There are abundant opportunities in the Tennessee Valley for higher education at more than a dozen colleges and universities. Students can earn anything from associate and bachelor’s degrees to technical certificates, master’s and doctoral degrees.
UT-Chattanooga’s Patten Chapel is a landmark building on campus.PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
Chattanooga State Community College serves more than 12,000 students. Located on Amnicola Highway, the college offers associate’s degrees, technical certificates and 50 career programs in nursing and allied health, business, construction and human services, among others. Among its programs are Tech Prep, offering free credit in skills courses, and Middle College for high school students to adjust to college curriculum. The college curriculum strongly focuses on linking academic and professional teaching with current industry and business trends. 423-697-4404; www.chatta noogastate.edu.
Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tenn., enrolls 3,500 students. The average student age is 28, and 90 percent of the faculty hold master’s or doctoral degrees. With 40 possible areas of study, the college offers day and evening classes as well as online and video courses. Satellite sites are in Athens and Madisonville. 800-604-2722; www.cleveland statecc.edu.
Dalton State College in Dalton, Ga., a unit of the University System of Georgia, offers 14 bachelor’s degree programs, including early education, marketing systems and technology management. The college offers more than 56 associate degrees and 11 certificate programs as well as adult literacy programs. Almost 6,000 students attend Dalton State. 800-829-4436, 706-272-4436; www.daltonstate.edu.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College, in Rock Spring, Ga., emphasizes professional skills to provide students with jobs after graduation. With day and evening classes available, students can choose from 93 programs with courses offered on the main campus or other sites in North Georgia. Northwestern offers degrees in accounting, social work and medical assistance. 706-764-3510 or 800-735-5726; www.nwtcollege.org.