At $4,959/yr net price, Columbus Technical College graduates earn $34,238/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $238/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,959 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,238/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$238/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 83.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,756 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,528/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,805/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,209/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,787/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 | $54,855 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $38,829 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,284 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $29,995 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $28,236 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $28,019 |
The Risk Factor
20.7% of students at Columbus 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
Columbus Technical College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. The low net price of under $5,000 annually makes this one of the most affordable pathways to career training in Georgia.
Nursing students see the strongest returns, earning median salaries above $54,000 within ten years. Allied health programs also pay off well at over $46,000, while precision metalworking and dental support services both clear $38,000. These technical fields align well with Columbus's manufacturing base and regional healthcare demand.
Business administration shows weaker returns at just over $32,000, barely justifying even this low-cost education. You should avoid this program unless you plan to transfer to a four-year school for additional credentials.
The major financial risk here is the 21% graduation rate. Four out of five students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. If you struggle with academic persistence or lack clear career goals, you face high odds of joining this group.
Columbus Tech works best for motivated students targeting specific technical careers, particularly in healthcare and skilled trades. The low debt levels mean even moderate-earning graduates can manage their payments comfortably.
You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience or need extensive academic support services. This school rewards students who know what they want professionally and can handle a no-frills educational environment.
Over half of students receive financial aid, and the already-low sticker price means most graduate with manageable debt loads under $9,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus Technical College worth the cost?
Columbus Technical College offers a low net price at $4,959 per year, but graduates earn only $34,238 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide much better returns with earnings around $54,855, while other programs may not justify even the modest cost.
What is the graduation rate at Columbus Technical College?
Columbus Technical College has a 20.7% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly increases the risk that students will take on debt without earning a credential.
Which Columbus Technical College programs have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing programs at Columbus Technical College lead to the highest earnings at $54,855 annually. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay well at $46,478, while business administration graduates earn only $32,284.
How much student debt do Columbus Technical College graduates have?
Columbus Technical College graduates typically carry $8,756 in debt. While this is relatively low compared to four-year schools, the modest earnings potential means debt payback could still be challenging for many graduates.