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Review of Athens Technical Design Office

Having attended both UGA and Athens tech, I feel q...

Having attended both UGA and Athens tech, I feel qualified to address my experiences with some of the issues mentioned in other reviews.

The staff at Athens Tech treat the students like adults. They are always helpful, but they will NOT coddle you if you have issues due to your own failure. For example, if you miss out on getting financial aid because you didn't get your forms done on time, they will not baby you. It is your responsibility to make sure that all of your forms are up to date. If you have questions, you can always consult the advisors and they will do everything in their power to help you.

Tuition is an amazingly reasonable here. At UGA my pell grant only covered half of my tuition, but here at Athens Tech it covers all of my tuition plus textbooks and anything else I may need. The average 12-credit hour semester for me cost about $1500. This includes tuition and all fees.

The grounds and facilities are kept clean and presentable, and they have even recently renovated.

The main issue that I see in most of the negative reviews is that it can be hard to get someone on the phone sometimes and general issues with staff. The staff have always been respectful, helpful, and kind to me if I treated them with respect. You should never go into an office and make demands or blame the receptionist for a problem caused by your own mistakes. Additionally, they do not have people in every department whose only job is to answer the phones. Staff prioritizes students who come in person for service, but if that is not possible for you you can always email them and they are pretty good about getting back to you on time.

I'm also going to rebut a few of the most negative reviews here.
User "Table Book" left a 1-star review about Nancy in the financial aid office. I took a look at her other reviews and it appears that this person has a recurring issue with customer service, which is a victim mindset. Obviously if you do not pay for your classes on time, you will be removed from them. Athens Tech has a diverse team of faculty and it's not a place where you find discrimination. As I've said before, the staff will help you but ultimately the responsibility is on you for managing your education and future. Going to college is a CHOICE, not a right.

Other, older, reviews mention Justin (the admissions director I believe) and their difficulty reaching him. As I mentioned before, those who come in person will be prioritized because they took the initiative to come into the school. If you are unable to come to the school because of work or childcare responsibilities, PLEASE reach out to the school via email. They want to help you succeed.

Athens tech has vending machines as well as a bookstore that sells textbooks, school supplies (even tablets and printers), food, and clothing-- perfect for when you have a sudden wardrobe malfunction.

Athens tech has 3 campuses: Elberton, Walton, and Athens. You will be able to see where each of your classes is located when you register for them, and plan accordingly. Typically your major-specific classes will all be located on one campus. Gen-Ed is also focused on the Athens Campus. Parking is included in your tuition and the parking sticker is free, along with your student ID.