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Georgia Highlands College

Rome, GA·Public·4,441 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here. a public school with 4,441 students.

N/A
Accept
4,441
Students
$6,588
Net Price
21%
Grad Rate
$38,100
Earnings
10 yr
$6,750
Debt

About This School

Georgia Highlands College is a public institution located in Rome, Georgia with approximately 4,441 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $6,588 per year. The graduation rate is 21%, and the typical graduate earns $38,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Georgia Highlands College is a public college in northwest Georgia. It has locations in Floyd County, Cartersville, Marietta, and Dallas and serves the northwest parts of Georgia, as well as parts of east Alabama and southeast Tennessee. A member of the University System of Georgia, the college was originally a community college and has since expanded to also offer bachelor degrees. Between 5,700 and 6,100 students are enrolled at GHC in any given semester, representing 49 different countries. In 2020, the college had a record high number of graduates and an economic impact of over $181 million.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $6,588/year after aid and only $6,750 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the most affordable college options you'll find, making it a genuinely solid choice for students watching their budget. However, the 21% graduation rate is a serious concern — only about 1 in 5 students finishes, which suggests many students struggle to complete their degree here, whether due to finances, life circumstances, or academic challenges. If you enroll, go in with a clear plan, take advantage of support services early, and understand that the path to a diploma here requires real intention and follow-through.

Founded
1970
Setting
Small suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions24%
Business & Marketing3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$2,944
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,296
Avg Net Price
$6,588
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants39%
Median debt at graduation$6,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
21%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
67%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$6,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$6,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 5.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White56%
Black17%
Hispanic/Latino20%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,441 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Georgia Highlands College

3175 Cedartown Highway, S.E.

Rome, GA 30161-3897

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Georgia

Browse all Georgia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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