Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at Athens Technical College

At a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, this program appears positioned to launch graduates into a stable technical career—though parents should understand these figures come from peer schools across the country, not Athens Tech's actual outcomes. When first-year earnings of $45,000 balance against roughly $12,000 in debt, graduates would dedicate about three months of income to clearing their loans, a manageable burden for skilled trades work. The national landscape for electrical and electronics maintenance programs shows consistent earnings in the mid-$40,000s, with top performers reaching into the low $50,000s, suggesting the field offers predictable compensation for associate degree holders.

The challenge is that with 17 programs across Georgia and no reported outcomes data publicly available, parents can't directly compare Athens Tech's track record to other in-state options. Similar programs nationally point toward solid entry-level wages in a field where hands-on skills matter more than credentials alone. The 35% Pell grant enrollment indicates Athens Tech serves a substantial working-class population, typical for technical colleges preparing students for immediate employment.

The practical verdict: if your student is mechanically inclined and wants a two-year path to steady work, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. However, before committing, contact Athens Tech's placement office directly for their graduate employment rates and starting salaries—information they track internally even when federal reporting thresholds aren't met.