At $5,613/yr net price, Lanier Technical College graduates earn $37,623/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,623/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,613 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,623/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,623/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,969/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,224/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,540/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,173/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,235 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $41,937 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $41,025 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,416 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,771 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $30,771 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $29,141 |
The Risk Factor
36.1% of students at Lanier 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
Lanier Technical College delivers strong financial returns for specific career tracks, with dental support and allied health programs generating median earnings above $40,000 annually. At $5,613 per year in net costs, your investment pays back quickly in these high-demand fields.
The dental support program stands out with $52,107 in median earnings, creating a compelling value proposition for your education dollar. HVAC technician training also performs well at nearly $42,000 in earnings, reflecting Georgia's construction and maintenance job market. Criminal justice graduates earn $37,208, which represents solid middle-class income for the region.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 36% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you lose both time and money with no credential to show employers. The technical nature of most programs means you need hands-on commitment to succeed.
This school works best if you want direct job training in healthcare support, skilled trades, or public safety. You should look elsewhere if you plan to transfer to a four-year university, as the academic transfer options are limited. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests most can afford the modest costs out of pocket or through minimal borrowing.
Your best strategy involves choosing one of the higher-earning technical programs and staying focused on completion. The regional job market in northeast Georgia supports these technical careers, making this a smart choice for career switchers or high school graduates seeking immediate employment prospects after a short program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanier Technical College worth the cost?
Lanier Technical College offers solid value with a low net price of $5,613 per year and graduates earning $37,623 annually after 10 years. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Lanier Technical College?
Dental support services leads at $52,107 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $42,235. HVAC technician training also pays well at $41,937, making these the strongest ROI options at the school.
How much debt do Lanier Technical College students typically have?
With a net price of $5,613 per year, students face relatively low costs compared to four-year colleges. The bigger risk is the 36% graduation rate, which means many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Should I choose Lanier Technical College over a four-year university?
Lanier Technical College makes sense if you want specific technical training at low cost, especially in dental, healthcare, or HVAC fields. The school's value depends heavily on completing your program and choosing one of the higher-paying career tracks.