At $7,210/yr net price, Georgia Piedmont Technical College graduates earn $34,619/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $619/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,210 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,619/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$619/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 46.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,666 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,566/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,621/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,855/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,732/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $42,123 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $35,416 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $35,274 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $33,281 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $32,391 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,133 |
The Risk Factor
34.9% of students at Georgia Piedmont 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 Piedmont Technical College delivers solid financial returns for students who complete their programs, despite a concerning graduation rate of just 35%. The low annual cost of $7,210 means you can complete most programs with minimal debt, and the median debt load of $12,666 remains manageable compared to four-year alternatives.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. HVAC technician training leads to $42,123 in median earnings, offering excellent returns in Atlanta's booming construction market. Practical nursing also performs well at $38,289, meeting strong regional healthcare demand. Transportation and IT programs cluster around $35,000, providing decent returns for the investment. Legal support services, however, barely exceed the overall median at $34,704.
The biggest financial risk is not finishing. With only one in three students graduating, you need strong motivation and preparation to succeed. The school serves a diverse, often working adult population where life circumstances frequently interrupt studies.
Georgia Piedmont works best if you need job training quickly without relocating, have clear career goals in trades or healthcare, and can commit to completing your program. The location in metro Atlanta provides access to employers, but you will compete with graduates from multiple technical colleges in the region.
Financial aid covers tuition for many students, with 42% receiving assistance. Georgia residents benefit from HOPE Grant coverage for technical programs, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs to near zero if you qualify. Focus on programs with the strongest job placement rates rather than just low sticker prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia Piedmont Technical College worth the money?
Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers decent value for specific programs, with a low net price of $7,210 annually and manageable debt levels around $12,666. However, the 35% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $34,619 after 10 years are modest compared to four-year degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Georgia Piedmont Technical College?
HVAC technology leads at $42,123 median earnings, followed by practical nursing at $38,289. These technical programs offer better returns than the college average, while computer technology and legal support services pay around $35,000.
How much student debt will I have after Georgia Piedmont Technical College?
Median student debt is $12,666, which is relatively low compared to four-year colleges. With the low annual cost and shorter program lengths, debt risk is manageable if you complete your program.
What is the graduation rate at Georgia Piedmont Technical College?
Only 35% of students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means two-thirds of students leave without completing their program, making program selection and commitment level critical factors.