At $4,546/yr net price, Chattahoochee Technical College graduates earn $37,138/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,138/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,546 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,184 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,138/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,138/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,946/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,082/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,407/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,494/yr |
| $110,001+ | $5,400/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $67,324 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $46,321 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,321 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $39,927 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $39,585 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $37,424 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $36,848 |
The Risk Factor
38.9% of students at Chattahoochee 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
Chattahoochee Technical College costs little and pays off unevenly. At under $5,000 a year, you are not risking much money, but the median earnings a decade out sit close to what a high school graduate makes in metro Atlanta. The return depends almost entirely on what you study here.
Nursing is where this school earns its keep. The associate degree in Registered Nursing pays roughly $67,000 a decade out, about $30,000 more than the school's median and enough to clear your total cost of attendance in a matter of months of work. Marietta and the north Atlanta suburbs have steady hospital and clinic demand, so those wages are real, not theoretical. The allied health and electrical engineering technology associates land in the low-to-mid $40,000s, decent for a two-year credential you can finish while working.
The risk here is the 38.9% graduation rate. Most people who enroll do not finish, and a nursing salary you never earn because you dropped out is worth nothing. The low price protects you from debt disaster, but unfinished credits still cost you time and tuition. Pick a program you can actually complete around your schedule.
Net price barely moves with income, and it is not cheapest for the middle. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $4,000. But the $48,000-$75,000 band pays more than families earning over $110,000, so a middle-income household here gets a worse deal than both the poorest and the richest.
Come here if you want nursing or a hands-on health or technical associate and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree or a field this school does not train for at strong wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattahoochee Technical College worth the money?
With a net price of $4,546 per year and average earnings of $37,138 after 10 years, Chattahoochee Technical College offers reasonable value for the cost. However, the 39% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Chattahoochee Technical College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $67,324 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Allied health diagnostic and practical nursing programs both average $46,321, while electrical engineering technology graduates earn $42,682.
Do Chattahoochee Technical College graduates have high student debt?
The low annual cost of $4,546 means graduates typically carry minimal debt compared to four-year colleges. Most students can complete programs without taking on significant loans.
What is the graduation rate at Chattahoochee Technical College?
Only 39% of students graduate from Chattahoochee Technical College. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that prospective students should consider before enrolling.