Overview

Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is a state college within the University System of Georgia. It was established in 1970 as Floyd Junior College to broaden access to higher education in Northwest Georgia and surrounding areas. Today, GHC serves students across multiple locations in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta and Dallas, welcoming learners from Georgia and neighboring states.

The college offers transfer associate, career associate and bachelor’s degrees focused on high-demand fields including nursing, business, criminal justice, organizational leadership, building information modeling management, and digital media and communication. GHC’s academic programs are intentionally aligned with regional workforce needs to ensure graduates are prepared for successful careers.

By working closely with local partners, GHC develops educational programs that support regional economic growth. GHC provides affordable, accessible education that meets both individual student goals and the evolving needs of Northwest Georgia’s workforce. One example is GHC’s dual enrollment partnerships with area high schools, which allow students to earn college credits before graduation, gain exposure to college-level coursework and ease their transition into higher education.

GHC offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in the state while maintaining high standards of academic quality. This dedication to an accessible and high-quality education has led the Aspen Institute to name GHC as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.