Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians at Southern Crescent Technical College
Associate's Degree
sctech.eduAnalysis
The technical college's modest estimated debt load of around $15,400 offers a practical entry point into mechanical engineering technology, particularly when weighed against first-year earnings near $48,300 that similar programs nationally produce. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, graduates from comparable associate's programs typically manage their loans within a reasonable timeframe—roughly four months of gross income to pay off the balance.
Georgia has only four programs in this field, and none report outcomes data, making it difficult to gauge how Southern Crescent stacks up locally. What we do know from national trends is that mechanical engineering technicians often see steady demand in manufacturing-heavy regions. The challenge here is that these figures come entirely from peer institutions across the country, not from Southern Crescent's actual graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this specific program delivers similar results.
For families looking at technical careers without the four-year commitment, the estimated numbers suggest manageable risk—but verify the program's job placement rates and employer connections in the Atlanta metro area. If Southern Crescent has strong ties to local manufacturers or aerospace companies, that relationship matters more than national medians. Ask the school directly about graduate outcomes and whether their students are landing jobs that match these salary projections.
Where Southern Crescent Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,126 | $48,312* | — | $15,387* | — | |
| $18,484 | $64,003* | — | $29,810* | 0.47 | |
| $5,750 | $61,021* | $68,217 | $12,000* | 0.20 | |
| $13,630 | $56,819* | $69,603 | $18,500* | 0.33 | |
| $5,520 | $54,793* | $60,177 | $7,395* | 0.13 | |
| $12,799 | $52,177* | $64,950 | $22,582* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $48,312* | — | $15,387* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Mechanical Drafters
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Motorboat Mechanics and Service 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 Southern Crescent Technical College, approximately 49% 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 13 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.