Degree Dividend
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Sullivan University vs ATA College: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Sullivan University comes closer — median earnings $38,008 against a $51,064 total, vs $34,577 at ATA College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSullivan UniversityATA College
Net price / yr$25,532$28,611
Total net cost$51,064$57,222
Median earnings, 10 yrs$38,008$34,577
Median debt$20,000$21,030
Payback
20-year net return-$258,104-$332,882

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

Which is cheaper, Sullivan University or ATA College?

Sullivan University, at $25,532 a year after aid versus $28,611 — a gap of $3,079 a year, or $6,158 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Sullivan University or ATA College graduates earn more?

Sullivan University graduates report a median $38,008 ten years after entry, $3,431 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, Sullivan University or ATA College?

Sullivan University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $21,030 at ATA College, a difference of $1,030. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Sullivan University, against 46% at ATA College. 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.

Sullivan University vs ATA College: frequently asked questions

Is Sullivan University or ATA College a better value?
Sullivan 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, Sullivan University or ATA College?
Sullivan University: $25,532/yr net price after aid versus $28,611/yr at ATA College — a difference of $3,079 a year, or about $6,158 over four years.
Do Sullivan University or ATA College graduates earn more?
Sullivan University graduates earn a median $38,008 ten years after entry, versus $34,577 at ATA College — a $3,431 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.