Georgia Highlands a 'Military-Friendly' College

With an employee at its Cartersville campus dedicated to veterans’ affairs, is the only two-year or community college in Georgia included in Military Advanced Education Journal's 2012 Guide to America’s Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities. 

One of 300 institutions in the country that implement policies to assist and support veterans, GHC is one of 11 Georgia schools on the list; eight of those are University System of Georgia colleges and universities. 

"The publication based inclusion on a number of criteria, and Georgia Highlands made the cut because it provides several key services to veteran students," GHC said in a press release. "The college has designated one person specifically to deal with veterans’ affairs. Amy Wise, enrollment management specialist at the Cartersville campus, is completely versed in the benefits, scholarship possibilities and financial aid packages available for military personnel, veterans and their dependents."

The college based in Rome is currently under construction and expected to open in the fall. Last year, it became a state college or , and began offering a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Possible future four-year programs included early childhood education, middle-grades math and science education, business and criminal justice.

GHC says a number of factors make it attractive to service members, including a "substantial" distance learning program that provides more options; counselors trained in issues facing the military; a liberal withdrawal policy for armed forces personnel called to active duty or deployed; attractive tuition rates; and the waiver of mandatory fees as required by the Board of Regents.

Financial aid and scholarship opportunities available in Georgia to servicemen and veterans include the HERO Scholarship and My Career Advancement Accounts.

Georgia Southern University, North Georgia College and State University, and Augusta State University are other Georgia institutions included in the guide.