Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,312
Est. from national median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,387
Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin$3,126$48,312*$15,387*
ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach$18,484$64,003*$29,810*0.47
Owens Community CollegePerrysburg$5,750$61,021*$68,217$12,000*0.20
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$56,819*$69,603$18,500*0.33
Springfield Technical Community CollegeSpringfield$5,520$54,793*$60,177$7,395*0.13
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$52,177*$64,950$22,582*0.43
National Median$48,312*$15,387*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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.