Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Associate's Degree
gntc.eduAnalysis
Georgia Northwestern Technical College's allied health program shows a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, which means estimated borrowing of roughly $17,000 against first-year earnings around $40,000—a manageable level by typical standards. However, there's a puzzling drop to $37,621 by year four, suggesting that initial placements may not lead to strong wage growth in this field. Similar programs across Georgia vary dramatically in outcomes, with top performers like Dalton State College producing graduates earning nearly $59,000 while others cluster closer to the $40,000 mark this program mirrors.
The estimated debt figure is notably lower than Georgia's median of nearly $25,000 for comparable programs, which matters substantially when early-career earnings remain relatively flat. For a family concerned about return on investment, this combination—moderate debt with stagnant earnings—means your child would likely be able to manage payments but shouldn't expect rapid income growth in the first years after graduation. The 39% Pell Grant population suggests the college serves students who may be particularly sensitive to even moderate debt burdens.
The wide performance gap among Georgia's allied health programs—some earning 50% more than others—points to how much specific employer connections and program focus matter in this field. Without reported data specific to this campus, you're making a decision based on state averages rather than proven outcomes, which adds uncertainty to what already looks like a modest financial proposition.
Where Georgia Northwestern Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College | — | $37,621 | — |
| Athens Technical College | $46,123 | $58,028 | +26% |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | $40,458 | $45,635 | +13% |
| South University-Savannah | $39,761 | $43,365 | +9% |
| Herzing University-Atlanta | $34,039 | $33,930 | -0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,132 | $40,110* | $37,621 | $16,757* | — | |
| $3,283 | $58,734* | — | $16,757* | 0.29 | |
| $3,172 | $46,123* | $58,028 | —* | — | |
| $5,934 | $46,061* | — | $24,626* | 0.53 | |
| $3,252 | $40,458* | $45,635 | —* | — | |
| $18,238 | $39,761* | $43,365 | $30,694* | 0.77 | |
| National Median | — | $36,862* | — | $19,825* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Georgia Northwestern Technical College, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.