FAQ
Helms College is a nationally accredited, post-secondary school operated by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) that offers Associate Degrees and Diplomas in hospitality and health care. Named for Dr. Edgar J. Helms, founder of Goodwill Industries, the College has campuses in Macon and Augusta, Georgia. Helms is one of the top vocational colleges in the state of Georgia.
Helms College offers Associate Degree and Diploma programs to prepare students for exciting careers in the hospitality and health services industry. The Culinary Arts programs emphasize techniques, theories, and hands-on training in cooking, baking, serving, and management skills needed for success in the food industry, while the Health Services programs provide skilled training for employment in a wide range of medical offices and facilities.
Applicants must provide a high school diploma or accredited GED or home school program; pass the entrance exam (Wonderlic SLE); and complete an admissions application. Financial aid counseling and orientation are also required.
Helms College is on a quarter system; classes start in January, April, July, and October. Students progress through the program in “cohort” groups.
Official transcripts must be provided for consideration of transfer credit into the Associates Degree program. Typically, the program director will evaluate any ServSafe license for transfer of credit.
Helms College instructors arrange off-campus trips for their classes to a variety of venues for instructional opportunities. Student Services coordinates student competitions throughout the year, and students also occasionally participate as part of off-campus competition teams.
Tuition | Books/Supplies | Uniforms | Student Kit | Total | |
AAS Culinary Arts | $34,500 | $2,248 | $37,600 | ||
Culinary Arts Diploma | $22,225 | $1,675 | $23,900 | ||
Baking & Pastry Diploma | $16,315 | $875 | $235 | $375 | $23,900 |
Culinary Arts Certificate | 11,950 | $1,350 | $13,300 | ||
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Diploma | $13,312 | $1,648 | $14,960 | ||
Hemodialysis Technician Diploma | $11,499 | $1,189 | $12,688 | ||
Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant Diploma | $13,030 | $1,893 | $14,923 |
Yes. Helms College instructors arrange off-campus trips for their classes to a variety of venues for instructional opportunities. Student Services coordinates student competitions throughout the year, and students also occasionally participate as part of off-campus competition teams. Helms College has two career counselors on staff to help students explore their career options. In addition, students have access to both Goodwill Staffing Services and the Job Connection. Goodwill Staffing Services assists students with identifying employment during their college studies and upon graduation. The Job Connection is a resource center that links job seekers with employers.
The Office of Financial Aid assists students with applying for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants. GI Bill® funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs also is available for those who qualify.
Students under the age of 24 who have never married, have never joined the military, have no children, did not file for emancipation, or are not wards of the state are considered “dependent.” Their parents would need to talk with staff in the Office of Financial Aid for assistance in filing.
The 44-week Helms College Culinary Diploma program is the most popular. The program is approved for Federal Title IV funding and accepts GI Bill® funding.
Helms College students enjoy small class sizes and chef-instructed, hands-on training in the Helms College industry-standard kitchens. The Helms College Culinary Degree program also offers internships and opportunities to train at Goodwill’s hospitality enterprises, including Edgar’s Bistro and the Anderson Conference Center in Macon, and Edgar’s Grille and the Snelling Center in Augusta. This provides students with real-world, hands-on skills and knowledge that make them competitive in the job market.
Credits earned in the Helms College Diploma program may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree program at Helms College. Helms College has two career counselors on staff to help students explore their career options. In addition, students have access to both Goodwill Staffing Services and the Job Connection. Goodwill Staffing Services assists students with identifying employment during their college studies and upon graduation. The Job Connection is a resource center that links job seekers with employers.
Prospective students can contact the Helms College Admissions Department at 844-GO HELMS or email to set up a tour and learn how to enroll.
Augusta Admissions
Macon Admissions
Augusta Admissions
Macon Admissions
We invite you to learn more about our School of Culinary Arts, School of Health Services, or School of Industrial Trades.
FAQ was last modified: September 4th, 2024 by Olivia DeMoss