Computer Programming at Gwinnett Technical College

This program's story is dominated by one remarkable number: graduates nearly double their earnings in just three years, jumping from $35,284 to over $70,000. That kind of trajectory suggests students are landing entry-level tech positions and rapidly building marketable skills, even if those first jobs don't look impressive on paper. The $6,500 in debt—among the lowest 5% nationally for programming programs—means students can focus on career growth rather than loan payments.

The catch is the small sample size, which makes these results harder to trust. But the fundamentals make sense: Georgia's tech sector offers strong opportunities, and Gwinnett Tech keeps costs remarkably low. While first-year earnings lag behind the national average for programming graduates, they match Georgia's median exactly, putting this program squarely in the middle of the state's offerings. For students attending a technical college, that's reasonable—many likely take time to transition into full-time tech roles.

If your child is debt-averse and willing to grind through a modest start, this program offers a legitimate path into tech work without the financial burden typical of programming credentials. Just verify current placement rates before enrolling, since the limited sample makes it hard to know how consistent these outcomes really are.