At $5,090/yr net price, Atlanta Metropolitan State College graduates earn $33,252/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,090 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,360 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,252/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-748/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 14.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,123 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,415/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,346/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,121/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,528/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,103 | $10,942 |
The Risk Factor
14.3% of students at Atlanta Metropolitan State 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
Atlanta Metropolitan State College presents a concerning financial picture with the lowest graduation rate and retention numbers among Georgia public colleges. Your median debt of $14,123 leads to earnings of just $33,252 ten years after enrollment, creating a weak return on investment even at the low net price of $5,090 annually.
The school's Liberal Arts and Sciences program shows particularly poor outcomes, with graduates earning only $24,103 while carrying nearly $11,000 in debt. This represents one of the worst earnings-to-debt ratios in the state system. The 14% graduation rate means most students who enroll never finish their degree, making any investment risky.
The 37% retention rate signals serious academic or financial struggles that prevent students from continuing past their first year. If you do stay and graduate, your earning potential remains limited compared to other Atlanta-area institutions, even accounting for the lower upfront costs.
This school makes financial sense only if you need the lowest possible entry point into higher education and plan to transfer quickly to a stronger program elsewhere. The combination of low completion rates and poor graduate outcomes creates substantial risk that your time and money investment will not pay off.
With over half of students receiving financial aid, affordability support exists, but the underlying value proposition remains weak. You should consider community college alternatives or other Georgia public institutions with stronger track records unless Atlanta Metropolitan's specific location or program timing provides advantages that outweigh the financial risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta Metropolitan State College worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,090 per year and graduates earning $33,252 after 10 years, the financial return is weak for most students. The extremely low graduation rate of 14% means most students don't finish their degree, making the investment risky.
What is the ROI for Atlanta Metropolitan State College graduates?
Graduates earn about $33,252 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. The school's top programs in Liberal Arts produce graduates earning around $24,103, making debt payback challenging even with relatively low borrowing.
How much debt do Atlanta Metropolitan State College students typically have?
Students who borrow graduate with a median debt of $14,123. While this debt level is manageable compared to other schools, the low earnings potential means payments could still strain budgets.
Should I attend Atlanta Metropolitan State College for Liberal Arts?
Liberal Arts graduates from Atlanta Metropolitan State College earn around $24,103, which is low compared to the national average. The program's poor financial outcomes combined with the school's 14% graduation rate make it a high-risk choice.