Youngstown State University vs ATA College-Cincinnati: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Youngstown State University comes closer — median earnings $41,544 against a $51,068 total, vs $34,577 at ATA College-Cincinnati. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Youngstown State University | ATA College-Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,767 | $27,055 |
| Total net cost | $51,068 | $108,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $41,544 | $34,577 |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $21,030 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$187,388 | -$383,880 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Youngstown State University or ATA College-Cincinnati?
Youngstown State University, at $12,767 a year after aid versus $27,055 — a gap of $14,288 a year, or $57,152 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Youngstown State University or ATA College-Cincinnati graduates earn more?
Youngstown State University graduates report a median $41,544 ten years after entry, $6,967 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, Youngstown State University or ATA College-Cincinnati?
ATA College-Cincinnati: its completers carry a median $21,030 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Youngstown State University, a difference of $2,970. 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 50% at Youngstown State 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.