At $2,050/yr net price, West Georgia Technical College graduates earn $35,479/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,479/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,050 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $8,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,479/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,479/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,110 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $717/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,836/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,125/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,405/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,791/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 | $60,358 | $15,995 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $45,500 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,235 | $12,166 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $41,193 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $37,928 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $9,433 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
30.1% of students at West Georgia 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
West Georgia Technical College delivers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. At $2,050 annually, the school costs far less than most alternatives, making the risk-reward equation favorable for many students.
Registered nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $60,358 in median earnings despite $15,995 in debt. Electrical maintenance and dental support programs also perform well, offering solid middle-class incomes. Heavy equipment maintenance and medical lab technology round out the top-earning options, all paying significantly above the school's overall median of $35,479.
The 30% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face real odds of leaving without credentials, though the low cost limits your downside exposure. Programs outside the technical and health fields likely offer weaker returns, though specific data on lower-performing majors remains limited.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting specific technical fields, particularly those interested in nursing, electrical work, or dental support. If you want a traditional college experience or broad liberal arts education, look elsewhere. The school also suits students who need to minimize educational costs while gaining marketable skills.
With less than 39% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full sticker price, which remains manageable for working students or those with family support. The low net price means merit scholarships matter less here than at expensive institutions, though you should still explore Georgia's technical college grant programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Georgia Technical College worth the money?
West Georgia Technical College offers strong value with a low net price of $2,050 per year and median debt under $12,000. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at West Georgia Technical College?
Nursing programs lead with $60,358 average earnings, followed by electrical maintenance technology at $57,318. These technical programs offer solid returns that justify the low tuition costs.
How much debt do West Georgia Technical College graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $11,110, which is manageable given the low tuition. The bigger financial risk is not completing a program, since 70% of students don't graduate.
Do West Georgia Technical College graduates make good money after graduation?
Average earnings of $35,479 ten years after enrollment are modest but reasonable for a technical college. Success depends heavily on choosing the right program, as nursing and electrical fields pay significantly more than the average.