Strayer University-Florida vs ATA Career Education: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Strayer University-Florida comes closer — median earnings $40,092 against a $64,256 total, vs $34,577 at ATA Career Education. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Strayer University-Florida | ATA Career Education |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,064 | $28,250 |
| Total net cost | $64,256 | $113,000 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $40,092 | $34,577 |
| Median debt | $40,621 | $21,030 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$229,616 | -$388,660 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Strayer University-Florida or ATA Career Education?
Strayer University-Florida, at $16,064 a year after aid versus $28,250 — a gap of $12,186 a year, or $48,744 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Strayer University-Florida or ATA Career Education graduates earn more?
Strayer University-Florida graduates report a median $40,092 ten years after entry, $5,515 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, Strayer University-Florida or ATA Career Education?
ATA Career Education: its completers carry a median $21,030 in federal loans versus $40,621 at Strayer University-Florida, a difference of $19,591. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
100% of students finish at Strayer University-Florida, against 67% at ATA Career Education. 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.