At $20,906/yr net price, ATA College graduates earn $35,017/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,017/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,906 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,624 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,017/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,017/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 82.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,636/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,131/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,796/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,026/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $5,500 |
The Risk Factor
86.0% of students at ATA College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
ATA College delivers weak ROI despite its strong graduation rate. At $20,906 annually, you're paying premium prices for career training that leads to median earnings of just $35,017 ten years after graduation.
The computer science programs at ATA underperform badly, with graduates earning around $28,000 annually after completing a costly two-year program. This represents poor value when community colleges offer similar training at half the cost with better employment connections in San Diego's tech market. The allied health program fares slightly better but still leaves graduates earning $24,140 with typical debt loads.
Your biggest financial risk here is the high net price relative to earning potential. You'll spend over $40,000 total for training that barely lifts you above California's minimum wage equivalent for full-time work. The low median debt of $5,500 suggests either strong financial aid or that many students pay cash, but neither scenario justifies the weak salary outcomes.
ATA works financially only if you have specific employer connections lined up or need the structured environment badly enough to pay extra for it. The 86% graduation rate indicates solid support systems, but you can find better ROI at San Diego community colleges or Cal State San Marcos for similar programs.
Nearly 78% of students receive financial aid, suggesting the sticker price rarely applies in full. However, even with aid bringing costs down significantly, the earning outcomes remain too low to justify choosing ATA over public alternatives in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ATA College worth the cost for computer science students?
ATA College computer science graduates earn around $28,000 annually, which is below average for tech fields. With a net price of $20,900 per year, the return on investment is weak compared to other computer science programs.
What is the job outlook for ATA College graduates?
ATA College graduates earn a median of $35,017 ten years after enrollment, which is relatively low for college graduates. The 86% graduation rate is decent, but the earning potential may not justify the cost for many students.
How much student debt do ATA College students typically have?
The median debt for ATA College students is $5,500, which is lower than many schools. However, the low post-graduation earnings mean even this modest debt load could be challenging to repay.
Which programs at ATA College offer the best return on investment?
Computer science programs at ATA College show the highest earnings at around $28,000, but this is still below market rates for tech jobs. Allied health programs earn about $24,000, making the ROI questionable across most offerings.