Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Southern Crescent Technical College

Southern Crescent's estimated $17,500 debt load appears manageable against what peer IT programs in Georgia typically produce in first-year earnings—around $36,000. That 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably below the worrying threshold, suggesting graduates from similar programs can reasonably handle their loans. However, this estimate falls noticeably short of the $41,752 national median for IT associate degrees, which raises questions about whether Georgia's tech sector pays less broadly or whether technical college grads face different market conditions than those at other institution types.

The wider picture in Georgia is revealing. While some technical colleges like Chattahoochee and Gwinnett report actual outcomes in the low-to-mid $40,000s, the state median sits at $36,000—meaning half of comparable programs produce even lower returns. For a family evaluating this investment at Southern Crescent, where nearly half of students receive Pell grants, the estimated debt burden looks reasonable, but the earnings potential appears middling even within the state.

Your child could likely repay an estimated $17,500 in loans on $36,000 in earnings, but this isn't a standout outcome for an IT credential. If they're set on technical college in Georgia, programs with documented stronger earnings exist. If Southern Crescent offers specific advantages—location, schedule flexibility, or program reputation—the financial picture doesn't disqualify it, but temper expectations about first-year salary.