Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,507
66th percentile (60th in KY)
Median Debt
$20,145
94% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.68
Manageable
Sample Size
21
Limited data

Analysis

ATA College's health administration certificate earns above-average first-year salaries—outperforming 60% of Kentucky programs and two-thirds of programs nationally—but that initial promise fades fast. Graduates see earnings drop from $29,507 to $25,497 over four years, a 14% decline that's particularly troubling in a field where experience typically brings raises. Compare that to top Kentucky programs like Sullivan University ($38,362) or Jefferson Community and Technical College ($36,397), which offer substantially stronger earning potential.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $20,145, it's higher than the national median but still manageable relative to first-year earnings. With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class families seeking quick workforce entry. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, making this a riskier bet than programs with more consistent track records.

For families considering healthcare administration training in Louisville, this certificate gets you working faster than an associate degree, but the earnings trajectory suggests limited advancement opportunities. If your child can access Jefferson Community and Technical College or afford Sullivan's program, the higher earning potential would likely justify the extra investment. If this is the most accessible option, understand that career growth may require additional credentials later.

Where ATA College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services certificate's programs nationally

ATA CollegeOther health and medical administrative services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How ATA College graduates compare to all programs nationally

ATA College graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all health and medical administrative services certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (33 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
ATA College$29,507$25,497$20,1450.68
Sullivan University$38,362$38,121$21,0310.55
Jefferson Community and Technical College$36,397—$16,7060.46
MedQuest College$35,910—$9,3530.26
American National University-Pikeville$29,859$26,616$17,2640.58
Ross Medical Education Center-Erlanger$28,570$28,742$9,5000.33
National Median$27,783—$10,3720.37

Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in Kentucky

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Sullivan University
Louisville
$14,220$38,362$21,031
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville
$4,706$36,397$16,706
MedQuest College
Louisville
—$35,910$9,353
American National University-Pikeville
Pikeville
$11,484$29,859$17,264
Ross Medical Education Center-Erlanger
Erlanger
—$28,570$9,500

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At ATA College, approximately 84% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.