Degree Dividend
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Herzing University-Tampa vs ATA Career Education: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Tampa FL · vs · Private for-profit, Spring Hill FL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Herzing University-Tampa comes closer — median earnings $36,909 against a $40,842 total, vs $34,577 at ATA Career Education. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHerzing University-TampaATA Career Education
Net price / yr$20,421$28,250
Total net cost$40,842$113,000
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,909$34,577
Median debt$21,500$21,030
Payback
20-year net return-$269,862-$388,660

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

Which is cheaper, Herzing University-Tampa or ATA Career Education?

Herzing University-Tampa, at $20,421 a year after aid versus $28,250 — a gap of $7,829 a year, or $72,158 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-Tampa or ATA Career Education graduates earn more?

Herzing University-Tampa graduates report a median $36,909 ten years after entry, $2,332 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, Herzing University-Tampa or ATA Career Education?

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

Herzing University-Tampa vs ATA Career Education: frequently asked questions

Is Herzing University-Tampa or ATA Career Education a better value?
Herzing University-Tampa 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-Tampa or ATA Career Education?
Herzing University-Tampa: $20,421/yr net price after aid versus $28,250/yr at ATA Career Education — a difference of $7,829 a year, or about $72,158 over four years.
Do Herzing University-Tampa or ATA Career Education graduates earn more?
Herzing University-Tampa graduates earn a median $36,909 ten years after entry, versus $34,577 at ATA Career Education — a $2,332 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.