At $1,026/yr net price, South Georgia Technical College graduates earn $30,364/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,026 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $4,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,364/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,636/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $387/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $972/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,146/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,383/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $51,482 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $39,369 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $36,848 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $33,459 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,391 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $31,133 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $19,835 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Certificate | $14,442 |
The Risk Factor
58.6% of students at South Georgia Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
South Georgia Technical College delivers strong value with a net price of just over $1,000 annually, making it one of the most affordable pathways to technical careers in Georgia. Your investment pays off strongest in heavy equipment maintenance programs, where graduates earn over $50,000 annually, nearly double the school's overall median earnings.
The earnings gap between programs is substantial at this school. Heavy equipment maintenance and electrical transmission installer programs justify the investment with solid middle-class wages, while criminal justice and nursing assistant programs hover closer to $32,000-$33,000 annually. These lower-earning programs still provide positive returns given the minimal upfront cost, but you should have realistic salary expectations.
Your biggest financial risk is the 58% graduation rate, meaning two out of five students leave without completing their programs. This school works best if you enter with clear career goals and can commit to finishing your chosen program. The hands-on technical programs require consistent attendance and engagement to succeed.
South Georgia Technical College makes financial sense if you want to enter skilled trades quickly without student debt. The school serves rural southwest Georgia well, where technical skills command decent wages and living costs remain low. You should look elsewhere if you want to transfer to a four-year university or pursue careers requiring bachelor's degrees.
With half of students receiving financial aid, explore federal Pell Grants which could cover your entire tuition and fees. The school's location in Americus provides access to agricultural, manufacturing, and infrastructure jobs that match the technical training offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Georgia Technical College worth the money?
With a net price of just $1,026 per year, South Georgia Technical College offers one of the lowest costs in higher education. However, graduates earn an average of $30,364 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the highest paying programs at South Georgia Technical College?
Heavy equipment maintenance graduates earn around $51,482, while electrical and power transmission installer programs lead to $39,369 average salaries. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings.
How much debt do South Georgia Technical College graduates have?
The extremely low net price of $1,026 annually means most students graduate with minimal debt. This makes South Georgia Technical College a low-risk option even though graduate earnings are modest.
What is the graduation rate at South Georgia Technical College?
South Georgia Technical College has a 58.6% graduation rate. While not exceptional, the low cost means students who don't finish face minimal financial loss compared to more expensive institutions.