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 works if you finish nursing and not much else. At a net price of $5,350 a year, this is a cheap school, and the median debt of $12,250 stays low. But the median 10-year earnings of $39,225 sit close to what a high school graduate makes, and the graduation rate of 18.7% is the number that should worry you most. Most people who enroll here do not finish.
The associate degree in Registered Nursing is the clear payoff. It earns $63,600 ten years out, roughly $24,000 above the school median, and even carrying $16,870 in debt for it, the math works. The nursing certificate at $57,657 and the heavy equipment maintenance certificate at $55,338 are the next-best bets, and both track the demand for healthcare and industrial techs around the Aiken-Augusta area, close to the Savannah River Site.
Below those, the returns fall off fast. The multi/interdisciplinary studies certificate at $37,568 and the allied health certificate at $36,848 land below the school's own median. A certificate that pays under $38,000 is not clearing much ground beyond what you had before you enrolled.
The real risk here is the completion rate. Low tuition does not help you if you leave without a credential and still owe money. Enroll only if you have a concrete plan to finish, and ideally in nursing.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay the least at $4,653, and the cost stays flat through the $48-75k band near $6,000. It jumps to $9,906 once your family income passes $75,000. This is a strong financial fit if you are targeting nursing or industrial maintenance and can commit to graduating. If you want a general studies path, look elsewhere.
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.