Toccoa Falls College has been recognized for its honorable commitment to engaged, hands-on education by Colleges of Distinction, a one-of-a-kind guide for college-bound students. As an institution whose primary goals are based on student success and satisfaction, TFC claims its honor as one of the renowned Colleges of Distinction. TFC has been honored as a Georgia College of Distinction, a Christian College of Distinction, and special recognition in our Education, Nursing, and Business programs.

Colleges of Distinction’s longstanding support for student-centered schools highlight those that traditional rankings often overlook. Founder Wes Creel created Colleges of Distinction to draw more attention to schools like TFC whose educational approach prevails in applying theory to practice while fostering a dynamic learning community. 

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process is comprised of a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools about each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and more—and accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. These principles are all informed by the High-Impact Practices to prioritize the ways that institutions enable students to have a fulfilling, individualized college experience.

“Every student has their own unique set of abilities, their own goals, and their own ideal settings in which they would thrive,” said Creel. “That’s why we don’t rank our schools. It’s about finding the best opportunities for each individual’s needs and desires.” TFC’s inclusion is informed by the unique ways it commits to achieving success.

Creel and his colleagues found that the most popular college rankings systems rely on metrics like peer reputation, size of endowment, and alumni salaries. They knew instead that the effective strategies for student satisfaction and outcomes were the kinds of engaging experiences found at TFC: Service and Outreach opportunities, study abroad programs, overseas internships and international mission work, small class sizes, undergraduate research, and capstone projects.

Creel continued, “It’s inspiring to see TFC commit to the learning styles and community involvement that will best allow their students to succeed in and beyond their college years.” 

Already honored as a College of Distinction for its high-impact approach to education, TFC has also received specialized recognition in Business, Education, and Nursing. These additional accolades were borne out of a need for college curricula that are comprehensive not only in course material, but also in practical- and soft-skills development. TFC has met these needs with a blend of liberal arts education, program-specific training, and abundant opportunities for real-world application.

“We complete a thorough review of the programs in question before giving the awards,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction. “We’re looking for such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program, advising and mentoring, integration of career services, and successful outcomes for students. It’s wonderful to see how Toccoa Falls College really exemplifies these qualities.”

Education: Toccoa Falls College is proud to graduate future educators who are not only knowledgeable, but also efficient mentors who provide empathetic support and novel teaching methods. TFC’s Education programs include Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Education with concentrations in English, History, Biology, and Chemistry, and Music Education.

Nursing: The accredited Nursing program at Toccoa Falls College has enabled its students to take calculated action even in high-pressure situations. With four full years at TFC, these students are challenged to remain curious and compassionate throughout their rigorous practice and clinical opportunities.

Business: Globalization and the intricacies of modern business operations require effective communication and apt problem-solving strategies. Toccoa Falls College’s new concentrations in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Management keep their future leaders adaptable as they grow alongside their industry.

To view TFC’s profile or to find more information about the innovative learning experiences it offers, click here.

About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.