At $5,350/yr net price, Aiken Technical College graduates earn $39,225/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,225/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,350 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,225/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,225/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,653/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,044/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,104/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,906/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,600 | $16,870 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $57,657 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $55,338 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Certificate | $37,568 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,848 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $31,848 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Certificate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
18.7% of students at Aiken Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Aiken Technical College offers strong returns for specific career paths but carries significant completion risks that undermine its overall value proposition. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $60,000 annually, making it one of the better community college nursing programs in South Carolina despite higher debt loads around $16,870.
Heavy equipment maintenance also delivers solid returns at $55,338 yearly, aligning well with the industrial needs of the CSRA region. These technical programs justify the investment for students who complete them. However, the 18.7% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk for anyone considering enrollment.
Most other programs at Aiken Tech produce modest returns. Allied health graduates earn $36,848, which barely exceeds what many high school graduates achieve locally. The interdisciplinary studies track offers even weaker prospects at $37,568, raising questions about its career focus.
The low graduation rate represents the biggest financial hazard here. With fewer than one in five students completing their programs, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The $5,350 annual cost seems reasonable, but multiplied across multiple years of attempted completion, costs accumulate quickly.
Aiken Technical College makes financial sense only if you enroll in nursing or industrial maintenance programs and have strong confidence in your ability to finish. The school works best for local students who can live at home and have clear career goals in high-demand technical fields. If you struggle with completing academic programs or lack specific career direction, the low graduation rate makes this a risky investment regardless of the low sticker price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aiken Technical College worth the cost?
Aiken Technical College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,350 per year and median debt of only $12,250. However, the 18.7% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts overall ROI for students who don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Aiken Technical College?
Nursing programs at Aiken Technical College lead to the highest earnings at around $60,000+ annually, while heavy equipment maintenance pays about $55,000. Other programs typically result in lower salaries around $37,000-40,000 per year.
How much debt do Aiken Technical College graduates typically have?
Aiken Technical College graduates have relatively low debt loads with a median of $12,250. The affordable tuition and strong financial aid make this school accessible, though the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degrees.
Does Aiken Technical College have good job placement after graduation?
While specific placement data isn't available, Aiken Technical College's nursing and technical programs align well with regional job markets. The low graduation rate of 18.7% suggests many students struggle to complete programs, which directly impacts their ability to enter higher-paying careers.