Students seeking an affordable, career-ready educational pathway will soon have more options from which to choose.  Georgia’s technical colleges will offer even more diplomas and certificates associated with the tuition-free HOPE Career Grant.  There are now 17 high-demand fields that qualify – up from 12.  They range from automotive to computers, construction, cybersecurity, dental assisting, health sciences, industrial maintenance, nursing, manufacturing, paramedicine, welding, and many more.  The additional programs were approved by the State Board of the Technical College System earlier this month.  For a listing of the HOPE Career Grant educational areas offered at Columbus Technical College, visit their website.

“The mission of Columbus Technical College is to provide an affordable, career-ready education,” said President Lorette Hoover.  “Expanding the number of programs offered through the tuition-free HOPE Career Grant will make that goal more attainable for everyone.”

Also approved by the State Board is a small tuition increase at TCSG schools.  The per hour tuition rate will be $100 per credit hour, replacing the current $89 per hour that has been in place since 2014.  Even with the slight increase, a public technical college education like what one would earn at Columbus Technical College, is an incredibly wise investment. 

 “This increase will allow our colleges to meet the needs of students and industry while remaining one of the most affordable postsecondary options in Georgia,” Hoover said.  “The new tuition rate is still much less than the overwhelming majority of higher education institutions in the state.”

Despite the small increase, almost all Columbus Technical College students are able to attend school with very little, if any, out-of-pocket cost.  This is because of the many financial aid options available to students including Georgia’s HOPE program, the Federal Pell Grant, VA/GI Bill, and several scholarship opportunities. 

Both changes will be effective this fall.