Middle Georgia State University vs Athens Technical College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Middle Georgia State University comes closer — median earnings $40,863 against a $49,444 total, vs $35,951 at Athens Technical College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Middle Georgia State University | Athens Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,361 | $6,949 |
| Total net cost | $49,444 | $27,796 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $40,863 | $35,951 |
| Median debt | $19,000 | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$199,384 | -$275,976 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Middle Georgia State University or Athens Technical College?
Athens Technical College, at $6,949 a year after aid versus $12,361 — a gap of $5,412 a year, or $21,648 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Middle Georgia State University or Athens Technical College graduates earn more?
Middle Georgia State University graduates report a median $40,863 ten years after entry, $4,912 more than the $35,951 at Athens Technical College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at Athens Technical College, against 25% at Middle Georgia State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.