At $23,826/yr net price, Fortis College-Baton Rouge graduates earn $32,886/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,826 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,886/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,114/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,346 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,082/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,006/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,627/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,280/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,770 | $26,833 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $43,798 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,667 | $17,667 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $36,745 | $24,696 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $31,676 | $9,500 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,870 | $13,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $30,409 | $29,680 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,585 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $25,774 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,376 | $12,293 |
The Risk Factor
45.0% of students at Fortis College-Baton Rouge graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Fortis College-Baton Rouge delivers solid returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The registered nursing program stands out with $55,770 median earnings that justify its $26,833 debt load, while practical nursing offers a more affordable path at $17,667 in debt for $41,667 annual earnings.
Your financial success depends heavily on program choice. Nursing and allied health diagnostic programs generate strong earning potential in Baton Rouge's healthcare market, but the school's overall median earnings of $32,886 suggest many other programs underperform. With a 45% graduation rate, nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, making debt without credentials a real risk.
The $23,826 annual net price creates significant financial pressure for a two-year program. If you're targeting nursing, the investment makes sense given local demand from hospitals like Our Lady of the Lake and Baton Rouge General. However, students in lower-earning programs face poor debt-to-income ratios that could strain budgets for years.
You should consider this school only if you're committed to nursing or specific allied health fields where job placement rates are strong. Students unsure about their career direction or interested in programs outside healthcare should look elsewhere. The 88% financial aid rate indicates most students need significant borrowing, making program completion essential for financial viability.
Skip Fortis if you're exploring general education or considering programs without clear career pathways. The combination of high costs, moderate completion rates, and program-dependent outcomes makes this a high-risk choice unless you're laser-focused on healthcare careers with proven local demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis College-Baton Rouge worth the cost?
It depends on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $55,770 annually, making the $23,826 yearly cost reasonable, but other programs show weaker returns with 10-year median earnings of just $32,886.
What are the best paying programs at Fortis College-Baton Rouge?
Registered Nursing leads at $55,770 annually, followed by Allied Health programs at $43,798. These healthcare-focused programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Fortis College-Baton Rouge graduates have?
The median debt is $12,346, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with a 45% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Fortis College-Baton Rouge?
Only 45% of students graduate, meaning more than half leave without finishing their programs. This presents significant financial risk since incomplete programs rarely improve earning potential.