20 Best G.E.D Programs In Nashville, TN (2022 Updated)

And as you can see most reviews are "google user" so I wouldn't be surprise if the staff is actually rating the school themselves, but this school is horrible. The staff is rude, unprofessional, and could care less about the overall wellbeing of the students as long as you pay tuition. The campus police are nonexistent they partake in activities I'm almost positive should not be happening. One of my friends was assaulted and the swept the case under the rug, never filed documents, and never followed up with the case. The financial aid staff takes money from out-of-state students and applies it to in-state students accounts (ie. workstudy, loans, etc.) because that is 90% of their student population. The department staff never answer phones, emails, and their office hours are false advertisement. The bursars office has lost money and payments sent to them and their reply is "sorry" followed by never answering the phones again. They have personally lost housing payments of mine 2 years straight which resulted in me losing housing and or paying double. This school almost lost its accreditation and really they should have because half of the students don't go to class but the professors past them anyway because of their "friendships." This is by far one of the biggest mistakes and bad choices I have ever made in my life. Had I known the undermining and the unprofessionalism this school advocates I would have never committed to it. I have been here since my freshman year and due to their "credit equivalency" scheme I could not transfer. The tuition is definitely not worth the education you are paying for. The professors are more concerned with being "cool" then actually teaching and the administration staff is more concerned with being paid then actually helping the student body. I hate the school after graduating I never will return (Now I understand why Oprah didn't), I hate the staff, and the president has yet to follow up the duties of Dr. Shields who I believe made the biggest changes now TSU is back where it started from since her departure. Anyone considering this school as a secondary education PLEASE DONT.James huckle

I graduated here back in Fall 2017 with my BBA in Accounting. It's a rocky road dealing with staff; even during slow times outside of registration. I used to work in the college system, so I understand the workflow of how I am supposed to handle being a student (which offices to go to for help, who to ask help from, keeping track of specific documents I need to turn in, etc.). However, it was difficult to get help when needed. Some staff can be very rude and unhelpful if they ever answered their phone/email. I would also go to the main campus offices to try to talk to someone, and there were several occurrences where offices would be randomly closed without putting it in their voicemail or webpage. This is not helpful when you work full-time and have to take off work to go to campus. Aside from the nightmarish organization of student services, this is a really great university! Most of my professors were very passionate about their teaching, and actually showed willingness to help you if you are struggling or congratulate you if you are doing well. Going into upper-level accounting courses were tough, but rewarding, and I felt like the professors and classmates were there to support me all the way. What's also great about this university is how affordable it is. I managed to graduate here with no student loans. It's hard, but doable. I also appreciate the accreditation is the same as other local large universities. So if you are looking for an affordable and good university, check out TSU. Just be prepared to take off time, and prepare for some disappointments dealing with staff and admin.Joe Arnold-Pierce

Currently attending this school and I do not like it one bit. This school is full of some of the most racially bitter people I've ever met. On more than one occasion I've listened to discussions that include how all whites are such bad people and how cop killing to them is a good thing? I don't know what kind of stuff they're smoking but obviously it's screwing with their brains! Last semester I had 3 teachers so absorbed in politics in their class that I could hardly see through their BS to actually learn anything. I don't know why but the teachers can't seem to stop preaching how right their political party is over everyone else's. God forbid your opinions differs then you get alienated in class as the gun nut or extremist for saying something like "I don't like the President" I've actually been called racist for stating my opinion on how I don't agree with the President's policies. Funny thing is I'm not even white I'm a light skinned Hispanic but to them it doesn't matter I'm a white racist to them. So yeah this school is not welcoming at all It's sad to say this but if you're Republican you don't belong and if you're not willing to have other people's politics shoved down your throat then don't go here. School is for learning, it's not for having other people's beliefs shoved down your throat we all have different opinions and beliefs and this school fails to understand that. I'll be switching schools next semester.Matt C

Most beautiful campus that we have seen! More importantly, there are truly caring professors and staff. Very blessed to know our son will be in great care for four years. Kids seem down to earth and friendly.Craig Weaver

Belmont is a very good school, I just think they might eventually need to stop expanding and focus on current students. Overall, I'm really enjoying my experience here!MicusIII

Beautiful campus, always events for the students to attend. Music, art, theater tons of amazing venues from intimate to large scale. The Fisher Center is stunning 😍Diane Jones

I attended Nossi in the late 90's for a year, because I love artistry, enjoy it, and I'm very good at it. At that time they did not offer a Bachelor Degree. I signed my G.I. Bill and handed it over every month and took out student loan(s) also. I believe it was right at $21,000 dollars. My classes were four days a week, during the night, I worked full time and the round trip drive from the house was 144 miles. The prestige of the institution made the trip well worth it…until I figured out that none of my credit would transfer to a state college or university. My goal from the beginning was to get a Bachelors Degree. After a year of attendance I found a problem, the accreditation. I dropped out and got my Graphic Design/Visual Communications Associate Degree from a state college, starting over without any transfer credits. Here are the facts. Nossi College of Art is a prestigious ART College. The instructors were experts at their craft. The college would do everything it could to help you meet your financial needs so you could get your degree. There are bitter students, because the prestige gave a sense that you would be walking out the door of the college into a high paying job . YOU get what you work for people, throw the privilege out the door. In hindsight, I regret not finishing out my degree at Nossi. The reason…I consider the product of what was taught to be hands on fine art training. Technology will change and you'll have to keep up with it, but what you learn at Nossi will never be out of date. At the start you believe your good at taking selfies and at the end you believe your Ed Clark. Now in comparison, my (honors) state Graphic Design Associate Degree was more technical. Like architecture style training. I never choose to work in my college training field, but rest assured I have the knowledge. There are no regrets on attending any of the colleges over the years and the years to come. Choose to go to Nossi to understand and improve your knowledge of ART,, but most of all to "feel the prestige" like one of the masters. In one comment it was said that when you quit, their true colors came out. I experienced this also, but I believe it was because they are passionate about what they do. Parents act this way if their child drops out of college.david cawthon

This school is so amazing. There are a few things that could be worked on. But overall the school is great as a whole. My two years here were well spent. I went here for an Associates Degree in Commercial Digital Photography. The teachers are very knowledgeable in their craft and extremely helpful with every student. Grant, Sandy, Sheri and Marcie are the heart of the photography program. They’re experts in their field and have real-world experience in the commercial industry.Darion Barnhart

Nossi College of Art was an awesome art college to attend. As a retired veteran and full time state employee, i was able to obtain my Bachelors degree in Commercial Photography. The staff at Nossi made the process of attending night classes as a full time student so manageable. The instructors are the top of their field of expertise and genuinely care about each student and their achievements. I am proud to say that I am a Nossi alumni!!!Jason Lyell

Let me tell you the never ending tale that is Genesis College. So, to start, let me explain to you that you do not need to spend this much money on hair school. You don't. The competitors will ALL help you pass the board, which is the ONLY thing they can promise to do. BUT that is not what this review is about. I made the decision to go to hair school almost a decade ago. I went to Genesis in Daphne, and they said they could tap into my student loans, and I wouldn't have to put anything down. Sounded amazing to me! So, I'd say about halfway through, I withdrew, and honestly I can say not because of anything the school did. I needed a closer location to work it out with a full time job. SO, I withdrew and went somewhere else out of pocket. I eventually started paying on my student loans and all was grand. More time went by, and I decided to take a 9 to 5 job with a larger salary. Then I decided I probably needed a degree to get to the next level. Well, because I've still got a bit left on my student loans, the university I want to go to needs a copy of all the Genesis Career College transcripts. Not that anyone can use an "A" in "hair braiding", but they still need the transcripts. Ok, fine. SO, I spend the better part of 2 weeks trying to get someone on the phone. I find out pretty quickly in that 2 weeks that Genesis in Daphne closed, and the Mobile location's phone is ALWAYS busy or taken off the hook. At this point, I'd have to say the latter. I call other locations. They transfer me to the Mobile location, it's busy. I finally get smart and start blasting them with phony requests for them to call me because I'm interested in enrolling. BINGO! A phone call happens in less than 5 minutes. I tell the girl that I need to get a copy of my transcripts, and from the daphne location. She doesn't know how to do that, but "someone will call me". Ok, that never happened. I call back, and email. Finally, someone does email me. He says that he will send a certified copy and to send the address. Great. I go online and keep checking and checking, and they haven't received it. I call up to the Registrar's office. They explain that it may have been discarded because I'm not actually going to be using those credits. SO, I email the guy back again. Again, nothing gets received or updated at the college. I email the guy again, and again he reassures me that it has been sent, but he'll send it again. This has been going on since OCTOBER. October. So, I call around today, and get someone in Lebanon, TN. He tells me that he had to get the director to look me up, he has no idea what can be done, what I can do, oh, and that I owe a 3k balance. NOPE. Oh, because on top of owing student loans, you still owe the school once you leave, but I was actually able to pay off the school in 2015, finally. He says that he's showing I owe a balance to the school, so I won't be getting transcripts anyway. So, tonight I spent 4 hours trolling through the last 5 years of my bank statements to prove I paid them in 2015. All because they aren't organized enough as an organization to provide SEALED records to another institution a previous student is trying to attend. Think about that. They cannot, as an organization, bring up your records of attendance, classes taken, grades, and put it in an envelope and lick a stamp. Chris from Lebanon says that this happens ALL the TIME. My reply was, "Then it is a systematic issue your organization needs to fix." Basically, the choice to go to Genesis Career College was a blunder of a decision that I still pay for to this day, almost a decade later, in ways I did not ever consider. So when you're in that sales office planning your financial aid, and thinking about your options, please, consider your exit. I did not and I regret that I did not fully understand the consequences of using financial aid to go to school for what ended up being a hobby.JordanStephen Margavio

I have been here a couple times. Hoping for a different outcome. First time I got my hair washed and dried. My husband can do better on the blow drying and he’s in maintenance. And I also got my nails done with gel. The polish was all peeled off in 2 days. Then today I went for a facial. I paid $15 for a 15 min facial. It wasn’t relaxing at all. You could hear all the other students out in the hallway. There was hair left in the towels that was used on my face. Gross!! Then I looked in the mirror when I left and I had stuff left all over my face. I have been to the Donelson location and they are much more professional. It’s a shame bc I live in Lebanon and it would be much more convenient.Dana Haley

Genesis Career College in Lebanon, TN is so amazing! I attended the MA program and through out the whole 9 months had all the support and more that I needed. Less than a month after I graduated I am working in an orthopedic office. I am thankful for my instructor and new friends that I made along the way. I had the Best experience here!Amanda Haven

I am in the Pharmacy Tech program and I am totally LOVING it! I have never been so happy to be doing my school work. Even though we are currently doing things online, due to COVID-19, Mrs. Hope is doing everything she can to help us understand the material we are learning! I've never had a more interactive teacher! 10/10 recommend this school! The staff is great. From the time I asked for more information on the school till my first day I had weekly check-ins with people from the campus! I have applied at a few colleges and none of them were as interested in communicating with me like Fortis!! 🙂 If your looking for a school that is super friendly and will help you with anything Fortis of Cookville is your school! They even helped me with my financial aid!! 🙂Kaylie Hickman

I am graduating shortly from the HVAC program and I have enjoyed every night of it. The course is set up to help you succeed and the instructors make sure that you have the information needed and understand it well. Unlike some programs Fortis has a lab with 7 fully functional heating and cooling units. During the course of the program you get the opportunity to see first hand how they should work and also what happens when they don't work. I graduate in roughly a month and I can honestly say that this program has more than prepared me for a long successful career in this field.Logan Selby

Just weeks from graduating from HVAC program and must say it has been not only a magnificent educational program with the greatest instructors possible for the program but a phenomenal amount of knowledge gained for a wonderful career path. Instructors are above and beyond with their background in the field, their knowledge of both theory and hands on demonstrations as an excellent form of instruction, and their full dedication and passion for teaching proper skills and ethics of the trade. I would highly recommend this course and school to anyone and everyone.Ace Sharpshoote

Wonderful! The Art of giving to those in need at its finest. The volunteers are a warm, cheery, welcoming group, with Love in their hearts. So needed in a sometimes unfeeling cold world, polarized like ice caps, numbed by shock therapy from an over-dramatized political CircU.S. and a fake-news Carnival ride that went sky high with entitlements to a numbingly low blow to those most at risk. The Branch is truly an olive branch on the wings of a dove that leads those out on a limb, broke or broken, back to One Peace, Faith in something greater for humanity, and a Giving Tree Of Life that sets the Passion of a Sacred Heart ablaze. Amen to all of you.Ethan K. Waltz

Have health conditions with diets and sometimes I cant afford to buy the foods that would afford me to invest in a healthy lifestyle. I am a 68 year old on a fixed income. I have been to food banks in the past and grateful to recieve the food, and I used it but there was not much that my diet suggested. The Branch not only met the needs of my diet it provided enough nutrient food for a month if not more. I am amazed and more than thankful for this month I wont have to worry about food. Thank you all for providing not only food for nourishment but being a shining light in GODS awesome ministryl.Lynn Whitehead

This place is awesome the volunteers and the people that started the food pantry and English class program are great. They let people that come shop for food which is free they have fresh produce, can goods, and meat. They have English classes for those who need them.Jesse Minor

The team at Huntington Learning Center in Murfreesboro has been excellent! They communicate very well and I always know how my 2nd grader is progressing. After virtual learning for 1st grade, my son was really behind. I've seen first hand how this tutoring has helped to improve my son's in school performance as well as his confidence with reading. My favorite thing about Huntington and it's tutors is that they make the learning fun! I was really worried that picking him up from school and taking him to tutoring would make him feel like he's constantly in a classroom. He has consistently shared with me that he does not mind going to tutoring and that he enjoys his time there. As others have mentioned, it is a bit expensive, but the results make it worth every dime! Thank you Dr. Dukes and the rest of the Huntington Team!Eboni Bee

My daughter started this program a solid 2-3 years behind in language arts. She was not confident in herself and would have rather stared at a wall than pick up a book. Throughout the program, the team at Huntington has not only taught her skills to grow her in her education, they poured into her as a person and built her up in so many other ways. She now has a confidence in reading and checks out books from her school library that are above her grade level. She is officially back to her grade level and I have caught her several times in her room reading without being prompted. There was always constant communication between the Huntington team, myself, and her teacher at her school. Can’t thank them enough for their support and will be back once school starts back up!Jordan Thorp

My daughter has struggled with reading since K. We tried helping her and have had her with other tutors during the summers between 1st and 2nd grade and again between 2nd and 3rd grade, but she continued to struggle with fluency and it was starting to affect her other subjects. We addressed this with her school and they recommended Huntington. In a month, we could already see her confidence grow and within two months she was reading a lot better and she is continuing to improve. I would give them 5 stars for the excellent tutors and good communications, but they are very pricey at $57/hour and the program was 133 hours (it can be financed at 0% interest for 12 months). It is a huge investment, but reading is such a key to success.Daniel Jones

It was nice experience , registration process was quick and easy, cheerful staff, during covid outbreak only one parent was allowed as a precautionary measures. Martha was excellent in taking all the documents and information gathering!!Ankita Saraswat

The Hispanic Family Foundation does a lot to help the community including partnering with other agencies to make services accessible to more people.Randy Hinger

Incredibly! A small organization with a big footprint. Proud of what they are capable of doing as a small community organization.Patrick Wadri

I had just graduated high school before coming to The Blackbird Academy. I knew exactly what I was going to do with my life, I knew exactly what i wanted my future to look like, I wanted to go into the profession of a audio engineer. But the LAST thing i wanted was to go to a big university, spending all of my time and money studying for math tests or writing essays and doing assignments for other classes that Idid not need in my life or had no use for that knowledge, then maybe spending two or three hours a day in the audio class that I actually wanted to be in. My thought process was "why do I need to waste my time concerning myself with other subjects? why would I not want to dedicate as much time and effort as I was physically and mentally able to towards being an audio engineer?". After looking at several college opportunities as a nineteen year old kid fresh out of high school, the options were overwhelming, but then I stumbled upon The Blackbird Academy. As i researched more into this program, I noticed that classes are taught by real professionals who have been in the audio career all of their lives, so many known artists work with and trust Blackbird, and there are no other subjects to sidetrack you from the audio engineering course. Blackbird has taken the knowledge that i came into with, filled it to the brim with tons of useful information and converted it into a professional grade tool that I am able to use daily in the audio engineering field.Brady Maness

There is nowhere like The Blackbird Academy, I assure you. John McBride, Director of Blackbird Studio and The Blackbird Academy, has gathered the all star staff. An acclaimed number of highly experienced, established members of the community not only sit across from the students, but, guests of the highest caliber and achievement are constantly invited to speak, record, mix, and master. I came to The Blackbird Academy with little to no practical knowledge of the technology, techniques, or professions that encompassed the Music Industry. Although I had a strong foundation in music itself, having played for, almost literally, my entire life; I began to question myself. Life is meaningless, to me, without music. For several years, I put my sticks down, defeated by my own objections to happiness. Only by good fortune was I struck; by a coincidence of being at the right place, at the right time, I met a strangely humble man. The referral to Blackbird, literally, changed my life. The Blackbird Academy has given me the tools, hands-on experience, in-the-box training, technical knowledge, and the connections to stand proudly in the career field that, both, inspires and motivates me. A big, Thank You, to the staff at blackbird for encouraging and nourishing success. -Tony LundbergTony Lundberg

Blackbird Academy has helped me grow tremendously as an Audio Engineer. If you're considering enrolling at this school, it could be the best decision you'll ever make – It definitely was mine. Industry professionals are constantly popping in-and-out, utilizing and appreciating everything that Blackbird has to offer. The entire studio (from microphones to outboard gear to all of the studio rooms) is available for the academy. This school is 'the real-world experience'. The Academy also provides tremendous support for their soon-to-be graduates and helpes them land internship/work opportunities all over the globe! Blackbird Academy is the place to be!Connor Johnson

This company is a fraud. They claim to be a faith based organization. But they do not represent what they claim they stand for. I was introduced to this program when I was incarcerated and they promised me hope and a job. They hired me upon my release from prison. And then they violated my disability act and terminated me because I did not come to work on my day off. They have denied me unemployment knowing that it’s hard for me to get a job being a felon. I field an EEOC claim against them and they also denied mediation. HopeWorks is not what they claim to be. They are all about money and they do not care about their employees or their students. This organization needs to be shut down. The state of Tennessee needs to give someone else the grant for students to receive their HiSET. I have lost all respect for HopeWorks. In the beginning of 2021 HopeWorks made me the face of the company. I did a news interview with WREG here in Memphis Tennessee. That too was a fraud. They overworked me and underpaid me. They had me managing four sites but I was getting paid as a student coordinator. When I made the CEO aware of what was going on he did not investigate or do anything to look into the situation. I was wrongfully terminated because I sent an email addressing the Director at that time who was also doing illegal activity in the company. And not a month after I was terminated she was also terminated. I will definitely be doing another interview with WREG so that I can expose them for the frauds they are. And I will definitely be suing them. You can fool man but you cannot fool God. And in the end I will win the victory and I pray that God has mercy on HopeWorks and everyone associated with them.TrueBeautyMica Renee

Called thid morning to receive information about the program and a Natalie keft me on hokd 4 in a half minutes i heard her pick the phone up to see if i was on the line because the music stopped then all of a sudden the phone went blank and after i called back and told her i did not want to placed on hold because she hung and left me on hold a fair amount of time she then got very rude… This is unacceptable and very unprofessional. Do better pleaseSunshine Baeee

Nothing but love and positive things to say when referring to HopeWorks. I was once a student in the program and it helped me tremendously. With kind, caring, God loving, God fearing staff they were beneficial to me getting back on my feet again and living life again. Heaven is truly missing a few angels, because they are working at HopeWorks improving and shaping the lives of those who have been misguided or lost in life. God bless them!!!Kinnaye Peete

They hire on prior students without any degrees or real certifications so basically they teach misinformation they have outdated systems and deserve to know it. While attending this school I've dealt with verbal abuse physical threats and intimidation to stay quiet about them taking over 35% of every check. They have faulty equipment. They teach outdated material. The textbooks are from over a decade ago. There is no certification there is no real diploma. This school is a scam and they live off the backs of students and companies seeking employees. Simply put There is no education worth while the school should be shut down. There's a shop here that sells equipment over 40% it's original retail value. I guess the only way this place can legally be open is because this country's falling apart. And with textbooks over a decade old I think I know why. There is no nccer certification they lied to you.chane ice

This school is changing my life for the better. 1 – There is no other trade school that I could afford to attend 2 – the instructors make it a point to connect with each student. I learn a little slower than most others, but I am not ever left behind wondering WTH. 3 – The instructors are actively engaged in the teaching, there are no long boring lectures or talking over your head. 4 – this school helped me find a good job in the trade I would recommend this school for anyone who wants to learn a trade or feels that college is maybe not the best fit for them Attending classes each week is genuinely the highlight of my week.Richard Rouse

If I could give this school 10 stars out of 10, I’ll give them 1000 stars because this school has so much opportunity from learning hands on to studying hard in the books. They are also NCCA certified and will work with you with school and lend you a hand on getting a job opportunity in the midst. Best decision I’ve ever made in school selection and not only do I have a future with this pathway but also create great friends, family, and Connections that can go along way.Keeno Phommalath

This is such a wonderful program. I feel so fortunate to have these tutors volunteer at our school. Ms. Lisa was so helpful this year. She worked with some of my students who needed that little bit of extra help. Sometimes she worked with a small group, and sometimes it was one-on-one. She really helped a lot of my students learn their sight words and improve their reading skills. It was very evident that she enjoyed working with the children. She was always so kind and patient with them. My students loved her. So many of our students don't have help and support at home. This program is such an asset!!Julia Carlton

I love the Literacy Council of Middle Tennessee. They do so much for the community and at no cost to the recipient. No one is turned away. I've been a volunteer for several years and I enjoy working with the students and watching them grow and develop. The sense of pride and ownership is amazing to watch as they grow throughout the tutoring process. I highly recommend that you volunteer or use them for assistance. You'll be pleased – I guarantee!Kelli Verzak

I teach at Whitten Elementary, and my Cover Tutor was wonderful. She came once a week and worked on reading with my students who needed more practice. I could see how she cared about them and wanted them to succeed. Also, she enjoyed spoiling them with treats. My students loved her.julie griggs

They're nice people especially the Somali lady at front desk, miss Cindy and kong. Currently I really don't like the Rwandan lady she's full of pride and unprofessional language . I hate it when old men and women who can't speak English and Swahili try to speak to her in native language but she continues to speak English. Unprofessional in everything mainly in speaking and dressing.Irakoze Bella

I had an appointment at 11:00 am, At first no one was answering the door after 4 attempts they opened the door so I was there at 10:58 and the front desk said that they will attend me soon and at 11:30 they said that the will attend me shortly once they are done the client and now it is 12:03 and still they haven’t attended me. Now that’s called a good management I believe.Hadis Barikzai

A wonderful place with amazing people working here. Everyone is so nice and kind to each other, and they are all passionate about helping the refugees and immigrants in Middle TN.Vanisa Khemanivong

I have attended this school and I can tell you from experience that it's a great school. I had a bad experience with even getting started at another school. The process is very simple at TCAT. The school is so popular that they many times have a waiting list to get in. But quality is worth waiting for. My experience with enrollment and financial aid has been great. They guide you through every step and will help you fill out whatever is needed for financial assistance. I even took off when I had some medical issues and was able to get back in. The instructor I had was very helpful and provided high quality hands-on instruction. It's a great school for people who learn better by hands-on. The book work can be challenging, but the instructor will do everything you need to help prepare you. Basically if you want a school where you can learn a good hands-on trade and after learning it make a great wage like $20 an hour or more then this is for you. Many of the trades students graduate with companies waiting to hire them making at least $20 an hour. Some jobs you must be willing to travel to make more money. Millwrights, welders and pipefitters from TCAT can easily make $30 an hr doing travel jobs. I speak from experience. I hope this helps someone who might be considering what school to attend.Matt Cox

If you want to relive high school, this is the place for you. It seems stupid and childish to complaint about, but this place is worse than high school. Be prepared to be laughed at and made fun of if you have any physical defects or if you need help with something. I was literally laughed out of class. The teachers are snotty and only interact with favorite students. There are no lectures. You basically spend six hours working through the course material with no teacher guidance. Horrible experience. The students are mostly comprised of toothless Carter County rednecks. If you're not from Carter County, you're not anything. The only positive experience I had was with Student Services. I feel as though that was just to get me in school so they could get grant money. Financial aid is moody. The guy there only responds in grunts. Horrible experience. Don't waste your time.so hidaisy

I would NEVER recommend this school to anyone, especially with regards to the Practical Nursing Program. They need to fire and rehire in several departments, as someone else on here also stated. The Nursing Program faculty are corrupt and are only in it for themselves. It is all just a big game to them. This is coming from someone who made excellent grades in both the 1st and 2nd trimesters and missed Med Surg by 2 points. Earlier this year, they told me I could retake Med Surg this May then after successful completion, I could move on to 3rd trimester. Then I received a call this morning saying that the Director of Nursing is putting a stop to the discussed plan and would make me redo the entire Program over again from the beginning. I am tired of their games and will be attending Nursing school somewhere else. They are not getting any more of my time or money!Jess 5708

I booked an appointment for a gel manicure and spa pedicure. I understand these are students and that they are still learning, so I had lower expectations than at a nail salon, but I was still disappointed. For the pedicure I sat on an uncomfortable bench. The student messed up on my polish and tried to smooth it out with thick layers of top coat. I asked her to take off the polish and redo it, which she did, but the polish is still very smudged. She did not use a pumice stone (she didn't even know what it was when I asked) on my feet, which was disappointing. She did not do anything for the skin on my feet, and did not use hot towels on my legs, which the receptionist said was included in the spa pedicure. When she started on my manicure, the gel polish was very runny and was not curing under the light. She didn't seem to have a clue what to do, so another student next to us asked what product she used under the gel. Apparently she skipped a step. The student next to us ended up painting a few of my nails. She had to do multiple coats since the gel was super thin. She applied the top coat of gel super thick and it got onto my skin, so the next day it started peeling off. During the manicure, I could hear the other students sitting next to us talking and using strong language, which was not professional. Through the whole experience, an instructor never came over to observe or ask if she had any questions or what I thought of the experience. I had anticipated getting a survey at the end so that the instructors could know how the students did, but I did not get anything. The student who worked with me was one month away from graduation, but from my viewpoint, she does not have all the knowledge I would expect from a nail technician. The positive aspect was that I paid a much lower price than at a nail salon. The negatives were that I was uncomfortable and the experience was not relaxing. The end results were slightly worse than I expected.Megan Joines

I couldn’t finish my enrollment here. I transferred from an esthetics school in another state. I was not expecting to just be thrown in with no guidance other than “go ask your classmates”. My classmates barely knew what they were doing either. So every day I just sat there bored not knowing what work I needed to do, not having all of the protocols although I asked for them several times, and because I was new, the only girls that spoke to me were in the freshman class. There is no structure, you can come and go as you please, and I was surprised by the lack of sanitation and cleanliness in the clinic. The instructors were really nice, but aside from morning lecture and psi training, I felt lost. I also witnessed a student explain to one of the instructors that she didn’t know how to do a certain procedure and that she needed help, and the instructor shrugged and said something about it being on the student and walked out. This is not everyone’s experience, but after this I decided esthetics isn’t for me.jazzy cearra

So very proud of my baby sister for pursing her dreams.And a very special thanks to Ms.Leah the evening instructor for her care and encouraging words. Thank you for believing in my sister and not allowing her to give up on herself doing one of the hardest seasons of our lives. . Losing our oldest sister has been especially hard for my baby sister.. MS.LEAH GCI IS LUCKY TO HAVE YOU AND MY SISTER SPEAKS SO HIGHLY OF YOU. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AND WE ARE FOREVER THANKFUL FOR YOUR CARE AND ENCOURAGING WORDS.DAPHNE GALLION

Columbia State is one of the worst ran colleges ever. There attention to students needs is nonexistent. I have had MANY issues with my information, financial aid, transcripts, and class schedules while here. There was never a semester that something didn't go wrong. When asking for help from the student resource departments I had to basically harass the departments to make sure my issues were addressed. If I was not constantly checking on my inquiries my problems were pushed aside or not addressed. every issue I had could only be resolved by meeting in person with a department leader. Many of the workers were un interested with issues that they couldn't immediately solve or I couldn't solve on my own. I had issues with them even after years of being graduated. for instance when I applied for law school, I requested transcripts for application and they only college that didn't send them in time were CSCC. I had to call several times just to get them sent. Im just glad that I am a diligent person who was on top of tasks otherwise I may not have been able to achieve what I have if I had relied on the CSCC system. This is no reflection on their academic aspects. CSCC was academically helpful. Professors were kind and well educated. I have no complaints on that part of staffing. My bad experiences came from student resource assistance.Lauren Thomas

Literally the worst ran college ever. No one can do their job. Financial aid just messes around with your scholarships and finances and then won’t tell you when things have gone wrong or changed. I put in for an additional loan amount and they just revised my first loan amount to be the total of what I asked for in additional funds before getting confirmation from me. Absolutely terribly ran. Several professors can’t get their stuff together and show up late or are completely disorganized and don’t know what’s going on. Not to mention tenured professors that don’t give a single care about their students and just want a paycheck. If they weren’t tenure they would be fired. I don’t know how this college still gets accredited for things.. ridiculous. The website is also confusing and unnecessarily complicated. What a joke of a college.Winter V Hansen

I had a wonderful experience during my time at Columbia State. As a nontraditional student who never thought he'd go back to school, it was a very comfortable transition back into the realm of academics. Special shout out to Dr. Gidcomb, a professor of history at Columbia State, who like many professors at CS is not only passionate about his subject, but sets students up for success in every way he can. He also made sure that all of his students knew there were options available for covid relief funds. As many have said, I agree that the wheel of admissions and the financial office could us a bit of grease, but ultimately found these employees eager to help. I'm very thankful that Columbia State helped me complete a degree that had been hanging over my head for many years.Dustin Paris

This school is an absolute tragedy. I started in June of 2020. I was supposed to go for a year and then be fully prepared to pass my Esthetics test but that is not what happened. Let's start with covid. We were not allowed to come to class at all for atleast 2 months so we had to rely on a negligent teacher who canceled online school at the last minute 3 out of the 4 days almost every single week or our favorite, she wouldn't cancel and we would be waiting online for 30mins before we realized she wasn't coming. We then started going to class once a week but if that wasn't canceled our teacher would disappear or have the senior students teach us. I reported this to everyone i could because the school wouldn't do anything. I went to the Board of Regents and they opened up an investigating. They proved the teacher was not doing her job and they were under the impression she had been let go. She was not! 7 months in and we still don't know how to do a facial. I then had to contact State Board and that is when she was finally let go. Then the day class teacher graciously stepped in but she only had 3 months to teach us literally everything. Fast fwd to today when i still haven't passed my Practical because i haven't been taught. We were not allowed to come to watch the demonstration with 2 graduating classes and we weren't sent a video to watch as promised. Sadly nobody in my class has been able to take their practical because we are waiting for the school. We all graduated 6 months ago. That is ridiculously unprofessional and truly shows what they think about us. Lastly, i am a Cosmetologist and a Cosmetology Instructor so i know the laws well. They broke every single law with us. They reported hours we didn't even receive. I have proof of all of this. If you receive TN reconnect i highly suggest you submit a request to go somewhere else. They are very aware of the situation and you can mention this to them. I pray that in the future the school stops treating students like they are throw aways.Cait Hoffman

I attend the CIT day program currently. While I have successfully obtained 2 certifications that will land me a job in the IT industry, my success is no thanks to the facility. We study using TestOut, which is online learning I could do at home. My instructor doesn't receive resources he requests, all of which are vital to creating a hands-on learning environment. The school needs SERIOUS renovation. Nashville State looks fantastic, and TCAT is over there looking run-down. Missing/stained ceiling tiles, aged concrete flooring in building 1, and mismatched paint; that's just the beginning. My class arrived to a room that wasn't ready for us, at all. We had tables and chairs, no computers, no network. Everything in the classroom wasn't set up for probably a month into the first trimester. If I weren't here on financial aid, I'd have left then. There's very little actual teaching in our program. It would be far better to attend Nashville State, or any community college.Michael Herron

I graduated from Esthetics in 2010. Miss Martin was very knowledgeable & kind & beautiful young teacher. After I got Tennessee license & Florida license I volunteer teach all over the world through churches & other organizations. Electric class: is very good. Computer class also great program. Also I graduated from Dental Lab. New teacher seems to b very tough & great teacher. Business class: Miss Howland is good & kind. And many more classes. 2020 pandemic year, not very many job opening. Great time go back school & gain new knowledge & skill.Chessy Latendresse

Edit: This should have always been 5 stars. I echo the sentiment that this office has a terrific, friendly, supportive staff. In addition to employment services, they provide a pathway through classes and testing to high school equivalency (HiSET) starting at age 17 and (for a fee) they provide driver education, to include classes, testing, and road time. Nice building and generous parking. Just up the hill from Dunkin' Donuts.Brian N.

The individuals that work at this establishment are to be commended on a daily basis for all that they do. From the moment I met them they were professional, welcoming, knowledgeable and go above and beyond to help others. I pray that God continue to bless this wonderful group of professionals. I also pray that the community will recognize their contribution to the success of others.Raymond Mendez

Best community college in the Tri Cities and Northeast Tennessee….. Hands down!!!! They actually have professors who genuinely care and want their students to learn and succeed. I have made lifelong family and friends thanks to this amazing college. I also graduated in the top 10 of my graduating class with so many honors, achievements, and an associates of science degree. Definitely a milestone and achievement in my life that I will always be so super proud of for doing myself with the help of those compassionate and intelligent professors to help me along the way Now my middle daughter has started her first semester there and she is so super stoked and excited, and absolutely loves it so far. Definitely recommend becoming a student here after graduating high school before moving onto a bigger 4 year college.Anna Fields

Paint It Purple Campaign to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month was off the chain! Dr. Dobbs, Aspen, Donavan and the whole Social Work Club were amazing! Keep up the good work; I can see you all making a difference in our community and maybe one day around the world! Thank you for your hospitality! Can't forget the Cultural Arts Center's Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration… KUDDOS on the Mexican meal, Ole Guacamole and all the homemade dishes including the mole, pozole, horchata and agua de Jamaica… YUM! 👍🏾👍🏾 I even enjoyed the drill, as well…lol!!! 😁 You all are amazing! Staff and Admin are very welcoming! Thanks, again for your hospitality!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Carli Jarvi

It doesn’t matter how nice you are the front staff is always rude. I understand that they talk to 1000 people a day but there is no reason for it. There is always somebody who will help you out and is nice but most of the time you have to rummage through the rude staff. The teachers are usually great I haven’t had a really bad experience with the teachers. Otherwise good school to go to to get that first 2 years out of the way. They will not prepare you for the big boy colleges tho, the teachers at northeast are way more lenient and the work is a lot easierJessica Miller