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 costs almost nothing up front. At $2,050 a year net, your out-of-pocket is low enough that even the school-wide median earnings of $35,479 clear the bar for a positive return. The debt load stays small too, around $11,000 at the median, which is the kind of number you can pay off without it following you for a decade.
The payoff depends heavily on which program you pick. Nursing is the clear winner here, with associate-level graduates earning close to $60,000 and the electrical maintenance associate program not far behind at $57,318. Both roughly double the school-wide median. Dental support and clinical lab science land in the mid-$40,000s, which still beats the average. The catch: nursing carries the highest debt on the list at about $16,000, so it costs more to enter but returns the most.
The risk is the 30% graduation rate. Seven in ten students don't finish, and if you leave without the credential, you carry whatever debt you took on with none of the earnings bump those nursing and electrical numbers promise. The cheap tuition only pays off if you complete.
The income tiers reward lower-income families most. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay $717 a year. From $48,000 to $75,000 it jumps to $4,125, and above $110,000 it hits $8,791. Even the top tier is affordable for a two-year school, but the steepest discounts go to families with the least.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical or health credential, especially in nursing, electrical maintenance, or a lab field, and you're committed to finishing. If you're unsure of your path or want a four-year degree, the low price doesn't help you here.
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.