Gwinnett Institute 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 $33,735 at Gwinnett Institute. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Gwinnett Institute | ATA Career Education |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $34,939 | $28,250 |
| Total net cost | $139,756 | $113,000 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $33,735 | $34,577 |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $21,030 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$432,256 | -$388,660 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Gwinnett Institute or ATA Career Education?
ATA Career Education, at $28,250 a year after aid versus $34,939 — a gap of $6,689 a year, or $26,756 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Gwinnett Institute or ATA Career Education graduates earn more?
ATA Career Education graduates report a median $34,577 ten years after entry, $842 more than the $33,735 at Gwinnett Institute. 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, Gwinnett Institute or ATA Career Education?
Gwinnett Institute: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $21,030 at ATA Career Education, a difference of $8,030. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.