At $26,290/yr net price, ATA Career Education graduates earn $34,577/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $577/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,290 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,577/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$577/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 182.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,030 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,116/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,116/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,722/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,619/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,999 | $23,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,230 | $22,917 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $29,322 | $23,375 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,064 | $24,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,126 | $13,583 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $25,691 | $21,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $23,571 | $17,083 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $23,340 | $12,667 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $22,898 |
The Risk Factor
63.0% of students at ATA Career Education graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
ATA Career Education delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $34,577 annually against a net price of $26,290 per year. The numbers reveal a concerning pattern where your debt load will likely outweigh your earning potential in most programs.
Only the registered nursing program offers reasonable financial prospects, with graduates earning $46,999 annually. This makes nursing the sole program worth considering from a pure ROI perspective. The practical nursing track pays $34,230 but saddles you with nearly $23,000 in debt for what amounts to vocational training you could get elsewhere for less money.
The remaining programs show particularly weak returns. Allied health diagnostic roles pay just $29,322 while medical administrative services barely crack $29,000. Medical assisting pays the least at $27,126, though it does come with the lowest debt burden at $13,583.
ATA's 63% graduation rate means more than one-third of students leave without completing their programs, yet likely still carry debt. The 100% retention rate between first and second year suggests students don't realize the financial reality until later in their studies.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to nursing and prefer a private institution over community college alternatives. Nearly 92% of students receive financial aid, indicating most cannot afford the full cost. Skip ATA for any program other than registered nursing, where you can find better value at public institutions with stronger job placement networks in Florida's competitive healthcare market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ATA Career Education worth the money?
ATA Career Education's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Registered nursing graduates earn $47,000 annually, making the $26,290 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like medical assisting lead to $27,000 salaries that barely justify the expense.
What is the average debt at ATA Career Education?
ATA Career Education graduates leave with a median debt of $21,030. With average earnings of $34,577 ten years after graduation, most students can manage this debt load, though lower-paying programs create tighter financial situations.
Which programs at ATA Career Education have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing programs at ATA Career Education offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning nearly $47,000 annually. Practical nursing and allied health programs pay significantly less, around $27,000-$34,000, making them riskier investments.
What is ATA Career Education's graduation rate?
ATA Career Education has a 63% graduation rate, meaning about 4 in 10 students don't finish their programs. This completion rate is typical for career-focused schools but represents a significant risk for students taking on debt.