At $4,750/yr net price, Central Georgia Technical College graduates earn $30,848/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,750 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,848/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,152/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,608 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,141/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,525/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,683/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,566/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,515/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,479 | $13,204 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $40,467 | $12,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,856 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $36,141 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,565 | $6,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,157 | $6,269 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $29,064 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,212 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
40.9% of students at Central Georgia 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
Central Georgia Technical College delivers solid returns for career-focused students willing to pick the right program. At $4,750 per year with median debt under $10,000, your upfront investment stays manageable compared to four-year schools.
The allied health programs generate the strongest returns, with diagnostic and treatment professionals earning $42,479 annually and dental support workers bringing in $40,467. These healthcare tracks justify their slightly higher debt loads through strong regional demand at nearby Houston Healthcare and other medical facilities. HVAC technicians also see strong prospects at $36,141 yearly, capitalizing on Georgia's construction boom and year-round cooling demands.
Business administration produces weaker returns at $35,060 annually, barely outpacing the overall median. You risk earning less than skilled trades graduates while spending similar time and money on your degree.
The 41% graduation rate signals retention challenges that could derail your investment if you struggle with the technical coursework or juggle work responsibilities. Students who transfer out or drop out see no return on tuition paid.
This school works best for local students seeking direct workforce entry in healthcare or skilled trades. The low sticker price makes it accessible even without significant financial aid, though only 30% of students receive assistance. You should look elsewhere if you want transfer pathways to four-year degrees or higher-paying professional careers requiring bachelor's education.
Adult learners with clear career goals in high-demand technical fields get the best value here. Traditional college-bound students seeking broader opportunities may find better long-term returns at universities, despite higher upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Georgia Technical College worth the cost?
Central Georgia Technical College offers good value with a low net price of $4,750 per year and median debt of only $9,608. However, the 41% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $30,848 after 10 years are modest.
Which programs at Central Georgia Technical College have the best ROI?
Allied health programs offer the strongest returns, with diagnostic and treatment professions earning $42,479 and dental support services at $40,467. These programs justify the investment better than business administration, which only reaches $35,060.
What is the debt risk at Central Georgia Technical College?
Debt risk is low with a median of $9,608, well below national averages for technical colleges. The bigger risk is not graduating, given the 41% completion rate.
How do Central Georgia Technical College graduates' salaries compare to the cost?
With annual earnings of $30,848 after 10 years and total program costs around $19,000, graduates typically recover their investment within two years if they complete their programs.