Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at North Georgia Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
northgatech.eduAnalysis
North Georgia Technical College's equipment maintenance program shows estimated outcomes that suggest solid practical value, though you'll need to recognize these figures come from peer programs nationally rather than this school's tracked graduates. Based on comparable certificate programs, students typically finish with around $8,800 in debt—a manageable load for technical training—and earn roughly $50,500 in their first year out.
What stands out is how these estimated earnings compare to Georgia's landscape. While similar programs across the state average $42,866, peer programs nationally hit that $50,500 mark. If North Georgia's actual outcomes track closer to national patterns, this would put graduates well above the state median. However, two Georgia programs with reported data—Athens Tech at $47,200 and Southeastern Tech at $38,500—show the wide range possible within the state, and without North Georgia's specific data, you're making an educated guess about where their program falls.
The debt-to-earnings picture looks reasonable if these estimates hold: less than $9,000 borrowed against first-year earnings around $50,000 means debt represents just 17% of that initial paycheck. For families concerned about technical training costs versus outcomes, this framework suggests a workable investment—assuming the actual program performs like its national peers rather than lagging toward Georgia's lower benchmarks. You're essentially betting on this program delivering outcomes closer to the national median than to the state's weaker performers.
Where North Georgia Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,162 | $50,524* | — | $8,796* | — | |
| $3,172 | $47,206* | $38,184 | —* | — | |
| $3,172 | $38,527* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $50,524* | — | $9,500* | 0.19 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Millwrights
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Rail Car Repairers
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
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 North Georgia Technical College, approximately 42% 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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.