Location: Atlanta, GA•In-State Tuition: $31,052
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$50,525
Est. from GA median (16 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,593
Est. from national median (109 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs in Georgia, this Institute of Medical Ultrasound program would cost substantially more than typical alternatives in the state—an estimated $25,593 in debt versus Georgia's median of $15,225 for similar allied health programs. That $10,000 difference matters when first-year earnings from peer programs cluster around $50,500, suggesting nearly six months of gross income just to cover the debt gap.

The economics here look particularly challenging given that several Georgia technical colleges produce graduates earning $57,000 to $60,000 annually while carrying far less debt. With 86% of students receiving Pell grants, this school serves a population that can least afford to overpay. Similar programs nationally carry a median debt of $19,113—still lower than the estimate here—while producing slightly higher earnings at $54,327.

The core question is whether this specific program delivers something worth the premium—perhaps specialized training in medical ultrasound that technical colleges don't offer at this price point. If the program is genuinely ultrasound-focused rather than broadly allied health, specialized credentials might justify higher costs. But without actual graduate outcomes from this school, parents face real uncertainty about whether they're paying for superior results or simply higher tuition. Before committing, get clarity on exactly what credential students earn and compare job placement rates to those Georgia technical colleges, where the debt-to-earnings picture appears considerably cleaner.

Where Institute of Medical Ultrasound Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

Institute of Medical Ultrasound (estimated ±10%)Other allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Institute of Medical UltrasoundAtlanta$31,052$50,525*—$25,593*—
Georgia Northwestern Technical CollegeRome$3,132$60,744*$50,095$11,699*0.19
Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeSandersville$3,201$60,210*$53,822—*—
Gwinnett Technical CollegeLawrenceville$3,356$59,164*$57,764$18,292*0.31
Augusta Technical CollegeAugusta$4,022$57,672*$54,003$14,000*0.24
Albany State UniversityAlbany$5,934$57,291*—$23,116*0.40
National Median—$54,327*—$19,113*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Institute of Medical Ultrasound, approximately 86% 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 16 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.