Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Atlanta Metropolitan State College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Atlanta Metropolitan State College at a Glance
Atlanta Metropolitan State College is a public college in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is part of the University System of Georgia.
1974
52 years old
1,704
Identity
Is Atlanta Metropolitan State College Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Atlanta Metropolitan State College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $33,252 — 38% below average — while paying $5,258/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 16% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Atlanta Metropolitan State College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Atlanta Metropolitan State College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #41 of 55 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Haskell Indian Nations University | 90 | $3,134 | $37,043 |
| #41 | Atlanta Metropolitan State College | 25 | $5,258 | $33,252 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Atlanta Metropolitan State College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in GA.
Best Programs at Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Atlanta Metropolitan State College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $5,258/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
- Student Body
- 1,228 students
- Graduation Rate
- 16%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $5,258
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $33,252
- Median Student Debt
- $14,123