At $24,592/yr net price, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Atlanta graduates earn $48,191/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,191/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,592 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,191/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,191/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,499/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,074/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,482/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,946/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,136/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $39,099 | $31,281 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $28,598 | $14,750 |
The Risk Factor
52.0% of students at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Atlanta 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
The financial picture here is thin. You pay about $24,600 a year at a two-year for-profit school, and the typical graduate earns just over $48,000 a decade out. That earnings figure sits above the certificate-level program outcomes reported for this campus, which is worth checking before you enroll: the two named programs both pay under $40,000, and one pays under $29,000.
The Vehicle Maintenance and Repair certificate is the stronger bet, but it still carries about $31,000 in debt against roughly $39,000 in early earnings. That debt-to-earnings ratio is tight. The Precision Metal Working certificate pairs much lower debt ($14,750) with lower pay (about $28,600), so you borrow less but earn less too. Neither program leaves much room to get ahead quickly.
The specific risk here is the debt load relative to what these certificates pay. Median debt of $31,500 on a certificate program is heavy, and a 52% graduation rate means roughly half of you leave without finishing, potentially with loans and no credential. That is the outcome that sinks people financially.
The net price barely moves by income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $23,500. if it earns over $110,000, you pay about $29,100. That $5,600 spread is small, so lower-income families do not get the steep discount you might expect at other schools. Plan on paying most of the sticker price regardless of income.
This school fits you if you want to work as an aviation maintenance technician in the Atlanta area and you have a concrete job lined up or strong regional demand to rely on. If you are unsure about the field, or you can access a community-college A&P program at lower cost, look there first before taking on this debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Atlanta worth the cost?
With graduates earning $48,191 ten years after enrollment and typical debt of $31,500, the school offers modest returns. The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their programs, adding financial risk.
What programs at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Atlanta have the best ROI?
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates earn $39,099 annually, which is the highest-paying program at the school. Precision Metal Working graduates earn significantly less at $28,598, making it a weaker financial choice.
How much debt do Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Atlanta graduates typically have?
Graduates typically carry $31,500 in debt, which takes several years to pay off given the median earnings of $48,191. This debt load is manageable but requires steady employment in the aviation field.
What are the risks of attending Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Atlanta?
The biggest risk is the 52% graduation rate, meaning many students pay tuition but don't complete their programs. Students who do graduate face a competitive job market with starting salaries that may not immediately justify the $24,592 annual cost.