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 is a hard financial bet. You'd pay $26,290 a year at a school where the median graduate earns $34,577 a decade out. That means your annual cost runs close to what your degree will produce in yearly income long after you leave.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so there's no way to tell you which majors at ATA pay off. That gap matters. You're being asked to commit real money without proof that any specific program leads to a stronger salary. Treat that silence as a risk, not a neutral fact.
The debt load, around $21,030, looks moderate on paper, but pair it against a $34,577 median and the math tightens. Paying down that balance while earning entry-level wages leaves little room. The 63% graduation rate adds a second risk: more than a third of students don't finish, and if you're among them, you carry cost without the credential.
The net price barely moves with income. Families under $30k pay about $26,116, nearly the same as families earning $75-110k, who pay $30,619. Most schools charge lower-income families far less. Here, coming from a low-income household buys you almost no discount, so the sticker shock hits hardest if you have the least to spend.
This school could fit you if you have a clear, specific job lined up that requires an ATA credential and you've confirmed the pay makes the cost work. If you're choosing a program hoping the degree opens doors on its own, the earnings data doesn't back that hope. Compare the total price against a community college or public option before you commit, especially given how little aid the pricing here appears to move with need.
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.