Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests a manageable financial burden, particularly for an associate's degree that can lead to steady technical work. While both the estimated $48,000 first-year salary and $13,800 debt figure come from national peer programs—not Lanier Tech's actual graduates—these numbers align closely with what the broader market shows for engineering technology associate's degrees. That consistency matters when you're looking at a field where skills and credentials translate fairly predictably across different programs.
The modest estimated debt load deserves emphasis. Community and technical colleges typically keep costs contained, and even if the actual figure varies somewhat from the estimate, you're looking at a credential that shouldn't require years of aggressive repayment. Engineering technology roles—think manufacturing technicians, quality control specialists, or industrial maintenance—offer the kind of stable employment that makes this debt picture workable for most graduates.
Given the limited data transparency here, visit Lanier Tech and ask directly about job placement rates and employer partnerships in Georgia's manufacturing corridor. The program's value hinges less on the estimated numbers and more on whether local employers actively recruit from this campus. If companies like Kubota or Caterpillar have established pipelines with Lanier Tech, that local context matters more than national medians.
Where Lanier Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technology associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Technology associates's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,716 | $48,321* | — | $13,834* | — | |
| $4,516 | $61,123* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,774 | $53,143* | $70,007 | $11,000* | 0.21 | |
| $4,550 | $52,531* | $59,650 | $13,865* | 0.26 | |
| $5,350 | $50,148* | — | $13,834* | 0.28 | |
| $4,046 | $46,493* | $38,281 | $18,000* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $48,320* | — | $12,917* | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering technology graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
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 Lanier Technical College, approximately 28% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.