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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff. The net price sits near $7,200 a year, and median debt at graduation stays under $13,000, so you leave with a manageable loan balance. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out land below $35,000, which is thin for the metro Atlanta cost of living around Clarkston.
Your program choice decides everything here. The HVAC associate degree is the clear winner, paying about $42,000 and tracking a trade with steady regional demand for building and refrigeration technicians. Practical nursing and ground transportation certificates both clear $35,000 while costing you less time than a full associate. The IT administration and legal support associate degrees, by contrast, land near the school's overall median around $34,000 or $35,000, meaning two years of study buys you earnings close to what the average graduate makes regardless of major.
The biggest risk is the 34.9% graduation rate. Nearly two out of three starters don't finish, and if you borrow and leave without a credential, you carry debt with no degree to raise your pay. Pick a program with a clear job at the end and treat completion as the whole point.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $48,000 in household income, you pay around $6,600. Above $48,000, your price jumps to nearly $9,900, and above $75,000 it climbs past $14,700. If your family earns under $48,000 and you target HVAC or nursing, the math works. If you earn over $75,000 or want a general associate degree without a specific trade behind it, look at cheaper or higher-earning options elsewhere.
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.