What is the Interactive College of Technology Known For?
The Interactive College of Technology, established in 1982 is known for its commitment to career-focused vocational programs and technical training, ICT offers diverse courses, including accounting, bilingual administration, business management, commercial refrigeration, ESL, human resource management, HVAC, information technology, and medical office administration.
Recognized among the Top 20 Best Value Colleges, the Interactive College of Technology provides students with flexible learning options, including online and hands-on experiences. The institution emphasizes a long-term commitment to guiding students, aiming to assist them in making informed decisions about their education and career paths.
ICT focuses on factual and straightforward recruitment processes, individualized program choices, and ongoing student support. It actively discourages unnecessary student debt and seeks to employ qualified professionals and support personnel who prioritize the students’ success. The Interactive College of Technology’s overarching goal is to create an environment where students receive quality education and outcomes, personal investment is encouraged, and student outcomes.
Is ICT Legit?
The Interactive College of Technology holds accreditation from the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), affirming its commitment to maintaining high standards in vocational education.
In Georgia, the institution is authorized and approved by the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, further attesting to its compliance with state regulations.
In Kentucky, the College is supported by the Kentucky State Board for Proprietary Education, which ensures the quality of its educational offerings.
Additionally, the Interactive College of Technology is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges Section in Texas. Furthermore, the institution has federal authorization to enroll non-immigrant alien students, reflecting its commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
Eligibility for federal programs of aid to education, including the Federal PELL Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and the Federal Work Study Program, highlights the College’s dedication to facilitating financial assistance for its students.
Is the Interactive College of Technology Worth It?
The Interactive College of Technology is a worthwhile choice for several compelling reasons. Its commitment to Lifetime Career Placement ensures that students receive ongoing career assistance even after graduation, fostering a supportive environment for long-term success.
Additionally, the institution’s approval for VA benefits underscores its dedication to serving those who have served, making education accessible to veterans.
Incorporating externships into the curriculum provides students with invaluable real-world experience, amounting to 135 hours, enhancing their practical skills and preparing them for the workforce.
Furthermore, the College’s Refresher and Upgrade privileges empower graduates by allowing them to retake completed courses or enroll in updated versions at no extra cost, facilitating continuous learning and skill development. These features collectively make the Interactive College of Technology a valuable investment for those seeking education, long-term career support, and growth opportunities.
The Interactive College of Technology vs. Community College
The Interactive College of Technology stands out as a superior choice compared to community colleges for several compelling reasons. Its hands-on training approach fosters an interactive and engaging learning environment, ensuring students acquire practical skills directly applicable to their chosen fields. Unlike some community colleges, the College provides:
- Extensive financial assistance.
- Making federal student aid accessible to qualifying individuals.
- Offering diverse tuition payment options to make vocational training more affordable.
The flexibility of day and evening program options accommodates various schedules, making education accessible to a broader demographic. The institution’s commitment to preparing students for industry-recognized certifications before graduation also sets it apart. This proactive approach enhances students’ marketability and demonstrates the College’s dedication to ensuring graduates enter the workforce with both knowledge and recognized credentials, making it a more comprehensive and advantageous choice for career-focused education.
Programs & Courses
Busines
- Accounting
- Human Resources
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Medical Billing and Coding
HVAC and Building Services
- HVAC
- Refrigeration
Campus Locations
Chamblee 5303 New Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
Gainesville 2323 C Browns Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30504
Morrow 1580 Southlake Pkwy, Ste C, Morrow, GA 30260
Newport 76 Carothers Rd, Newport, KY 41071
Pasadena 213 W Southmore Ave, Ste 101, Pasadena, TX 77502
North Houston 16801 Greenspoint Park Drive, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77060
Southwest Houston 2950 S Gessner, Ste 100, Houston, TX 77063
Financial Aid Services
Students can use loans and scholarships to pay for their ICT courses. The university accepts Federal Pell Grants and SEOG. Monthly payment plans are available, as is part-time work-study. The college’s financial planners help enrollees come up with a way to cover tuition, fees, and supplies.
Student Services
Every ICT campus has access to a library and resource center. Learners who need help get free counseling and advising services from the college. In addition, the school’s externship programs gives students the chance to work with potential employers prior to graduation.
Career Services
Current and graduated students can utilize the university’s career placement and employment assistance services. Both programs advise alumni on topics such as how to fill out a resume and what to wear to interviews. The school’s goal is to get students a fulfilling job. Also, any alumni who want to refresh their skills can repeat an ICT course for free.
Veteran and Military Services
The school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accepts payments through the GI Bill for certain learning paths. Interested students need to speak to enrollment officers at ICT campuses to ensure that veteran’s benefits apply to the cost of attendance.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Interactive College of Technology in Chamblee, GA, has a reputation for being an exceptionally supportive and student-focused institution. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with praise directed at the staff and a smooth admissions process. However, external information reveals a more nuanced picture with some serious criticisms regarding program quality and accreditation.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Staff: This is the most dominant theme, with reviewers consistently praising admissions representatives, instructors, and employment assistance staff. They are described as patient, friendly, helpful, and professional, and are credited with going “above and beyond” for students.
Smooth and Easy Enrollment: The admissions process is frequently mentioned as “easy,” “smooth,” and “stress-free,” with staff members making the process feel simple and stress-free from the very beginning.
Supportive and Caring Environment: Reviewers feel the staff genuinely cares about them and is dedicated to their education. The school is seen as a supportive community, and one former student even returned as an employee.
Effective Programs: While reviews are not program-specific in the provided text, they do mention students having success in learning English, completing the HVAC program, and feeling well-prepared for their next steps.
Common Criticisms
Accreditation and Credit Transfer Issues: A significant criticism found in external reviews is that the school is nationally, not regionally, accredited. Some former students claim their credits did not transfer to other colleges, and their diplomas were not recognized by some employers. One reviewer explicitly calls the school a “rip off of financial aid” and warns others to “STAY AWAY ITS A SCAM.”
Instructor and Campus Quality: Contrary to the provided Google reviews, some external complaints describe the school as “disrespecting” and “unprofessional,” with accusations that some instructors were in a bad state while teaching and that students were left to teach themselves.
Administrative and Organizational Problems: Some students report major issues with disorganization, with staff allegedly failing to check emails and handle important, time-sensitive documents.
Momentum
The reviews on Google are consistently positive, showing strong recent momentum. However, a broader look at reviews from other platforms reveals a deep divide between students’ experiences. While many praise the supportive staff and successful outcomes, a number of severe complaints persist, citing major issues with the school’s educational quality and administrative oversight. The school’s accreditation is with the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national accreditor. Data from the U.S. Department of Education for the Chamblee campus indicates a 43% graduation rate and shows that the median total debt for students can be between $7,187 and $9,962. Median salaries for graduates range from around $16,000 to over $40,000, with those in HVAC earning on the higher end. The school’s public-facing materials and many Google reviews highlight its commitment to lifetime career placement and financial aid assistance, but the critical reviews suggest that some of the school’s practices are inconsistent with these claims.