At $12,599/yr net price, Gwinnett Technical College graduates earn $45,025/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,025/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,599 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,396 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,025/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,025/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,156/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,529/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,864/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,207/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,990/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 | $59,071 | $21,000 |
| Construction Management. | Associate | $58,673 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $55,964 | $6,333 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,165 | $12,697 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $46,673 | $17,752 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $42,556 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $40,728 | $16,013 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $40,454 | $7,255 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $37,568 |
The Risk Factor
27.0% of students at Gwinnett 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
Gwinnett Technical College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with most graduates earning enough to justify the low cost. The $12,599 annual price tag makes this one of the more affordable paths to middle-class earnings in the Atlanta metro area.
Nursing and construction management programs stand out as clear winners, with graduates earning nearly $60,000 annually. The nursing program justifies its higher $21,000 debt load through strong salary outcomes. Computer programming offers the best debt-to-income ratio at just $6,333 in borrowing for $55,964 in earnings.
The 27% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face real chances of accumulating debt without completing your program. This makes Gwinnett Tech better suited for students with clear career goals and strong study habits than those still exploring options.
Business administration shows weaker returns relative to debt, with $17,752 borrowed for $46,673 in earnings. You should consider more specialized technical programs that command higher wages in Georgia's growing logistics and healthcare sectors.
Financial aid reaches less than 40% of students, meaning most pay close to full price. The low sticker price makes this manageable for working adults who can pay as they go. Evening and weekend class options support students who need to work while studying.
This school works best for motivated students targeting specific technical careers in nursing, construction, or IT. The combination of affordable tuition and strong regional job demand creates genuine value for graduates who finish their programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gwinnett Technical College worth the money?
Gwinnett Technical College offers decent value for specific programs, but the overall picture is mixed. With a net price of $12,599 per year and median earnings of $45,025 ten years after graduation, you'll see a return on investment if you graduate - but the 27% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the best paying programs at Gwinnett Technical College?
Nursing programs at Gwinnett Technical College offer the strongest earning potential, with graduates earning around $59,000 annually. Construction Management and Computer Programming also perform well at approximately $58,000 and $56,000 respectively, making these programs worth considering for ROI.
How much student debt will I have from Gwinnett Technical College?
The median debt load at Gwinnett Technical College is $13,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 27% of students graduating, many take on debt without completing their programs.
Should I choose Gwinnett Technical College over a four-year university?
Gwinnett Technical College makes financial sense if you're targeting high-demand fields like nursing or skilled trades and can complete your program. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, so consider your academic readiness and career goals carefully.