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 is cheap to attend, but the numbers around it are hard. A net price near $5,000 a year and median debt around $14,000 keep your out-of-pocket risk low. The problem sits on the other side: median earnings ten years out land at $33,252, which is close to what you might make without the degree at all. The financial return here is weak, and the low price is the main thing protecting you.
The bigger risk at this school is not debt but completion. A graduation rate of 14.30% and a retention rate of 37.04% mean most people who enroll never finish. If you borrow and leave without a credential, you carry the loan with none of the earnings bump a degree is supposed to buy. That is the specific danger here: paying for college, taking on debt, and walking away with nothing to show a future employer.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there is no way to point you toward a major that pays off or one to avoid. Treat every program as an unknown on earnings until you see real outcome data for it.
The net price tiers reward low-income families. Under $30,000 in family income, you pay about $4,415. between $75,000 and $110,000, you pay closer to $11,528. If money is tight, the price is genuinely affordable.
This school fits you if you are confident you will finish, live locally, and want a low-cost path into a four-year degree without heavy borrowing. If you need strong earnings to justify the time, or you are unsure you will stay enrolled, look elsewhere.
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.