ATA College: 106 Students

106Students

86%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,017Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About ATA College

ATA College trains students for immediate entry into healthcare and technical careers. This small career college enrolls just 106 students in El Cajon's suburban setting. The school focuses on hands-on programs that prepare graduates for in-demand jobs rather than traditional academic subjects. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay intimate and instruction remains personalized.

Students typically pay around $20,900 annually after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Nearly 78% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's working-class student base. Graduates earn a median of $35,017 ten years after completing their programs. The relatively low median debt of $5,500 keeps monthly loan payments manageable at just $58. An impressive 87% of graduates find employment in their field, suggesting the career-focused approach delivers results for most students.

The student body splits almost evenly between men and women at 49% and 51% respectively. White students make up 38% of enrollment, while Black and Hispanic students comprise 23% and 31%. All students come from California, creating a locally-focused community. The 86% six-year graduation rate exceeds many community colleges, though the 37% loan repayment rate indicates some graduates struggle financially after completion.

Academics & Faculty

ATA College focuses on career-ready training in healthcare and technical fields rather than traditional academic subjects. The school maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing instructors to provide hands-on guidance in practical skills. With 86% of students completing their programs within six years, the college demonstrates strong support for student success in its specialized tracks. As a career college, ATA emphasizes job preparation over broad academic exploration. Programs center on healthcare fields and other technical specialties that lead directly to employment. The small enrollment of 106 students creates an intimate learning environment where faculty know each student personally. This targeted approach appeals to students seeking specific vocational training rather than a general education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 86.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,017

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$28,598
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Certificate	$27,439
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$24,140

View all 13 programs →

Campus Life

ATA College sits in El Cajon, about 20 miles east of downtown San Diego in Southern California's inland valleys. With only 106 students enrolled, you'll recognize most faces on campus within your first week. The small suburb setting means you'll need a car to get around, but San Diego's beaches and attractions are a reasonable drive away.

Expect sunny skies and mild temperatures year-round, though inland El Cajon runs hotter than coastal San Diego in summer. You'll want sunscreen more than winter coats. The gender split is nearly even at 51% women and 49% men, creating a balanced classroom active. Most students commute from nearby communities since this is a career-focused college without traditional dorms or campus housing.

With 78% of students receiving financial aid and the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, your classmates likely share similar financial circumstances. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and track your progress closely. Weekend life revolves around work, family, and preparing for healthcare and technical careers rather than traditional college parties.

Setting: Suburb-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 42°–69°F
July Avg: 62°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

ATA College draws students from across San Diego County who need practical career training without leaving home. Nearly four in five students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families seeking upward mobility. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, unusual for a technical college but explained by ATA's strong healthcare programs that attract female students alongside traditional trades. Black and Hispanic students make up over half the enrollment, considerably higher than California averages, showing the school's appeal to underserved communities.

Men: 49.1%
Women: 50.9%
White: 37.7%
Black: 22.6%
Hispanic: 31.1%
Asian: 4.7%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 78.0%

Location

ATA College sits in El Cajon, California, about 15 miles east of downtown San Diego. This suburban community of roughly 100,000 people offers a more affordable alternative to coastal California living while maintaining easy access to major metropolitan amenities. The area features a mix of residential neighborhoods and strip malls typical of inland Southern California suburbs. El Cajon's location provides students with warm, dry weather year-round and proximity to both desert landscapes and Pacific beaches within an hour's drive. The city's diverse population mirrors the college's student body, with significant Hispanic and immigrant communities. Students considering colleges in California may also compare ATA College with similar schools in the region.

Address: El Cajon, California 92020

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,017
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,879
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $58/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at ATA College?

ATA College enrolls just 106 students, creating an intimate learning environment focused on career preparation. The school draws exclusively from California residents and maintains a nearly even gender split with 50.94% women and 49.06% men. This small career college specializes in healthcare and technical training programs designed for quick entry into the workforce.

How much does ATA College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,906 annually, with costs varying by family income from $19,636 for lowest-income families to $27,026 for higher earners. Nearly 78% of students receive financial aid, and the typical graduate leaves with just $5,500 in debt. Monthly loan payments average a manageable $58, reflecting the school's focus on affordable career training.

What is the student-faculty ratio at ATA College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 18:1, providing more personalized attention than many larger institutions. ATA College operates as a career-focused institution specializing in healthcare and technical fields. The small class sizes support hands-on training essential for professional certification programs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from ATA College?

Graduates achieve an impressive 87% employment rate, demonstrating the school's strong industry connections. New graduates earn a median of $25,648 in their first year, rising to $35,017 after ten years in the workforce. The 86% six-year graduation rate reflects students' commitment to completing these career-focused programs.

Where is ATA College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in El Cajon, California, a large suburban community in San Diego County. With only 106 total students, the campus maintains an intimate atmosphere focused on practical training. The suburban setting provides access to healthcare facilities and technical employers where students often complete internships and find employment.

Does ATA College serve a diverse student population?

The student body reflects California's diversity with 37.74% White, 31.13% Hispanic, 22.64% Black, and 4.72% Asian students. Nearly 78% of students qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income students seeking career advancement. This demographic profile aligns with the college's mission of providing accessible technical education to working-class communities.