Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa vs ATA Career Education: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but ATA Career Education comes closer — median earnings $34,577 against a $113,000 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa | ATA Career Education |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,680 | $28,250 |
| Total net cost | $146,720 | $113,000 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $34,657 | $34,577 |
| Median debt | $9,500 | $21,030 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$420,780 | -$388,660 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa or ATA Career Education?
ATA Career Education, at $28,250 a year after aid versus $36,680 — a gap of $8,430 a year, or $33,720 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa or ATA Career Education graduates earn more?
Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa graduates report a median $34,657 ten years after entry, $80 more than the $34,577 at ATA Career Education. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa or ATA Career Education?
Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $21,030 at ATA Career Education, a difference of $11,530. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.