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Herzing University-Akron vs ATA College-Cincinnati: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Akron OH · vs · Private for-profit, Cincinnati OH

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Herzing University-Akron comes closer — median earnings $36,909 against a $37,868 total, vs $34,577 at ATA College-Cincinnati. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHerzing University-AkronATA College-Cincinnati
Net price / yr$18,934$27,055
Total net cost$37,868$108,220
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,909$34,577
Median debt$21,500$21,030
Payback
20-year net return-$266,888-$383,880

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Herzing University-Akron or ATA College-Cincinnati?

Herzing University-Akron, at $18,934 a year after aid versus $27,055 — a gap of $8,121 a year, or $70,352 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Herzing University-Akron or ATA College-Cincinnati graduates earn more?

Herzing University-Akron graduates report a median $36,909 ten years after entry, $2,332 more than the $34,577 at ATA College-Cincinnati. 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, Herzing University-Akron or ATA College-Cincinnati?

ATA College-Cincinnati: its completers carry a median $21,030 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Herzing University-Akron, a difference of $470. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

63% of students finish at ATA College-Cincinnati, against 19% at Herzing University-Akron. 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.

Herzing University-Akron vs ATA College-Cincinnati: frequently asked questions

Is Herzing University-Akron or ATA College-Cincinnati a better value?
Herzing University-Akron comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Herzing University-Akron or ATA College-Cincinnati?
Herzing University-Akron: $18,934/yr net price after aid versus $27,055/yr at ATA College-Cincinnati — a difference of $8,121 a year, or about $70,352 over four years.
Do Herzing University-Akron or ATA College-Cincinnati graduates earn more?
Herzing University-Akron graduates earn a median $36,909 ten years after entry, versus $34,577 at ATA College-Cincinnati — a $2,332 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.