Columbus Tech enrolls almost 12,000 students annually, across almost 100 areas of study. About 80 percent of the student body receives assistance through a HOPE scholarship or grant. In 2008, 87 percent of students obtained jobs in their chosen fields upon graduation. The college will convert from the quarter system to the semester system in the fall of 2010.
Columbus Technical College
928 Manchester Expressway
Columbus, GA 31904
706-649-1800
columbustech.edu
Columbus Tech offers both a diploma and an associate in arts (AA) degree in early childhood care and education. Applicants to both programs must have earned a high school diploma or GED, be at least 16 years old and must pass a criminal background check and TB screening. The diploma program takes 12 to 15 months to complete, attending full time. It includes core classes such as English, math and introduction to computers as well as courses in health, safety, nutrition, curriculum development, and art, math, and music for children. Students also complete an internship. The AA program usually takes about two years to complete, if the student attends full time. AA program students complete a similar curriculum but take additional core classes such as psychology and public speaking, and also select a concentration in either paraprofessional or program management.
The college offers a bookstore, health-care center, counseling office, career center, learning support center, and library and also staffs a private security force. As of 2009, eight student organizations registered with Columbus Tech. These include the college student advisory team, the national technical honor society, Skills USA, Lambda Nu and Phi Beta Lambda.
As of summer 2010, Columbus Tech charged $45 in tuition per credit hour for in-state students. Out-of-state students and those in certain programs pay higher rates. In addition, all students pay activity, registration and technology fees each quarter, which totaled about $77 as of summer 2010. All students also pay a nominal annual parking fee. Financial aid is available and includes the HOPE grant and scholarship, the Pell grant, military waivers and private need- and academic-based scholarships.