What Is It Known For?
Athens Technical College (ATC) is renowned for its diverse array of over 190 educational programs, offering associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates. Founded in 1958, ATC is part of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), ensuring it is connected to a larger network of state community colleges. Annually, ATC serves more than 5,500 students across its campuses in Athens, Walton, Elbert, and Greene Counties.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ATC maintains high standards in education, emphasizing affordability with tuition set at $100 per credit hour. The college supports flexible learning options, including in-person, hybrid, and fully online classes, tailored to meet diverse student needs.
Degrees Offered
Athens Technical College offers a wide range of educational credentials including:
- Associate Degrees: These are awarded upon completion of programs designed to prepare students for entry into specific career fields or for transfer to four-year institutions.
- Diplomas: These programs focus on specific career fields and typically require fewer credits than associate degrees, providing a streamlined path to entry-level employment.
- Technical Certificates of Credit: These are shorter programs that focus on specific skills and competencies needed for immediate employment in various technical fields.
With over 190 options available, students can choose the credential that best suits their career goals and educational needs at Athens Technical College.
What Are The Class Schedules Like?
Athens Technical College offers flexible class schedules to accommodate diverse student needs:
- Timing of Classes: Classes are available during the day, evening, and sometimes in the afternoon, providing flexibility for students with varying schedules and commitments.
- Formats: Courses are offered in multiple formats including in-person, hybrid (combining online and in-person components), web-enhanced (online with some face-to-face sessions), and fully online. This variety allows students to choose the mode of learning that best fits their preferences and circumstances.
- Externships or Clinical Experience: Many programs at Athens Tech incorporate hands-on learning through externships, clinical placements, or internships, providing students with real-world experience aligned with their chosen career paths.
This flexibility in scheduling and diverse learning formats ensures that students can pursue their education at Athens Technical College in a way that suits their individual needs and goals.
Is It a Good School?
Athens Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates. SACSCOC is a recognized accrediting body that ensures educational quality and institutional effectiveness. Additionally, specific programs may hold accreditation from other national or regional organizations as outlined in the college’s catalog.
For more information about SACSCOC accreditation, you can visit their website here. This accreditation signifies that Athens Technical College meets or exceeds rigorous standards for educational quality and institutional integrity, making it a legitimate and recognized institution within the higher education community.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Cost of Attendance (COA) at Athens Technical College is approximately $23,00
For a full-time, nine-month enrollment period, the estimated breakdown is as follows:
- Tuition and fees: $3,700
- Food and Housing: $12,000
- Books and Supplies: $900
- Transportation: $2,900
- Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $3,200
Programs & Courses
Agriculture
- Agricultural Science
Business and Management
- Business Management
- Marketing Management
- Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Management
- Consumer Economics
Culinary and Arts
- Interior Design
- Culinary Arts
- Cosmetology, Barbering & Esthetician
Education
- Early Childhood Care and Education
Healthcare
- Bioscience
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Health Information Management Technology
- Healthcare Assistant
- Medical Assisting
- Nursing (ASN)
- Paramedicine
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Radiologic Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Technology
Law and Public Safety
- Conservation Law Enforcement
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal Studies
- Social Work Assistant
Skilled Trades
- HVAC
- Applied Technical Management
- Automotive Collision Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Drafting Technology (CAD)
- Electrical Construction Systems Technology
- Emerging Technologies
- Engineering Technology and Applied Science
- Industrial Systems Technology
- Manufacturing Operations Specialist
- Precision Machining and Manufacturing
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Business Technology
- Computer Support
- Networking Specialist
Campus Locations
Athens 800 US Hwy 29 North Athens, GA 30601
Reviews
Based on Google reviews provided, Athens Technical College has a mixed reputation, with significant praise for its instructors and academic programs but severe, recurring criticism of its administrative staff and communication. The 4.0 out of 5 stars average reflects this strong divide in student experience.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Dedicated Professors and Quality Programs: Many positive reviews highlight the quality of instruction, with students describing their professors as “incredible,” “down to earth,” and genuinely caring about student success. The college is seen as a great place to get a technical degree or complete core classes, and the hands-on learning and focused curriculum are praised for preparing students for their careers.
Affordable and Accessible Education: A number of reviewers appreciate the college’s role in providing an affordable path to a degree. For non-traditional students and those with families, the ability to balance life and studies is a key selling point. Some reviews also praise the ease of the admissions process and the availability of online classes.
Common Criticisms
Severe Communication and Administrative Failures: The most common and intense criticism is the pervasive lack of communication. Reviewers from different years consistently complain that no one answers the phone, calls are never returned, and it is “extremely difficult to reach anyone.” Students report being transferred between non-responsive departments, creating immense frustration for those trying to enroll or resolve issues.
Unprofessional and Uncaring Staff: A significant number of reviews describe specific interactions with staff in admissions, financial aid, and advising as rude, unhelpful, and unprofessional. Some students claim they were treated “like dirt” and felt that staff members were condescending. One review states that a teacher refused to teach them, and an advisor discouraged them from pursuing their program.
Issues with Technology and Rigidity: Some older reviews mention a poor experience with the school’s online learning software, with students feeling they had to “teach themselves” because the system was difficult to use, even for instructors. Other criticisms include the school’s rigid policies, such as refusing a partial refund to a student who experienced a family tragedy and a lack of military credit transfers.
Momentum
The reviews for Athens Technical College are widely varied and span several years. While the overall rating remains respectable, many of the most detailed and passionate reviews—both positive and negative—are from the last few years. The negative feedback, particularly regarding communication and staff professionalism, appears to be an ongoing issue. The college does not appear to respond to its reviews, which may indicate a lack of direct engagement with student concerns.