Atlanta Community Colleges: Your Guide to Affordable Education in the City

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest higher-education hubs, and community colleges play a major role in making education more affordable and accessible for local residents. Whether you’re finishing high school, changing careers, or looking to boost your skills while working, Atlanta’s community college options offer flexible, budget-friendly pathways.

This guide focuses on community colleges and community-college-style programs that Atlanta residents actually use, how they work, and how to get started.

What “Community College” Typically Means in Atlanta

In and around Atlanta, “community college” usually refers to:

• Two-year public colleges offering associate degrees and certificates
• Transfer pathways to four-year universities (especially within Georgia)
• Career and technical programs (healthcare, IT, trades, business, etc.)
• Adult education and GED prep
• ESL (English as a Second Language) and workforce training

In Georgia, many of the schools people treat as community colleges are part of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) or function as two-year campuses within the University System of Georgia (USG).

For an Atlanta resident, the big picture is simple:
You can start close to home at a low-cost, open-access college and either move directly into the workforce or transfer to a four-year school.

Major Community-College Options for Atlanta Residents

1. Georgia State University’s Perimeter College

Type: Two-year college within Georgia State University
Main Atlanta-area locations:

• Atlanta Campus: 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Decatur Campus: 3251 Panthersville Rd, Decatur, GA 30034
• Clarkston, Dunwoody, Newton, and Online campuses also serve metro Atlanta

Perimeter College is one of the most common starting points for Atlanta students who want to:

• Complete an associate degree
• Transfer into a bachelor’s program at Georgia State or another university
• Knock out core requirements (English, math, science, social science, etc.) at a lower cost

Key features:

• Broad range of transfer pathways in areas like business, education, STEM, health sciences, and liberal arts
• Day, evening, weekend, and online classes for working adults
• Access to many Georgia State University resources, though Perimeter remains a two-year institution

Who it’s good for:
Atlanta residents who want a clear path to a four-year degree while keeping tuition and commute manageable.

2. Atlanta Technical College (ATC)

Type: Public technical/community college (TCSG)
Location: 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone (main line): Commonly listed around 404-225-4400 (confirm current number before calling)

Atlanta Technical College is a major option for career-focused training inside the city limits.

Programs commonly offered include:

• Healthcare (nursing assistant, medical assisting, dental, surgical tech, etc.)
• Trades & technical fields (HVAC, welding, automotive, industrial systems)
• Business & IT (accounting, cybersecurity, computer support, business management)
• Public service (early childhood care, criminal justice, cosmetology, barbering)

ATC offers:

• Associate degrees, diplomas, and short-term technical certificates
• Dual-enrollment options for eligible high school students
• Adult education, including GED prep and basic skills
• Programs aligned with local employers’ needs

Who it’s good for:
Atlanta residents who want job-ready skills in 1–2 years (or even shorter certificate programs) and those looking for hands-on training tied to local industries.

3. Chattahoochee Technical College (CCTC)

Type: Public technical/community college (TCSG)
Closest metro-area locations serving Atlanta residents:

• North Metro Campus: 5198 Ross Rd, Acworth, GA 30102
• Marietta Campus: 980 S Cobb Dr SE, Marietta, GA 30060

Chattahoochee Tech serves much of northwest metro Atlanta, and many city residents, especially on the north and west sides, commute there.

Areas of study often include:

• Advanced manufacturing & engineering technologies
• Construction & skilled trades
• Culinary arts & hospitality
• Information technology & design
• Healthcare and public safety

Like other technical colleges, CCTC offers:

• Associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates
• Day, evening, and some online or hybrid options
• Workforce partnerships with regional employers

Who it’s good for:
Atlanta residents in northwest parts of the metro who want short- to medium-term career programs, especially in technical and industrial fields.

4. Other Nearby Technical and Community-Style Colleges

Depending on where you live in the Atlanta area and what you want to study, you may also consider:

• Georgia Piedmont Technical College
  • Key campus near: 495 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, GA 30021
  • Strong for: technical and workforce training, adult education, ESL
• Gwinnett Technical College
  • Main campus: 5150 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
  • Strong for: healthcare, IT, trades, business; common for northeast metro residents
• Southern Crescent Technical College (serves south metro)

These aren’t inside the City of Atlanta proper, but many Atlanta commuters use them as community-college options.

Quick Comparison: Common Atlanta Community-College Choices

Types of Programs You Can Find at Atlanta Community Colleges

Academic Transfer Programs (Associate Degrees)

These programs are designed to line up with the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Common associate degrees include:

• Associate of Arts (A.A.) – for fields like education, psychology, English, history
• Associate of Science (A.S.) – for business, STEM, health-related pre-majors
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) – more career-focused, but sometimes transferable

In Atlanta, Perimeter College is a major option for:

• Completing Core Curriculum courses required by many Georgia universities
• Using articulation agreements or formal pathways to move into a four-year program

🎓 Tip: If your goal is a bachelor’s degree, ask the advising office whether your chosen associate degree is designed for transfer and which universities it aligns with.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Technical and community colleges around Atlanta specialize in job-focused programs such as:

• Healthcare: Practical nursing, medical assisting, phlebotomy, sonography, dental assisting
• Information Technology: Cybersecurity, networking, programming, support specialist
• Skilled Trades: HVAC, welding, automotive, diesel tech, construction technology
• Business & Office: Accounting, business management, office administration
• Public Safety: Criminal justice, fire science, emergency management
• Personal Services: Cosmetology, barbering, culinary arts, early childhood care

These programs often offer:

• Certificates (a few months)
• Diplomas (about 1 year)
• Associate degrees (about 2 years)

They are popular with Atlanta residents looking for faster entry into good local jobs.

Adult Education, GED, and ESL

Many Atlanta-area community and technical colleges offer:

• Adult basic education (reading, writing, math refreshers)
• GED or HiSET preparation and testing support
• ESL/ESOL (English as a Second Language) classes for immigrants and refugees

You’ll commonly find these through:

• Atlanta Technical College
• Georgia Piedmont Technical College
• Partnerships with local school systems and community organizations

These services are aimed at adults who need to build foundational skills before moving into a college program or job training.

Costs, Financial Aid, and HOPE in Atlanta

Typical Cost Structure

Community and technical colleges serving Atlanta generally charge:

• Lower tuition per credit hour than four-year universities
• Additional fees (student activities, technology, lab fees)
• Extra costs for books, supplies, uniforms, tools, and exams in some programs

Because tuition is lower, many Atlanta students find that state and federal aid can cover a significant share of costs if they qualify.

Financial Aid Options

Most Atlanta community colleges participate in:

• Federal Pell Grants (need-based, do not need to be repaid)
• Federal student loans (optional, borrowed funds)
• Work-study (part-time campus jobs based on eligibility)
• Georgia HOPE programs, which are especially important locally

Georgia HOPE & Zell Miller (Important for Atlanta Students)

Georgia residents attending eligible schools may access:

• HOPE Grant – Often used for technical certificates and diplomas
• HOPE Scholarship – For associate and bachelor’s degrees with GPA requirements
• Zell Miller Scholarship – Higher GPA/test-score requirements, covers more tuition

For Atlanta residents at schools like Atlanta Technical College, Chattahoochee Tech, or GSU Perimeter, HOPE can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition if eligibility is met.

💡 Action step:
When you contact an Atlanta community or technical college, ask specifically:

• “How does HOPE apply to my program?”
• “What is the approximate total cost after HOPE and Pell (if eligible)?”

Admissions: How Hard Is It to Get In?

Most Atlanta-area community and technical colleges follow an open-access or less selective admissions model.

Common patterns:

• High school diploma or GED is usually required for degree programs
• Some technical certificates may allow enrollment while you finish a GED
• Placement testing (or using SAT/ACT/previous coursework) to determine your starting level in math/English
• Certain programs, especially in healthcare, may have additional requirements:
  • Entrance exams
  • Background checks
  • Immunization records
  • Waiting lists or competitive selection

In practice, Atlanta residents who apply to community colleges generally can get in, but specific programs (like nursing) may be limited and competitive.

Online and Hybrid Options in Atlanta

Community and technical colleges around Atlanta often offer:

• Fully online associate degrees (common at GSU Perimeter and some technical colleges)
• Hybrid programs (online lectures with on-campus labs or clinicals)
• Evening and weekend classes for working adults

These options are particularly useful if you:

• Work full-time in Atlanta
• Depend on MARTA or long commutes
• Have caregiving responsibilities

When comparing schools, ask:

• How many of your required courses are available online or hybrid
• Whether your program can be completed fully online or not

Transportation and Campus Access in Atlanta

Transportation can be a major factor for Atlanta students.

MARTA access:

• GSU Atlanta Campus – Walkable from MARTA rail (Five Points, Georgia State stations) and bus lines
• Some Perimeter campuses (e.g., Decatur, Clarkston) – Accessible via MARTA bus routes
• Atlanta Technical College – Located off Metropolitan Pkwy; bus routes typically serve the area, but check current MARTA schedules
• Other technical colleges in the metro may require car access or longer bus commutes

When you’re choosing a school, it helps to:

1. Check MARTA’s trip planner with the campus address.
2. Ask the college about parking, shuttle options, or transit discounts, if any.

Support Services Atlanta Students Commonly Use

Most community and technical colleges serving Atlanta offer support to help you stay on track:

• Academic advising – Choosing a program, planning classes, staying on path to graduation or transfer
• Tutoring & writing centers – In-person and often online help
• Career services – Resume help, interview prep, employer connections
• Disability services – Academic accommodations based on documented needs
• Veteran & military services – For students using VA benefits
• Childcare referrals or partnerships – Varies by campus; some have on-site or nearby options

These services can make a big difference, especially if you’re returning to school after a break or balancing work and family.

How to Choose the Right Community College Option in Atlanta

When deciding between Atlanta-area community colleges, focus on these questions:

1. What’s your main goal?

   • Transfer to a four-year university → Consider Perimeter College or transfer-oriented programs.
   • Get job-ready skills quickly → Look at Atlanta Technical, Chattahoochee Tech, Georgia Piedmont, or similar.

2. Where do you live and how will you commute?

   • Rely on MARTA? A centrally located campus like GSU Atlanta or certain Perimeter sites may be easier.
   • Have a car and flexibility? Suburban technical colleges may offer more program choices.

3. How soon do you need to work?

   • Need income fast? Short certificates or diplomas (6–12 months) at technical colleges might be best.
   • Can invest 2–4 years? Consider starting at a community college and transferring to finish a bachelor’s.

4. What’s your budget and financial aid situation?

   • Meet with financial aid offices early to understand realistic out-of-pocket costs.

5. Do you need extra support (ESL, GED, tutoring, disability services)?

   • Ask directly what supports are available and how to access them as an Atlanta-based student.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Residents

If you’re ready to move forward with an Atlanta community college:

1. List 2–3 schools that fit your location and goals (for example: GSU Perimeter + Atlanta Technical).
2. Visit their admissions or enrollment offices in person if possible to ask:
   • Program options matching your interests
   • Application steps and deadlines
   • Placement testing requirements
   • Costs and how HOPE/Pell might apply
3. Gather documents:
   • High school transcripts or GED
   • Prior college transcripts, if any
   • Photo ID, Social Security number (if applicable), and residency info
4. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you plan to seek financial aid.
5. Attend orientation and meet with an advisor to build your first-semester schedule.

For many people living in Atlanta, community colleges and technical colleges offer a practical, affordable, and flexible path to better jobs or a future bachelor’s degree—without leaving the city or taking on unnecessary debt.