Bethune-Cookman University vs ATA Career Education: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Bethune-Cookman University comes closer — median earnings $38,518 against a $48,120 total, vs $34,577 at ATA Career Education. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bethune-Cookman University | ATA Career Education |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,030 | $28,250 |
| Total net cost | $48,120 | $113,000 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $38,518 | $34,577 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $21,030 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$244,960 | -$388,660 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bethune-Cookman University or ATA Career Education?
Bethune-Cookman University, at $12,030 a year after aid versus $28,250 — a gap of $16,220 a year, or $64,880 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Bethune-Cookman University or ATA Career Education graduates earn more?
Bethune-Cookman University graduates report a median $38,518 ten years after entry, $3,941 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, Bethune-Cookman University or ATA Career Education?
ATA Career Education: its completers carry a median $21,030 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Bethune-Cookman University, a difference of $9,970. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at ATA Career Education, against 31% at Bethune-Cookman University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.