Georgia Highlands College is seeing record growth alongside University System of Georgia (USG), with the college experiencing a 23% increase in enrollment over the last three years, growing to nearly 6,000 students.
In addition, GHC was recognized this month by the USG Board of Regents for having the highest enrollment growth among state colleges.
“We’re excited to see continued growth at Georgia Highlands College because it reflects our strong partnership with the communities we serve. As Northwest Georgia continues to expand with new businesses and industries, it’s our responsibility to develop the talent that sustains that momentum,” said President Mike Hobbs. “We are preparing graduates for meaningful careers while helping employers thrive with a skilled and ready workforce.”
According to the USG, enrollment climbed this fall to an all-time record of 382,142 students. The 4.8% increase in enrollment over Fall 2024 marks a third consecutive year of growth for the system.
Enrollment grew at 23 of USG’s 26 public colleges and universities, according to USG’s Fall 2025 Semester Enrollment Report, with the total number of students at USG institutions across Georgia rising by 17,417 over the previous year. Most of that increase (13,883 students) came from in-state students, with a 4.8% rise in the number of Georgians seeking a USG education.
“Across the state, we’re not just enrolling students but we’re preparing them for the real-world demands of a fast-changing workforce,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Thanks to the hard work of our presidents, faculty and staff, we’re helping more students enter college, stay on track and get to graduation. Coupled with a record number of degrees awarded this past year, we’re contributing to the virtuous cycle of a more educated workforce and more prosperous Georgia.”
The enrollment numbers were released in USG’s annual fall semester enrollment report, which analyzes enrollment data by institution, age, gender, race and ethnicity, as well as in-state, out-of-state and out-of-country students.
Start classes this January at apply.highlands.edu
