ATA Career Education
ATA Career Education — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is ATA Career Education Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, ATA Career Education is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $34,577 — 36% below average — while paying $28,250/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $21,030 representing 61% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at ATA Career Education has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How ATA Career Education compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier in FL
Ranked #10 of 30 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Concorde Career College-Aurora | 42 | $16,666 | $42,456 |
| #2 | ATI College-Whittier | 33 | $20,467 | $38,938 |
| #3 | PCI College | 24 | $27,439 | $36,141 |
| #4 | Wade College | 23 | $20,778 | $36,657 |
| #5 | Northwest College of Art & Design | 23 | $16,418 | $31,167 |
| #6 | Bryan University | 22 | $20,053 | $28,725 |
| #10 | ATA Career Education | 20 | $28,250 | $34,577 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of ATA Career Education's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in FL.
Best Programs at ATA Career Education
Program-level earnings data isn't available for ATA Career Education. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,250/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in FL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Spring Hill, FL
- Student Body
- 201 students
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,250
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $34,577
- Median Student Debt
- $21,030