At $5,876/yr net price, Athens Technical College graduates earn $35,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,951/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,876 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,504 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,951/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,500/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,704/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,745/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 | $55,422 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $51,106 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,568 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $30,463 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
33.1% of students at Athens 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
Athens Technical College offers strong financial returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. Your annual investment of $5,876 in net costs positions you well if you choose nursing or dental support services, where graduates earn $55,422 and $53,358 respectively. These programs deliver solid ROI within Georgia's growing healthcare sector.
The college's 33% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, meaning you face real odds of paying tuition without earning credentials. This risk hits hardest in lower-paying programs where earnings barely justify the investment.
HVAC technology graduates earn $38,289, which provides decent returns given the low program cost and strong regional demand for skilled trades. However, many other programs at Athens Tech fall short of delivering meaningful salary gains over high school earnings.
You should consider Athens Tech if you can commit to nursing, dental support, or allied health programs and have the academic preparation to complete them. The low net price makes it accessible, and only 35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford the full cost.
Skip this school if you're considering programs outside healthcare and skilled trades, or if you're uncertain about your ability to persist through completion. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings for many programs creates poor financial prospects. Transfer-focused students might find better value at University of Georgia, which offers more four-year program pathways at competitive in-state rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens Technical College worth the cost?
Athens Technical College offers good value with a low net price of $5,876 per year, but the 33% graduation rate is concerning. Healthcare programs like nursing provide strong returns with graduates earning $55,000+, while other programs may struggle to justify costs with average earnings around $36,000.
What are the highest paying programs at Athens Technical College?
Nursing programs at Athens Technical College lead earnings at $55,422 annually, followed by dental support services at $53,358. These healthcare fields offer the best ROI compared to other programs like HVAC technology, which averages $38,289.
How much debt do Athens Technical College students typically have?
With a net price of $5,876 per year, Athens Technical College students face relatively low costs compared to four-year schools. However, the 33% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Do Athens Technical College graduates find good jobs after graduation?
Athens Technical College graduates in healthcare programs generally find stable employment with competitive salaries. Nursing graduates earn over $55,000 annually, though graduates in other fields average around $36,000, which may limit career advancement opportunities.