Garland Colleges, Universities, Trade and Vocational Schools

Garland Colleges and Schools

Although its famous neighbors (Dallas and Fort Worth) may get more attention, Garland, Texas is a city not easily overlooked. With approximately 235,000 people, the city is bustling with economic activity. Meanwhile, employers like Raytheon, Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions, Walmart, and the Baylor Medical Center make the city an economic power to be reckoned with.

According to the city website, Garland is a place where "products, careers, and opportunities" are made. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas, residents are able to take advantage of all that the Dallas-Fort Worth metro complex offers. This includes attractions in their own town like the Granville Arts Center, Lake Ray Hubbard, and numerous parks and athletic facilities.

Colleges in Garland, Texas

Garland, Texas is home to 5 institutions of higher learning according to the National Center for Education Statistics, with a total enrollment numbering 2,334 students. These institutions include small, 4-year private colleges and several beauty schools offering less-than-two-year degrees or certificates.

Amberton University

• In-state tuition (2014-15): $7,260
• Graduation rate: not reported
• Accredited: Y
• # of programs: 7 bachelor's, 13 master's, 11 specializations

Amberton University is a private, not-for-profit university specializing in degree programs for adult learners. Many of the programs are available to be completed either on-campus or online. Enrollment for 2014 totaled 1,381 with many of those students enrolled in undergraduate programs. Degree programs offered include concentrations in business, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies.

ABC Beauty Academy

• In-state tuition (2014-15): $8,645
• Graduation rate (started in 2011): 98%
• Accredited: Y
• # of programs: 3 certificate

With certificate programs in cosmetology, esthetic, and manicuring, ABC Beauty Academy aims to prepare students for careers in the beauty industry. Just 30 students were enrolled in 2014, resulting in a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. ABC Beauty Academy boasts an exceptional graduation rate of 98%.

Remington College-Dallas Campus

• In-state tuition (2014-15): $15,995
• Graduation rate (started 2008): 69%
• Accredited: Y
• # of programs: 7 diplomas, 4 associate, 1 bachelor's

Remington College-Dallas Campus is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to providing students with career-oriented educational experiences. Enrollment for 2014 stood at 882 students, most of whom were seeking professional certificates or associate's degrees. Popular programs include medical assisting, pharmacy assisting, criminal justice, culinary arts, business, and computer and information systems.

International Beauty College

• In-state tuition (2014-15): $9,725
• Graduation rate: not reported
• Accredited: Y
• # of programs: 4 certificate

International Beauty College trains students for careers in the beauty industry with career tracks for cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and eye lash extension experts. With 56 students enrolled in 2014, students enjoy a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.

National Beauty College

• In-state tuition (2014-15): $14,983
• Graduation rate (started in 2011): 47%
• Accredited: Y
• # of programs: 3 certificate

Students at National Beauty College train for careers in the beauty industry, and programs offered include cosmetology, manicuring, and student instruction. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 48 students had enrolled at the school in 2014. Professional certificates are awarded with less than two years of study.

Facts for Students of Garland Colleges and Schools

Economics

In 2015, WalletHub ranked Garland at #41 on their list of "Best Places to Start a Career." In that same study, Garland ranked #4 in the "Highest Starting Salaries" category. Garland's largest employers include the Garland Independent School District and the City of Garland. Other major industries include healthcare, manufacturing, and oil companies. The median household income for Garland residents was $51,842 in 2013. Median home values registered at $115,700 with 63.7% of residents owning their own homes.

Demographics

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Garland, Texas to be 235,501 in 2014. Of those residents who were age 25 and older, 21.4% held a bachelor's degree or higher in 2013 with 76.7% obtaining at least a high school diploma. Nearly half of Garland residents (46%) spoke a language other than English at home, while 27.0% of residents were born outside of the United States.

Fun Facts

Garland, Texas is widely considered a great place to live and makes regular appearances on several "Best City" lists. Some of those appearances include Nerdwallet's "Best Cities for Working Parents 2014" and WalletHub's "2015's Best and Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers."

Sources:

1. City of Garland, https://www.garlandtx.gov/
2. College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
3. State & County Quickfacts, U.S. Census Bureau, Garland, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/4829000.html
4. "Major Employers and Clusters," Garland Economic Development Partnership, http://www.garlandedp.com/select-garland/major-employers.html
5. "2015's Best and Worst Cities for Starting a Career," WalletHub, https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-to-start-a-career/3626/
6. "Best Cities for Working Parents," Nerdwallet, http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/best-cities-working-parents/
7. "2015's Best and Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers," WalletHub, https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-first-time-home-buyers/5564/