EDUCATION

Georgia’s 62+ Program allows residents to take academic credit courses free on a space available basis. Georgia residents may be eligible for HOPE Scholarships and academic classes. Classes may also be tax deductible under the Lifetime Learning Credit.

Valdosta State University, established in 1906, is a regional partner of the Georgia University System, the center for higher education in Enrollment approaches 11,000 students representing 47 states and 63 countries. Small classes, at all levels, are taught by 500 well-qualified faculty members. Two campuses, less than a mile apart, have grown to more than 178 acres. VSU offers unique cultural and educational opportunities to business, industry and the public of South Georgia through performances, workshops, institutes, and continuing education programs.

Continuing Education's mission is to enhance the quality of life in the region by providing educational, artistic, cultural, technological, and economic development activities and programs. The Continuing Education Program works to develop and present programs and activities for professional and personal enrichment of community persons.

The Institute for Learning in Retirement provides persons age 50+ an opportunity to take part in courses and activities that enable them to be lifetime learners. Valdosta’s program is one of 5 in the state and one of 200 in the country. Each quarter, for a modest fee of $45, participants can choose from more than 30 classes, including a variety of computer, photography, dance, foreign language and art courses in addition to programs, discussion groups, and field trips. Elderhostel Institute Network, a national association, and affiliate of Learning in Retirement (LIR) have several benefits, including international and domestic study programs.LIR is member-led and university-sponsored. Members are involved in determining curriculum, recruiting new members, managing the budget, and developing social programming.


Valdosta Technical College promotes lifelong learning, offering a variety of credit and non-credit classes and has a satellite Campus in the Quitman, currently at the Brooks County Middle School.

In December 2007 Valdosta Technical College was accredited and approved for unconditional membership with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Accreditation by the Commission is retroactive to January 1, 2007.

Although the college has modified its mission statement through the years, the essential mission is to provide accessible quality education, support economic growth, and promote lifelong learning for residents in its six-county service area. The college commits itself to provide technical instruction, enabling students to develop knowledge, skills, and work ethics resulting in entry-level employment and career advancement. The 2007 student body of 4,189 credit-enrolled students was made up of 1,484 males and 2,705 females. Valdosta Tech awarded 787 degrees, diplomas, and certificates to 705 students in 2007. An open enrollment college, Valdosta Technical College is one of 34 units in the Technical College System of Georgia.

Georgia Military College was created by act of the Georgia legislature in 1879 for the purpose of "...educating young men and women in an environment which fosters the qualities of good citizenship...." It continues to fulfill its original purpose by embracing the philosophy that education is two dimensional, involving development of the intellect along with elevating the qualities of character of the student.

As a small college, we ensure that you receive the treatment you deserve and tailor our programs to meet your individual needs, not only in the classroom, but in every dimension of student life. Our Student Services staff provides you with assistance in financial aid, career planning, academic advising, and counseling. Student Activities provides programs in intramurals, student clubs, cultural activities, and social events to enrich your student experience. We also offer a number of intercollegiate sports for both men and women.