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 is a financial gamble that only pays off if you pick the right program. With a net price near $27,000 a year and median earnings ten years out sitting at $34,577, most graduates land close to what a high school diploma earns. Add a 33% graduation rate, and two out of three students leave without the credential they paid for while still owing on the debt.
Nursing is the one bet that works here. The associate degree in Registered Nursing clears roughly $47,000 a year, about $18,000 more than the health administration or allied health diagnostic associate degrees, which barely crack $29,000. If you enroll for anything other than the RN track, you are paying private-college prices for earnings that trail the median. The practical nursing programs land in the middle around $38,000, but carry some of the highest debt loads on campus at nearly $25,000.
The debt itself is the sharpest risk. Median debt of $21,030 is manageable on a nurse's salary but crushing on $29,000 from an administrative program, especially if you are among the majority who never graduate.
The net price barely moves by income. A family earning under $30,000 pays about $26,700, nearly the same as a family earning $110,000. There is no meaningful discount for low-income families here, so if you are on the bottom rung you are shouldering close to full cost.
Come here for the RN associate degree, treat it as a direct path into Louisville's nursing jobs, and the math can work. For any other program, or if you are unsure you will finish, the cost and low completion rate make this a poor financial fit. Look at a community college nursing program before signing on.
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.