At $26,914/yr net price, ATA College 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) | $26,914 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,577/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$577/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 186.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| 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 | $26,699/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,049/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,014/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,263/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. | Associate | $38,092 | $24,959 |
| 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
33.3% of students at ATA College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
ATA College delivers poor financial returns for most students. With a median 10-year salary of just $34,577 against a net price of $26,914 annually, you're paying premium prices for below-average outcomes in Louisville's job market.
The nursing program stands out as the only financially viable option, producing graduates who earn $46,999 with $23,500 in debt. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio and decent earning potential for the Louisville healthcare market. The practical nursing track also shows promise at $38,092, though the debt load varies significantly between program variations.
Everything else at ATA College represents a financial gamble you'll likely lose. Allied health and medical administration programs saddle you with over $23,000 in debt for salaries under $30,000. These numbers spell financial stress in Louisville's cost of living environment.
The 33% graduation rate signals serious completion risks. You face a real chance of accumulating debt without finishing your program. The 84% financial aid participation rate indicates most students struggle to afford attendance without borrowing.
ATA College makes financial sense only if you're committed to nursing and have exhausted community college options. Louisville's community colleges offer similar healthcare programs at dramatically lower costs. You should consider ATA only if their nursing program timing or clinical partnerships provide advantages you can't get elsewhere.
Skip ATA College for any non-nursing program. The debt loads don't justify the earning potential in Louisville's job market, and you'll find better value at regional community colleges or state universities for healthcare administration and allied health careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ATA College worth the money?
ATA College's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn around $47,000 annually, which justifies the $27,000 yearly cost, but other programs lead to much lower salaries that may not cover the debt burden.
What is the average debt for ATA College graduates?
ATA College graduates carry a median debt of $21,030. With only a 33% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree, making this a high-risk investment for those who don't complete their programs.
Which ATA College programs have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing programs at ATA College offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning nearly $47,000 annually. Practical nursing also pays reasonably well at $38,000, while health administration graduates earn significantly less at around $29,000.
How much do ATA College graduates make after graduation?
ATA College graduates earn an average of $34,577 ten years after graduation. This is below the national average for college graduates and barely covers the loan payments for many students, especially those in lower-paying programs.