Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests a manageable financial picture for this technical program, though both figures are drawn from national peer data rather than South Georgia Tech's actual graduate outcomes. Based on comparable engineering technology associate's programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $48,300 against roughly $13,800 in debt translates to about three and a half months of gross income needed to cover educational borrowing—a reasonable proposition for a two-year credential in a technical field.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, South Georgia Tech serves a population where financial risk matters enormously, yet we're working with estimates because the graduating cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish specific data. Engineering technology programs can vary significantly based on local industry connections and specialization focus. Georgia's manufacturing and logistics sectors could provide strong placement opportunities, or graduates might face tighter job markets in rural areas—the estimates simply can't tell us which scenario applies here.
For families considering this program, the national benchmark suggests solid potential, but you'll need to do direct legwork the data can't provide: talk to recent graduates about actual job placements, verify what local employers hire from this program, and understand whether the specific engineering technology concentration aligns with regional demand. The estimated numbers suggest viability, but local outcomes will determine actual value.
Where South Georgia 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
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,782 | $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 South Georgia Technical College, approximately 51% 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.