hands-on technical training. As a relatively new institution founded in 2014, it prioritizes accessibility for local workforce development.

How much does Coastal Pines Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $124 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Georgia. In-state tuition starts at $3,040, and 27% of students receive Pell Grants. Families earning $48,000-$75,000 typically pay around $1,789 net.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Coastal Pines Technical College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 15:1, allowing for personalized attention in technical programs. The college operates on a semester calendar system with hands-on learning at the core. Classes emphasize practical skills training rather than traditional lecture-style academics.

What do graduates of Coastal Pines Technical College earn after completing their programs?

Graduates earn a median of $33,158 one year after completion, climbing to $30,214 ten years later. The college boasts a 90.9% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technical workers. About 46% of students complete their programs within six years.

Where is Coastal Pines Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Waycross, Georgia, a remote town setting that creates a tight-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and service programs. All 1,688 students come from within Georgia, creating strong local connections.

Does Coastal Pines Technical College offer good value for technical training?

The college delivers exceptional value with graduates seeing immediate career benefits and minimal debt burden. Only 2.9% of students receive institutional grants, but the low base tuition keeps costs manageable. The Rays represent one of the newest technical colleges in the state, focused entirely on workforce readiness.