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

Public, Orrville OH · vs · Private for-profit, Cincinnati OH

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Akron Wayne College comes closer — median earnings $46,600 against a $24,128 total, vs $34,577 at ATA College-Cincinnati. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Akron Wayne CollegeATA College-Cincinnati
Net price / yr$6,032$27,055
Total net cost$24,128$108,220
Median earnings, 10 yrs$46,600$34,577
Median debt$23,250$21,030
Payback
20-year net return-$59,328-$383,880

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

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

University of Akron Wayne College, at $6,032 a year after aid versus $27,055 — a gap of $21,023 a year, or $84,092 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

University of Akron Wayne College graduates report a median $46,600 ten years after entry, $12,023 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, University of Akron Wayne College or ATA College-Cincinnati?

ATA College-Cincinnati: its completers carry a median $21,030 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of Akron Wayne College, a difference of $2,220. 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 University of Akron Wayne 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.

University of Akron Wayne College vs ATA College-Cincinnati: frequently asked questions

Is University of Akron Wayne College or ATA College-Cincinnati a better value?
University of Akron Wayne College 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, University of Akron Wayne College or ATA College-Cincinnati?
University of Akron Wayne College: $6,032/yr net price after aid versus $27,055/yr at ATA College-Cincinnati — a difference of $21,023 a year, or about $84,092 over four years.
Do University of Akron Wayne College or ATA College-Cincinnati graduates earn more?
University of Akron Wayne College graduates earn a median $46,600 ten years after entry, versus $34,577 at ATA College-Cincinnati — a $12,023 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.