At $1,432/yr net price, Georgia Northwestern Technical College graduates earn $35,759/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,759/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,432 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $5,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,759/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,759/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,421 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $752/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $287/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,076/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,357/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,915/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,787 | $6,825 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,816 | $8,370 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $45,529 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $40,406 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $35,861 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $34,704 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $33,565 |
The Risk Factor
34.4% of students at Georgia Northwestern 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
Georgia Northwestern Technical College gives you cheap access to skilled-trade and health credentials, and the low debt makes the math work even though median earnings sit under $36,000. You borrow a median of $6,421 here, so the downside risk is small compared to a four-year school where debt runs five to ten times higher.
The payoff depends entirely on which program you pick. Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance graduates clear $57,000, and the Registered Nursing associate hits nearly $50,000 while carrying under $7,000 in debt. Those two are the clear winners. Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and the allied health associate both land in the mid-$40,000s and hold up. The allied health certificate pays about $9,000 less per year than the associate version, so the extra time in the full associate program pays for itself fast.
The real risk is finishing. Only about a third of students graduate, and a credential you don't complete leaves you with debt and no earnings bump. This is a school where dropping out, not overpaying, is what hurts you.
Net price is where families should look closely. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay a few hundred dollars a year. Cross into the $48,000-$75,000 band and the price jumps to roughly $4,000, and above $110,000 you pay closer to $9,000. The aid is steeply tilted toward lower incomes.
This school fits you if you want a trades or nursing credential, live near Rome, and plan to work in the region's industrial and healthcare jobs. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's-track path or high earnings, since the median outcome here tops out in the mid-$30,000s unless you land one of the top programs and finish it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia Northwestern Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of only $1,432 per year and median debt under $6,500, Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers strong value despite modest earnings of $35,759 after 10 years. The low cost makes it financially accessible even if graduation rates are below average at 34%.
What are the highest paying programs at Georgia Northwestern Technical College?
Heavy equipment maintenance leads earnings at $57,318, followed by nursing at $49,787 and allied health programs around $45,000. These technical programs provide solid returns given the school's low tuition costs.
How much debt do Georgia Northwestern Technical College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $6,421, which is manageable compared to most colleges. Combined with the school's low annual cost of $1,432, students can minimize borrowing significantly.
What is the graduation rate at Georgia Northwestern Technical College?
Only 34% of students graduate, which is concerning for completion rates. However, those who do finish often enter stable technical fields with decent earning potential relative to the minimal investment required.