The number of students entering Georgia technical colleges is expected to jump 22 percent this fall, crushing the Technical College System of Georgia’s record enrollment last year by more than 34,000.
Enrollment surges at technical schools, including Georgia Northwestern Technical College, are being fueled by the state’s stagnant economy and the availability of financial aid for the unemployed and under-employed looking for a new career.
“What happens with the national and state economy is most certainly a wild card in our future enrollment,” said Technical College System Commissioner Ron Jackson in a statement. “More and more high school graduates and their parents are making (technical colleges) their first choice for a college education.”
Georgia Northwestern’s enrollment continues to climb at its campuses in Floyd, Gordon, Polk and Walker counties, mirroring the system’s growth. This year, enrollment rose 11.2 percent across the campuses to total 9,795 students, Of those students, 4,927 are enrolled full-time and 4,868 are part time.
“The enrollment growth experienced at Georgia Northwestern this past year is part of a statewide trend that sees many returning to college to upgrade skills, acquire new knowledge, and prepare for the work force,” said Stuart Phillips, Georgia Northwestern vice president of student affairs. “We are proud that so many are choosing technical education as a means of better positioning themselves for the future.”