At $124/yr net price, Coastal Pines Technical College graduates earn $30,214/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $124 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $496 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,214/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,786/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,789/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $37,568 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,312 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,071 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $30,409 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $29,141 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $28,366 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $20,140 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $19,835 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $14,318 |
The Risk Factor
45.7% of students at Coastal Pines 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
Coastal Pines Technical College offers an strongly strong financial return with a net price of just $124 per year and median earnings of $30,214 within ten years of graduation. This represents one of the most favorable cost-to-earnings ratios available in higher education.
Your best financial bets are the electrical and precision metalworking programs, which generate median earnings above $36,000 annually. These trades-focused programs align well with Georgia's industrial job market and utility sector demand. The nursing programs also deliver solid returns at around $32,000, though you'll face more competition in healthcare fields.
The primary financial risk is the 45.7% graduation rate, meaning you have roughly even odds of completing your program. This creates uncertainty around your investment, even with the minimal upfront costs. The technical nature of many programs requires consistent attendance and hands-on skill development that some students struggle to maintain.
This school makes financial sense if you're career-focused, prefer hands-on learning, and want to enter the workforce quickly without debt. The minimal cost structure means you can afford to take risks on career exploration. However, if you're academically inclined and considering transfer to a four-year university, the low graduation rates suggest potential challenges with academic preparation.
With only 27% of students receiving financial aid, most students pay the already minimal costs out of pocket. The school's location in rural southeast Georgia limits some job opportunities, so consider whether you're willing to relocate after graduation to maximize your earning potential in your chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coastal Pines Technical College worth the money?
With a net price of just $124 per year, Coastal Pines Technical College offers exceptional value even though graduate earnings average $30,214 annually. The extremely low cost makes it financially accessible, but the 46% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Coastal Pines Technical College?
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers leads with $37,568 average earnings, followed by Precision Metal Working at $36,312. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings average of $30,214.
How much debt do Coastal Pines Technical College graduates have?
The net price of $124 per year means most students graduate with minimal or no debt. This low cost structure makes Coastal Pines one of the most affordable higher education options in Georgia.
Does Coastal Pines Technical College have good job placement?
The school's 46% graduation rate indicates completion challenges, but graduates in electrical and precision metalworking programs earn above-average wages for the region. Healthcare programs show lower earnings but offer stable employment prospects.