Precision Metal Working at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Atlanta

At first glance, this program's debt load looks manageable at $14,750 with starting earnings around $37,000. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio beats most certificate programs handily. But two warning signs deserve attention: earnings actually drop by year four to under $35,000, and within Georgia's 25 metalworking programs, this one lands in the 40th percentile—meaning six in ten comparable programs deliver better outcomes. Top performers like North Georgia Technical College show graduates earning $45,000+, suggesting location or industry connections matter significantly in this field.

The real concern isn't the debt, which ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally (very low). It's that graduates appear to hit their earning ceiling immediately, then lose ground. This backward trajectory could signal limited advancement opportunities or suggests graduates may be taking jobs outside their training. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on steady income growth that the data doesn't support.

For $14,750, your child could access similar training at schools like Gwinnett Technical College where graduates earn $3,500 more annually. Unless Aviation Institute offers compelling placement advantages in aerospace manufacturing specifically, the combination of below-median Georgia earnings and declining income makes this a questionable choice when stronger alternatives exist nearby.