Albany Technical College's Go Back, Move Ahead initiative is part of Georgia's Complete College Georgia efforts shared between the Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia. The program is designed specifically for Georgia residents who did not finish college to return and earn a one-year certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree.
Why are college degrees needed?
- By the year 2020, more than 60 percent of jobs in Georgia will require some type of postsecondary degree. Currently, only 42 percent of the state's young population is prepared to such a level.
- To reach 60 percent and remain economically competitive, Georgia's public and private colleges must add 250,000 college graduates – whether they earn a one-year certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree – beyond current graduation levels.
- Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and University System of Georgia (USG) institutions are more affordable than for-profit colleges, and both offer numerous scholarships and grants to students who return to college.
- The TCSG and USG include well-established institutions that you know and trust, offering a large selection of certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees.
- Approximately 35.8 million working-age adults nationwide have attended college for some time, but did not earn a degree. An estimated 22 percent of Georgians (1.1 million) fall into this category)
Why is finishing college important?
- College graduates may earn $1 million more than high school graduates in their lifetime.
- Four-year degree and two-year degree holders earn an average of $21,000 and $9,400 more, respectively, each year than high school graduates.
- In 2010, full-time employees with only a high school diploma earned an average of $626 a week. Those with bachelor's degrees made nearly twice as much.
- College graduates had an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent in 2012, compared to 11.2 percent for high school graduates.
- Forty-seven percent of adults born in poverty who did not obtain a four-year degree remained in poverty.
- College graduates are more likely than high school graduates to obtain retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and health savings accounts from employers.
- People with a higher level of education are more satisfied in their jobs than people who only have a high school diploma.
How can Albany Technical College help you get back on track with college?
With a simpler enrollment process and more ways to transfer your college credits, one of our personal advisors can help you get back to college sooner than you think. You'll have more options – online or on campus – to fit your schedule. And, the best part is, you'll be earning a degree with real value from a respected and affordable Georgia college.
Let's find the way back that works for you today!
Contact Calvin Lee at 229.430.0555 or email clee@albanytech.edu to find out how to get started today!