At $8,509/yr net price, Augusta Technical College graduates earn $33,523/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,509 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,036 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,523/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-477/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,259/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,668/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,777/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,309/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $67,660 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $39,369 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $39,369 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,908 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
30.8% of students at Augusta 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
Augusta Technical College delivers solid financial value for specific career paths, though your success depends entirely on choosing the right program. Nuclear engineering technology graduates earn $67,660 annually, more than double the school's overall median of $33,523, while nursing graduates command $55,512. These technical programs justify the $8,509 annual cost within two years of graduation.
The financial picture splits sharply between high-paying technical fields and lower-earning programs. Computer IT management and allied health diagnostics both clear $40,000 annually, providing decent returns. Criminal justice graduates earn $39,369, still above the regional average but requiring careful debt management. Programs outside these top earners likely offer weaker financial prospects given the school's overall graduate earnings.
Your biggest risk is the 30.8% graduation rate. Nearly seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt without the credential needed for career advancement. The median debt load of $4,500 stays manageable, but only if you finish your program and secure employment in your field.
Augusta Technical works best for career switchers and local students targeting specific technical roles in the Augusta area's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The nuclear program particularly benefits from proximity to the Savannah River Site. With 42% of students receiving financial aid, the school offers reasonable access to lower-income students.
Skip Augusta Technical if you're uncertain about your career direction or considering programs outside the high-earning technical fields. The low completion rate suggests the school struggles to support students who need additional academic preparation or career guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Augusta Technical College worth the cost?
Augusta Technical College offers a low net price of $8,509 per year with median debt of only $4,500, making it financially accessible. However, the 30.80% graduation rate and median 10-year earnings of $33,523 mean many students don't finish or see strong returns.
What are the best paying programs at Augusta Technical College?
Nuclear Engineering Technologies leads with $67,660 median earnings, followed by Registered Nursing at $55,512. These technical programs offer much better returns than the school's overall median of $33,523.
How much debt do Augusta Technical College graduates have?
Augusta Technical College graduates have a median debt of $4,500, which is very low compared to most colleges. The affordable tuition and strong financial aid help keep borrowing minimal.
What is Augusta Technical College's graduation rate?
Augusta Technical College has a 30.80% graduation rate, meaning about 7 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.