Community Colleges in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local Guide to Affordable Higher Education

Community colleges in Atlanta, Georgia offer flexible, affordable pathways to college degrees, job skills, and career changes. Whether you live in the city, commute in from the suburbs, or are considering a move to the Atlanta area, understanding your local community college options can help you plan your next step.

This guide focuses on major Atlanta-area community colleges, what they offer, how they serve Atlanta residents, and how to choose the right fit for your goals.

Understanding Community Colleges in Atlanta

Community colleges in and around Atlanta typically offer:

• Associate degrees (often 2-year programs)
• Certificates and technical diplomas
• Transfer pathways to 4-year universities (including Georgia State and University of Georgia system schools)
• Workforce and technical training in fields like healthcare, IT, business, logistics, and trades
• Adult education and GED preparation
• ESL (English as a Second Language) programs at some locations

They are usually more affordable than four-year universities and often have evening, weekend, and online classes, which is especially helpful if you are working or have family responsibilities in Atlanta.

Key Community College Options in the Atlanta Area

In Georgia, many institutions that function like community colleges are part of broader systems, such as the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia (USG). The main community and technical colleges serving Atlanta include:

• Atlanta Technical College (ATC)
• Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) – DeKalb campuses
• Chattahoochee Technical College – nearby Cobb and North Metro areas
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College (2-year and 4-year programs)
• Georgia State University Perimeter College (2-year college within GSU)

Below is a simple overview:

Each serves Atlanta residents in slightly different ways. The following sections break down what you can expect from each.

Atlanta Technical College (ATC)

Atlanta Technical College is a major option if you live in the City of Atlanta or nearby South Atlanta neighborhoods and want direct job skills or technical training.

Location and Contact

• Main Campus:
  1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW
  Atlanta, GA 30310
  Phone (main switchboard): Typically listed on the college’s official website and may change over time.

This campus is near the Metropolitan Parkway corridor and accessible from I-75/I-85, which can be convenient if you commute from neighborhoods like West End, College Park, East Point, or Hapeville.

Programs and Focus

ATC focuses on career and technical education, especially in:

• Healthcare (nursing-related programs, medical assisting, health IT, and related fields)
• Automotive and transportation technologies
• Construction and skilled trades
• Business and computer technology
• Public safety–related programs (depending on current offerings)

Many programs are designed so you can complete a certificate in under two years, sometimes in under a year, or continue toward a diploma or associate degree.

Who ATC Is Good For

Atlanta Technical College is a strong option if you:

• Want a direct path to a specific career (for example, HVAC, welding, medical assistant)
• Prefer hands-on learning in labs and shops
• Live or work in South or Southwest Atlanta and need a relatively short commute
• Are interested in workforce training, including partnerships with local Atlanta employers

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) – DeKalb Area

Georgia Piedmont Technical College serves many residents of East Atlanta, Decatur, Clarkston, Stone Mountain, and surrounding DeKalb communities.

Key Campuses Near Atlanta

• Clarkston Campus:
  495 N Indian Creek Dr
  Clarkston, GA 30021

• DeKalb Campus (main administrative offices often associated with Clarkston/DeKalb locations)
  Address details for specific buildings should be confirmed directly with GPTC.

These locations are particularly convenient if you live along the I-285 East corridor or use MARTA bus routes serving Clarkston and Decatur.

Programs and Focus

GPTC emphasizes:

• Technical and career programs in fields like IT, business, industrial trades, and healthcare
• Adult education, including GED preparation and ESL (English as a Second Language) at some sites
• Shorter-term certificates and technical diplomas designed to prepare you for in-demand jobs

Who GPTC Is Good For

Georgia Piedmont Technical College might be a good fit if you:

• Live in East Atlanta or DeKalb County and want to stay close to home
• Need adult education or ESL services before or alongside technical classes
• Are interested in local workforce training programs that connect to DeKalb-area employers

Chattahoochee Technical College – Nearby North Metro

While Chattahoochee Technical College does not have a main campus inside the Atlanta city limits, it is widely used by Atlanta residents, especially those in Northwest Atlanta, Cobb County, and North Fulton.

Nearby Campuses

Commonly used locations for Atlanta-area commuters include:

• Marietta Campus – near downtown Marietta
• Austell/Cobb or South Cobb-area campuses – accessible from I-20 or I-285 west
• North Metro Campus – serving Cherokee and North Cobb

Exact street addresses should be checked directly with the college’s official listings, because buildings and program locations can shift over time.

Programs and Focus

Chattahoochee Tech offers:

• Technical and workforce programs in fields such as:
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Construction and trades
  • Culinary arts
  • Health sciences
  • Business and computer technologies
• Some transfer-focused associate degrees that can lead to four-year universities

Who Chattahoochee Tech Is Good For

This college is especially helpful if you:

• Live in Northwest Atlanta, Vinings, Smyrna, or Cobb County
• Want a blend of technical training and academic core classes
• Prefer to avoid downtown traffic and commute to a suburban campus instead

Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC)

Atlanta Metropolitan State College is located in Southwest Atlanta and operates as both a two-year and four-year institution. It functions in many ways like a community college for students starting with associate degrees, while also offering bachelor’s programs.

Location and Contact

• Main Campus:
  1630 Metropolitan Parkway SW
  Atlanta, GA 30310

This campus is not far from downtown Atlanta, accessible via I-75/I-85 and Metropolitan Parkway. It serves neighborhoods such as Sylvan Hills, Lakewood, and nearby Southwest Atlanta communities.

Programs and Focus

AMSC offers:

• Associate degrees (2-year) in areas such as:
  • Business
  • Social sciences
  • Natural sciences
  • Teacher education–related pathways
• Bachelor’s degrees in certain fields
• Transfer pathways to other University System of Georgia schools

Because it is a state college rather than a purely technical college, you’ll find more academic and transfer-focused programs alongside workforce-oriented options.

Who AMSC Is Good For

Atlanta Metropolitan State College may suit you if you:

• Want to start with an associate degree and possibly move directly into a bachelor’s program
• Plan to transfer to another Georgia public university later
• Live in South or Southwest Atlanta and want a nearby campus with both 2-year and 4-year options

Georgia State University Perimeter College

Perimeter College is the 2-year college unit within Georgia State University (GSU) and has several campuses in the metro Atlanta area. While not branded as a “community college,” it serves a similar role for many Atlanta residents who want affordable academic transfer programs.

Nearby Campuses for Atlanta Residents

Perimeter College has multiple campuses in the metro area. Common options for Atlanta-area students include:

• Decatur Campus – convenient to East Atlanta and I-285 East
• Clarkston Campus – near Clarkston, similar area to GPTC
• Dunwoody Campus – serves north metro and Perimeter area
• Newton and Alpharetta locations – further out but accessible for some commuters

Addresses, specific buildings, and office phone numbers are best verified through current Georgia State University Perimeter College directories, as details may change.

Programs and Focus

Perimeter College focuses heavily on academic associate degrees that prepare you to transfer into a bachelor’s program, especially at Georgia State University’s Atlanta campus. Programs typically include:

• Core curriculum courses (English, math, social sciences, sciences, humanities)
• Pathways in:
  • Business
  • Education
  • STEM fields
  • Health-related pre-professional tracks
  • Arts and communications

Perimeter also offers online options, which can be helpful if you live in Atlanta but need maximum flexibility.

Who Perimeter College Is Good For

Perimeter College may be the right choice if you:

• Plan to transfer into a 4-year degree, especially at Georgia State University
• Want a university-affiliated setting but prefer smaller class sizes typical of a 2-year college
• Live anywhere in greater Atlanta and are open to commuting or taking online classes

How to Choose a Community College in Atlanta

When you’re comparing Atlanta-area community and technical colleges, consider these factors:

1. Your Career or Education Goal

Ask yourself:

• Do I want job-ready skills quickly (for example, a 1-year certificate)?
• Do I want to transfer to a 4-year university later?
• Am I more interested in technical trades, healthcare, or academic majors?

Technical colleges (Atlanta Technical College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College) often focus on hands-on workforce training.
State and university-affiliated colleges (Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Georgia State University Perimeter College) focus more on academic transfer plus some career pathways.

2. Location and Commute

Traffic in Atlanta can be intense. Consider:

• How long it will realistically take to reach the campus from your home or job
• Whether there’s MARTA rail or bus access near the campus
• If parking is available and affordable

For example:

• If you live near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta Technical College or Atlanta Metropolitan State College may be easier to reach.
• If you’re in Decatur, East Atlanta, or Clarkston, Georgia Piedmont Technical College or Perimeter College’s Decatur/Clarkston campuses may make more sense.

3. Program Availability

Not every campus offers every program. When you look at Atlanta-area community colleges:

• Check which campus offers the specific major or technical program you want
• Confirm whether the program is available in daytime, evening, weekend, or online formats
• Ask about clinical or internship locations if you’re in healthcare or another field that requires practical experience

4. Cost and Financial Aid

Most community and technical colleges in Georgia have lower tuition than four-year schools, but cost still matters. For Atlanta residents, consider:

• In-state tuition versus any out-of-district or out-of-state rates
• Availability of HOPE Grants, HOPE Scholarships, and other state or federal aid
• Payment plans and book/material costs

The financial aid office at each college can provide detailed guidance on:

• Completing the FAFSA
• State programs open to Georgia residents
• Steps for dual-enrollment if you’re a high school student in Atlanta

5. Support Services

If you’re juggling work, family, and school in Atlanta, support services can make a major difference. Look into:

• Academic advising and tutoring
• Career services and job placement help
• Childcare information (if available or referred)
• Online learning support, especially if you plan to take classes remotely

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Residents

If you’re ready to move forward:

1. List your top 2–3 colleges
   Based on your location (for example, South Atlanta vs. East DeKalb) and your goals (technical vs. transfer), narrow down your options.

2. Visit campus or attend an information session
   Many Atlanta-area community and technical colleges hold:

   • Open houses
   • Program-specific info sessions
   • Virtual information events

3. Talk to an admissions or advising office
   Prepare questions about:

   • Program length
   • Class schedules
   • Transfer agreements
   • Certifications or licenses connected to the program

4. Ask about Atlanta-specific partnerships
   Some programs coordinate with:

   • Local hospitals and clinics
   • Logistics and manufacturing employers near Hartsfield-Jackson and the I-285 corridor
   • City and county agencies for internships and workforce programs

5. Check deadlines
   Community and technical colleges often have:

   • Multiple start dates per year (fall, spring, summer, sometimes mini-mesters)
   • Priority deadlines for financial aid and placement testing

Quick Comparison: Which Atlanta-Area College Fits Which Goal?

• “I want a skilled trade or technical career and I live in South or Southwest Atlanta.”
  Consider Atlanta Technical College or Atlanta Metropolitan State College (for broader degree options).

• “I live in East Atlanta/DeKalb and need technical training or ESL/GED options.”
  Look at Georgia Piedmont Technical College and GSU Perimeter College – Decatur/Clarkston.

• “I plan to transfer to a 4-year university and want a strong academic foundation.”
  Explore Georgia State University Perimeter College or Atlanta Metropolitan State College.

• “I live in Northwest Atlanta or Cobb County and prefer a suburban campus.”
  Consider Chattahoochee Technical College.

Community colleges in and around Atlanta, Georgia provide multiple pathways—short certificates, technical diplomas, associate degrees, and transfer options—so you can match your education to your life in the city. By focusing on your goals, commute, and preferred learning style, you can choose the Atlanta-area community college that fits your plans and move forward with a clear, local path to your next credential or career.