About Columbus Technical College
Students pay an average net price of $4,959 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training. In-state tuition starts at just $3,042 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $34,238 ten years out, which represents solid earning potential for a two-year degree. The median debt load of $8,756 keeps monthly loan payments manageable at $93. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class families seeking economic mobility.
The student body is predominantly female at 69% and majority Black at 52%, reflecting the college's deep roots in Columbus's diverse community. The 92% employment rate shows that employers value the practical skills graduates develop. However, the 21% six-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to complete programs while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 51.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 20.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,238
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,855 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,478 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $38,829 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,284 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $29,995 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $29,685 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $28,236 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $28,019 |
Campus Life
Women make up 69% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and business technology. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and career goals. Columbus stays warm most of the year, so pack more polo shirts than parkas. Summers hit the 90s with thick humidity, while winters rarely see snow. Students typically head straight to work or family obligations after classes, though the Riverwalk downtown offers weekend recreation. The college's 92% employment rate shows most graduates land jobs quickly in the local military-heavy economy, anchored by Fort Moore. Study groups often meet at nearby coffee shops rather than campus lounges.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–58°F
- July Avg
- 73°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 31.1%
- Women
- 68.9%
- White
- 30.6%
- Black
- 52.0%
- Hispanic
- 9.3%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 82.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 54.3%
Location
- Address
- Columbus, Georgia 31904-6572
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,238
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $39,405
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $93/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,756
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Columbus Technical College?
Columbus Technical College maintains an open admission policy for most programs, serving 2,668 students seeking technical skills training. The college focuses on workforce development rather than traditional academic selectivity. Students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in certificate and associate degree programs.
How much does Columbus Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,959 annually at Columbus Technical College. Over 54% of students receive financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying around $4,528 per year. The college keeps costs low to serve working adults and career changers in the Columbus area.
What academic programs is Columbus Technical College known for?
Columbus Technical College specializes in technical education and workforce training programs designed for west Georgia's job market. The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio to provide hands-on instruction. Programs focus on practical skills that lead directly to employment in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Columbus Technical College?
Graduates achieve a 92% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong connections to local employers. The median earnings reach $26,913 one year after graduation and climb to $34,238 within ten years. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $8,756 and monthly loan payments of just $93.
Where is Columbus Technical College located and what is the campus like?
The college sits in Columbus, Georgia, a mid-sized city near the Alabama border. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 52% Black, 31% White, and 68% female. Most students come from within Georgia, with 82% being in-state residents seeking career advancement.
Does Columbus Technical College have a good graduation rate?
Columbus Technical College has a 20.7% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the challenges many working adult students face completing programs. The college serves students who often attend part-time while working or caring for families. Many students achieve their career goals through shorter certificate programs rather than completing full associate degrees.
