Helms College: $17,924 Tuition

$17,924Tuition

150Students

56%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Helms College

Helms College trains students for immediate entry into the workforce through career-focused programs in Augusta. The school enrolls just 150 students, creating an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. Small class sizes with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio mean professors actually know your name and career goals. Nearly 97% of students come from Georgia, giving the campus a strong local connection to Augusta's business community.

Students pay an average net price of $21,117 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Graduates earn a median of $24,636 five years after leaving school, which creates challenges for loan repayment. Only 19% of borrowers successfully pay down their loans, despite relatively modest debt loads averaging $9,500. Monthly loan payments of $101 can strain budgets when starting salaries hover around $24,000.

The student body is 69% Black and 58% female, reflecting Helms College's role serving Augusta's diverse population. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating many come from low-income families seeking career advancement. The employment rate reaches 93%, showing that graduates find work quickly. However, the 56% graduation rate suggests that finishing the program requires serious commitment and academic focus.

Academics & Faculty

Helms College operates as a small private two-year institution focused on career preparation and workforce development. With just 150 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay intimate and professors know students personally. The college traditionally emphasizes practical programs like business administration, healthcare support, and technical trades that prepare graduates for immediate employment. A 56% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing school with work and family obligations. Nearly 97% of students come from Georgia, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The quarter system allows for accelerated learning, and strong local employer partnerships help the 93% employment rate stay consistently high.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.3%

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Certificate	$19,911

View all 6 programs →

Campus Life

Helms College sits in Augusta, Georgia, about 150 miles east of Atlanta. With only 150 students total, this tiny campus creates an intimate atmosphere where everyone knows each other. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and track your progress closely. Augusta's humid subtropical climate requires light jackets in winter but plenty of sunscreen for the long, hot summers that stretch into September.

The student body is 69% Black and 97% Georgia residents, creating a tight-knit community rooted in local connections. Women make up 58% of enrollment. As a two-year college, most students commute from nearby neighborhoods rather than living on campus. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk with frequent breaks. Weekend activities center around Augusta's downtown riverfront and local gathering spots rather than traditional college parties. With a 93% employment rate after graduation, students here are focused on career preparation. The Blazers compete in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, though athletics take a backseat to academics at this career-focused institution.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 39°–58°F
July Avg: 74°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.8"

Student Demographics

Helms College draws students primarily from Georgia communities, with nearly all enrollments coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly African American, reflecting the school's strong ties to Augusta's local community. Women make up the majority of students, likely drawn to the college's career-focused programs in fields where female enrollment traditionally runs higher. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Helms serves working-class families seeking practical skills training. The small enrollment of 150 students creates an intimate learning environment where students build close relationships with classmates and faculty.

Men: 42.0%
Women: 58.0%
White: 26.0%
Black: 69.3%
Hispanic: 2.0%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 97.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.1%

Location

Augusta sits 150 miles east of Atlanta along the Savannah River in east-central Georgia. The city of 200,000 residents is famous for hosting the Masters Tournament each April at Augusta National Golf Club. Students at Helms College experience a mid-sized Southern city with historic districts, riverfront parks, and a growing arts scene downtown. With 97% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Georgia's local communities. The area blends urban amenities with Southern charm, offering internship opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors. Augusta's location provides access to both Atlanta's job market and the Carolina coast within a few hours' drive. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Helms College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Augusta, Georgia 30907

After College

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

Median Earnings (5 years): $24,636
Loan Repayment Rate: 18.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Helms College?

Helms College maintains a highly selective admissions process with only 150 students enrolled. The small size allows for personalized attention in this private two-year institution that draws 97% of its students from Georgia.

How much does Helms College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,117 annually regardless of residency status. About 44% of students receive financial aid, though only 11% receive institutional grants averaging $5,905.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Helms College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 14:1, providing intimate classroom settings. The college operates on a quarter system, allowing students to complete their two-year programs with focused, accelerated coursework.

What are the career outcomes for Helms College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $24,636 five years after completion with a 93% employment rate. However, the loan repayment rate of just 19% suggests many graduates struggle with their $9,500 median debt load.

What is the campus diversity like at Helms College?

The student body is 69% Black and 26% White, making it a historically diverse institution. Women comprise 58% of enrollment, reflecting the college's appeal across different demographic groups in Augusta.

Does Helms College have athletic programs?

The Blazers compete in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference despite being a small two-year college. This athletic participation adds a competitive dimension to campus life for the tight-knit community of 150 students.