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 gives you a workable financial deal, but only if you finish and pick the right program. Median debt sits at $13,000 against median earnings of $45,025 ten years out, so the typical graduate carries a manageable load relative to what the school costs. The catch is the 27% graduation rate. If you leave without a credential, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump, and that risk is the biggest threat to your return here.
Program choice drives everything. Nursing pays the best at $59,071, but you take on $21,000 in debt to get there, the heaviest borrowing on this list. Computer Programming is the smarter math: $55,964 in earnings against just $6,333 in debt. Construction Management lands near nursing money without the reported debt drag. Business Administration is the weakest bet, pairing the lowest earnings on the list with $17,752 in debt. Every strong program here is career-specific and tied to Atlanta-area demand for nurses, coders, and builders, so this school works when you treat it as job training, not general education.
The net price tiers hold a warning. If your family earns over $75,000, you pay around $18,000 a year, roughly $6,000 more than families under $48,000 who pay closer to $11,000. Higher earners lose the aid cushion here, so run your own number before committing.
This school fits you if you want a nursing, programming, or construction credential and you will finish. Look elsewhere if you are undecided, drawn to the business track, or likely to drop out, because the low completion rate turns this into a bad deal fast.
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.