At $18,497/yr net price, Advanced Technology Institute graduates earn $46,342/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,342/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,497 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,988 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,342/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,342/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,873 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,870/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,119/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,814/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,435/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,004/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,306 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $31,236 | $12,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $30,554 | $12,000 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $29,250 | $15,806 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $28,236 |
The Risk Factor
73.0% of students at Advanced Technology Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Advanced Technology Institute gives you a mixed financial picture that leans positive on debt and negative on earnings. You borrow a modest amount to finish, and the 73% graduation rate means you have a real shot at actually leaving with the credential you paid for. But the payoff caps out low. A decade after enrolling, the typical graduate earns near the wage of someone with no degree at all, which is a problem when your net price runs above $18,000 a year.
The trades here are the reason to come. Auto repair and HVAC are the strongest bets, both as associate degrees and as certificates, and they line up with steady demand in the Hampton Roads region for mechanics, technicians, and metal workers. The certificate route is the smarter money: the HVAC and auto certificates carry debt around $12,000 to $16,000 and land you within a few thousand dollars of what the associate degree pays. Paying two years of net price for an associate that earns only marginally more than the shorter certificate is hard to justify.
The specific risk is the gap between what you pay and what you earn. If you take the full associate track, your total cost can outrun the earnings bump the extra year buys you. Choose the certificate to keep that gap small.
This school fits you if you want a fast, hands-on path into a specific trade and you value job placement over a four-year degree. Look elsewhere if you want office or professional work, since nothing here trains for it.
On price, the aid tilts toward lower incomes: under $48,000, your net price sits around $15,000, while families over $75,000 pay roughly $23,000 to $24,000. If your family earns more, run the certificate math carefully before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Advanced Technology Institute worth the cost?
Advanced Technology Institute graduates earn $46,342 ten years after graduation with median debt of $14,873, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The 73% graduation rate is solid for a technical school, though earnings vary significantly by program.
Which programs at Advanced Technology Institute have the best ROI?
Vehicle maintenance programs lead with $37,306 average earnings, while HVAC programs range from $29,250 to $32,925. Precision metal working graduates earn around $30,554, making these trades the strongest financial options at ATI.
How much debt do Advanced Technology Institute students typically graduate with?
ATI graduates have median debt of $14,873, which is relatively low for career training. With a net price of $18,497 per year, students can expect reasonable debt loads if they complete their programs.
Are Advanced Technology Institute graduates able to find good-paying jobs?
ATI graduates earn $46,342 on average ten years out, but this varies widely by field. Vehicle maintenance graduates can expect higher earnings around $37,000, while some HVAC graduates may start closer to $29,000.