Health and Medical Administrative Services at Lincoln College of Technology-Marietta

Graduates from this program at Lincoln College of Technology-Marietta earn roughly $25,600 in their first year—about $5,000 below what typical Georgia medical administrative graduates make and $6,000 below the national median. More concerning, earnings actually drop slightly by year four rather than growing, while comparable programs at nearby Ogeechee Technical College or West Georgia Technical College show graduates earning $7,000-12,000 more annually. The program ranks in just the 25th percentile among Georgia schools offering this degree.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $15,116, borrowers here take on less than half what's typical for this program in Georgia (where the median is $33,597). This lower debt burden means the ratio of debt to first-year earnings sits at 0.59—manageable compared to many alternatives. Still, when you're earning $25,000 annually, even $15,000 in debt represents a meaningful burden, equivalent to over seven months of gross income.

For families weighing this program, the question becomes whether Lincoln's lower debt justifies accepting significantly lower earnings potential. Given that several Georgia technical colleges deliver better outcomes at similar or lower costs, prospective students should seriously examine those alternatives—particularly public technical colleges that may offer even more affordable tuition for in-state residents while providing stronger earning potential in the same field.