At $-864/yr net price, Atlanta Technical College graduates earn $30,350/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $-864 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $-3,456 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,350/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,650/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,153/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,189/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,365/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,131 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $31,133 | $7,711 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,409 | $7,684 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $28,236 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $25,774 |
The Risk Factor
40.8% of students at Atlanta Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Atlanta Technical College costs less than nothing on paper. The average net price of -$864 a year means grant aid typically exceeds tuition and fees, so the sticker price is not your problem here. Your problem is what comes after. Median earnings ten years out sit at $30,350, low even for a two-year technical school in a metro job market as large as Atlanta's. That gap between cheap entry and thin payoff defines the whole picture.
The programs that earn back your time are the health and trade tracks. Allied Health and Medical Assisting at the associate level tops the list near $36,800, with the allied health diagnostic and electrical power transmission certificates close behind in the mid-$30,000s. Clinical lab and vehicle repair certificates land around $30,000 to $31,000, and both carry under $7,800 in debt, so you can pay them off on that income. Pick one of these and the math works.
The risk is the 40.8% graduation rate. Roughly six in ten who start do not finish, and a certificate you never complete leaves you with debt and no credential. Median debt overall is only $9,500, which keeps the downside contained, but the low completion rate is the real threat to your money, not the loans.
This school fits you if you want a specific health or trade certificate, can commit to finishing, and want to spend almost nothing to get there. Families earning $48-75k pay about $2,153 a year. above $110k it rises to roughly $7,365, still modest. If you want a degree that pushes earnings well past $40,000, this is not the place to start, and you should look at a program with stronger salary outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta Technical College worth the cost?
Atlanta Technical College offers strong value with a negative net price of $864 per year, meaning students typically receive more in financial aid than tuition costs. Graduates earn $30,350 annually after 10 years, though the 41% graduation rate indicates completion challenges.
What are the best paying programs at Atlanta Technical College?
Allied Health programs lead earnings at Atlanta Technical College, with Medical Assisting Services graduates earning $36,848 and Diagnostic/Treatment professionals making $36,131. Electrical Power Transmission and Lab Science programs also exceed the school average.
How much debt do Atlanta Technical College graduates have?
Atlanta Technical College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable given the school's low costs. The negative net price means many students graduate debt-free due to financial aid coverage.
What is the graduation rate at Atlanta Technical College?
Atlanta Technical College has a 41% graduation rate, meaning most students do not complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into any cost-benefit analysis, especially for students needing structure and support.