West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is celebrating ten consecutive semesters of enrollment growth heading into the 2026 fall semester and is poised to achieve an eleventh. In addition to the sustained growth, WGTC achieved its highest number of credit hours and full-time equivalent (FTE) students for the first time since the 2013-2014 academic year.
The College surpassed more than 10,000 enrolled students in an academic year for the first time since 2019. With 10,276 enrolled students during the 2025-26 academic year, WGTC hit the highest annual enrollment at the college since 2012. Contributing to that success, the Summer 2026 semester enrolled 3,734 students, marking the college’s highest summer enrollment in 13 years. When combined with nearly 2,000 adult education students working toward their GED or ESL proficiency, and over 2,300 individuals earning continuing education and corporate training hours, West Georgia Technical College served more than 14,500 learners, helping build a strong workforce and thriving communities throughout the region.
“The College has achieved remarkable growth, celebrated significant successes, and made a lasting impact across the communities we serve,” said Dr. Julie Post, president of WGTC. “I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff, whose dedication ensures we meet the evolving needs of industry, transform lives through education, and strengthen the economic vitality of our region. It is an honor to serve our communities, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.”
Enrollment growth extended across several of WGTC’s campuses and programs this past academic year. The Carroll Campus reached a record enrollment of 2,228 students, making it WGTC’s largest campus by enrollment. The Douglas Campus posted the largest year-over-year enrollment increase, adding 201 students for a 12.5% gain. Meanwhile, the Murphy Campus experienced the fastest percentage growth, increasing enrollment by 19%. Online learning also continued to expand. Nearly 7,800 students enrolled in at least one online course, setting a new record and more than doubling online participation since 2016. The increase reflects the wide range of flexible learning options available to today’s students.
The ongoing enrollment growth also translated into record-setting student achievement. West Georgia Tech conferred more than 4,000 awards during the academic year, the highest total in its history. The College also recorded a record 2,664 graduates while maintaining a 99% job placement rate. Of those graduates, a record 1,034 previously participated in dual enrollment, making the first time that number exceeded 1,000. WGTC also boasts a milestone of over 1,700 HOPE Career Grant graduates.
Several workforce programs have experienced substantial long-term growth. Across the last decade, growth has generally been strongest in technical, workforce, healthcare, skilled trades, and industrial programs. For example, the Electrical Systems Technology program grew from 34 students in 2016 to 234 students in 2026, an increase of nearly 600%. Student success continues beyond enrollment and graduation numbers. Ten healthcare programs have already reported state and national licensure or certification pass rates exceeding 90%, demonstrating strong educational outcomes and workforce readiness.
“WGTC’s record enrollment, FTE, credit hours, and graduate outcomes, coupled with an incredible placement rate and strong growth in workforce-aligned programs, reflect our commitment to transforming lives and meeting the needs of Georgia’s workforce,” said Amanda Thomas, assistant vice president of institutional research and effectiveness for WGTC.
To learn more about how WGTC can help you achieve your educational and career goals, visit westgatech.edu
Author: Douglas Salter
