Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,171 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,684 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,120 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,510/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,584/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,458/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,495/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $43,957 | $14,120 |
The Risk Factor
60.7% of students at Athena Career Academy graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Athena Career Academy delivers strong financial returns for its nursing programs but operates with significant institutional risks that affect your investment. The practical nursing program produces graduates earning $43,957 annually with relatively manageable debt at $14,120, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio in Toledo's healthcare job market.
Your success hinges entirely on completing the nursing track, as this represents the school's only program with documented post-graduation earnings data. The 60.70% graduation rate means nearly 4 out of 10 students leave without a credential, making your $25,171 annual net price a total loss if you don't finish.
The financial aid environment here requires careful navigation. With 63.91% of students receiving aid, you'll likely qualify for assistance, but as a for-profit institution, Athena may have fewer grant options compared to community colleges offering similar nursing programs at lower costs.
You should consider Athena only if you're committed specifically to nursing and need the accelerated timeline that career colleges provide. Students unsure about their career path or those considering multiple program options face substantial financial risk given the limited program diversity and moderate completion rates.
Compare costs carefully against local community colleges offering LPN programs. While Athena may offer faster completion, the premium you pay should align with your need for speed to market. If you can handle a longer timeline, public alternatives typically provide similar nursing credentials at significantly lower costs with better institutional stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athena Career Academy worth the cost for nursing programs?
Athena Career Academy's nursing programs offer decent value with graduates earning around $44,000 median salary against $14,120 in debt. The return on investment is reasonable for healthcare careers, though the 61% graduation rate means 4 out of 10 students don't finish.
What is the job outlook for Athena Career Academy graduates?
Graduates primarily enter nursing and healthcare support roles with steady job demand in Ohio. However, the relatively low median salary of $44,000 means pay increases slowly, and career advancement typically requires additional education.
How much debt do Athena Career Academy students typically graduate with?
The median debt load is $14,120, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With nursing starting salaries around $44,000, most graduates can handle loan payments if they complete the program and find work quickly.
Does Athena Career Academy have good graduation rates?
Only 61% of students graduate, meaning nearly 40% drop out without completing their program. This presents significant financial risk since students who don't finish still owe money but lack the credentials to access higher-paying healthcare jobs.