Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,447
51st percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$10,114
29% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.22
Manageable
Sample Size
30
Adequate data

Analysis

West Georgia Technical College's allied health certificate lands graduates in the middle of the pack nationally, but there's a troubling trend in the numbers. First-year earnings of $46,447 slightly exceed both the national and Georgia medians, and at 60th percentile among Georgia programs, it outperforms most in-state alternatives. The manageable $10,114 debt load—below both state and national averages—creates a reasonable starting point with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.22.

The concern is what happens next. By year four, earnings drop to $40,065, a 14% decline that falls below both national and state benchmarks. This pattern suggests graduates may be entering positions with limited advancement or experiencing challenges maintaining their initial earning levels. Compare this to top Georgia programs like Lanier Technical College, where graduates earn $60,000+ right out of the gate, or even middle-tier options that maintain more stable earnings trajectories.

For families prioritizing low debt and immediate employment, this program delivers on affordability. But if you're banking on income growth to justify any investment, the backward trajectory is hard to ignore. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers are reasonably reliable, making the earnings decline a real consideration rather than a statistical fluke. Unless your child has specific ties to the Waco area or compelling reasons to choose this particular program, stronger-performing technical colleges in Georgia offer better long-term value.

Where West Georgia Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally

West Georgia Technical CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How West Georgia Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

West Georgia Technical College graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
West Georgia Technical College$46,447$40,065$10,1140.22
Lanier Technical College$59,869$50,917——
Athens Technical College$57,691———
Southeastern Technical College$55,102———
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College$50,801$46,746$14,6850.29
Institute of Medical Ultrasound$50,731—$20,0000.39
National Median$45,746—$14,1670.31

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Lanier Technical College
Gainesville
$3,716$59,869—
Athens Technical College
Athens
$3,172$57,691—
Southeastern Technical College
Vidalia
$3,172$55,102—
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Valdosta
$3,212$50,801$14,685
Institute of Medical Ultrasound
Atlanta
$31,052$50,731$20,000

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 West Georgia Technical College, approximately 39% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.