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Lindsey Wilson University vs ATA College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Columbia KY · vs · Private for-profit, Louisville KY

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Lindsey Wilson University comes closer — median earnings $41,129 against a $60,280 total, vs $34,577 at ATA College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLindsey Wilson UniversityATA College
Net price / yr$15,070$28,611
Total net cost$60,280$57,222
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,129$34,577
Median debt$16,784$21,030
Payback
20-year net return-$204,900-$332,882

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

Which is cheaper, Lindsey Wilson University or ATA College?

Lindsey Wilson University, at $15,070 a year after aid versus $28,611 — a gap of $13,541 a year, or $3,058 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Lindsey Wilson University or ATA College graduates earn more?

Lindsey Wilson University graduates report a median $41,129 ten years after entry, $6,552 more than the $34,577 at ATA College. 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, Lindsey Wilson University or ATA College?

Lindsey Wilson University: its completers carry a median $16,784 in federal loans versus $21,030 at ATA College, a difference of $4,246. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

46% of students finish at ATA College, against 44% at Lindsey Wilson 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.

Lindsey Wilson University vs ATA College: frequently asked questions

Is Lindsey Wilson University or ATA College a better value?
Lindsey Wilson University 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, Lindsey Wilson University or ATA College?
Lindsey Wilson University: $15,070/yr net price after aid versus $28,611/yr at ATA College — a difference of $13,541 a year, or about $3,058 over four years.
Do Lindsey Wilson University or ATA College graduates earn more?
Lindsey Wilson University graduates earn a median $41,129 ten years after entry, versus $34,577 at ATA College — a $6,552 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.