At $4,652/yr net price, Southern Crescent Technical College graduates earn $36,104/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,104/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,652 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,104/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,104/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,445/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,602/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,183/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,086/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,732/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,441 | $12,981 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $39,049 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $37,928 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $37,208 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,192 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,518 | $4,966 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,947 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
51.1% of students at Southern Crescent 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
Southern Crescent Technical College keeps your costs low and your debt lower, which makes the modest earnings easier to accept. You leave with a median debt around the price of a used car, and you can pay it against earnings that clear $36,000. That gap between what you borrow and what you earn is where this school works.
The payoff runs through hands-on trades and health fields. The associate in allied health diagnostic and treatment tops the list near $41,000, though it carries the heaviest debt on the page at roughly $13,000. The certificate programs are the sharper deals: heavy equipment maintenance, precision metal working, and HVAC all land in the high $37,000s to $39,000s with far less borrowing. If you want the best return here, a trade certificate beats spending more time and money on the associate.
The main risk is the ceiling. Median earnings of $36,104 are fine for Griffin's cost of living but leave little room if you borrow more than the median or take longer than expected to finish. Half of students don't graduate on time, and a stalled program means you pay without the credential that pays back.
This school fits you if you live near Griffin, want a specific trade or health credential, and plan to work in the region afterward. It's a poor fit if you're aiming for a four-year degree or a high-salary career, since no bachelor's programs are offered and the earnings top out fast.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay about $3,445 a year, and those in the $30-48k range barely more. Above $75,000, your net price more than doubles to around $10,000-$12,700, so the deal is strongest for lower-income families and thinner for higher earners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Crescent Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $4,652 annually and median debt of only $9,500, Southern Crescent Technical College offers solid value for career training. The low cost makes it financially accessible, though the 51% graduation rate means about half of students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Southern Crescent Technical College?
Allied Health programs lead earnings at $41,441 annually, followed by Heavy Equipment Maintenance at $39,049. HVAC and Precision Metal Working programs both pay around $37,000, which is above the school's overall average of $36,104.
How much debt do Southern Crescent Technical College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is manageable compared to most colleges. Given the low annual cost of $4,652, students who work or receive financial aid can often graduate with minimal debt.
Do Southern Crescent Technical College graduates earn enough to justify the cost?
With average earnings of $36,104 and low debt levels, graduates typically see positive returns on their investment. However, earnings vary significantly by program, with some health and technical trades paying much better than others.