Fortis College-Columbia: $14,576 Tuition

$14,576Tuition

513Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,368Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Fortis College-Columbia

Fortis College-Columbia trains students for careers in healthcare, skilled trades, and business through hands-on programs. The school enrolls 513 students in Columbia's midsize city setting. This private career college focuses on getting graduates job-ready quickly rather than offering traditional liberal arts education. Women make up 77% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting.

Students pay an average net price of $27,508 after financial aid, with 73% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $36,368 ten years after starting, which puts them ahead of their debt load. The typical graduate leaves with $12,547 in debt and monthly loan payments of $133. While the investment is substantial, the employment rate hits 94.6%, showing strong job placement success.

The student body is predominantly Black at 82%, with 98% coming from South Carolina. Classes average 23 students per instructor, typical for career-focused programs. However, only 36% of students graduate within six years, suggesting the intensive, accelerated format isn't for everyone. The loan repayment rate of just 24% indicates some graduates struggle financially after leaving.

Academics & Faculty

Fortis College-Columbia specializes in career-focused healthcare, skilled trades, and business programs designed to get students job-ready quickly. The school serves 513 students with a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes than traditional colleges but still allows for hands-on learning in labs and clinical settings. Only 36% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face completing their programs. The college attracts students seeking practical skills over theory, with programs like medical assisting, HVAC, and dental hygiene that emphasize direct job training. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment, showing the school's focus on workforce preparation pays off for those who complete their programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 22.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,368

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,671
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Certificate	$30,047
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$25,079
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$24,667
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$24,109

View all 5 programs →

Campus Life

Fortis College sits in the heart of Columbia, where 513 students focus intensively on career training. The campus operates on a non-traditional calendar system designed around accelerated programs. You'll need light jackets for mild winters and plenty of sunscreen for hot, humid summers typical of South Carolina's capital city.

With 77% of students being women, the atmosphere centers heavily around healthcare and business programs. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than traditional colleges, but the hands-on training model keeps things interactive. Nearly 98% of students come from South Carolina, creating a tight-knit community of locals.

Most students commute since this is primarily a career college without traditional dorms. Weekends often involve study groups and clinical rotations rather than campus parties. The 94.6% employment rate reflects the school's job-focused culture. Students here are serious about getting trained quickly and entering the workforce. Columbia offers restaurants, shopping, and entertainment just minutes away, but most students stay focused on their accelerated programs that can launch careers in under two years.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Other

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–59°F
July Avg: 72°–95°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Fortis College-Columbia draws overwhelmingly from South Carolina, with nearly all students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly women, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare programs where female enrollment typically runs high. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking career advancement. The demographics align with Fortis's mission as a practical training ground for local healthcare and skilled trade jobs. Students here are typically older learners looking to enter or change careers rather than traditional college-age students pursuing four-year degrees.

Men: 22.6%
Women: 77.4%
White: 11.3%
Black: 82.1%
Hispanic: 4.5%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 98.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 73.5%

Location

Fortis College-Columbia sits in South Carolina's capital city, home to 130,000 residents. The campus operates in Columbia's urban core, about 100 miles from Charlotte and 200 miles from Atlanta. This midsize city anchors the state's central region with government offices, healthcare systems, and the University of South Carolina creating a steady job market. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 98.18% choosing to stay close to home for their career training. Columbia's mix of state government, medical facilities, and growing business sector provides natural internship and employment opportunities for graduates entering healthcare and skilled trades. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Fortis College-Columbia with similar schools in the region.

Address: Columbia, South Carolina 29210

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,368
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,724
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 23.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $133/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,547

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Fortis College-Columbia?

The college enrolls 513 students with women making up 77% of the student body. Most students are Black (82%) and nearly all (98%) come from South Carolina, reflecting the school's focus on serving the local Columbia community.

How much does Fortis College-Columbia cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $27,508 despite tuition being only $14,576. About 73% of students receive financial aid, but the high net cost reflects additional fees and limited institutional aid with only 9% receiving college grants.

What type of academic programs does Fortis College-Columbia offer?

The college operates on a non-traditional calendar system and maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio. As a career-focused institution, it specializes in healthcare, skilled trades, and business programs with hands-on training designed for quick entry into the workforce.

What are the job prospects for Fortis College-Columbia graduates?

The employment rate reaches an impressive 94.6% for graduates. However, median earnings after 10 years are $36,368, which is relatively modest for the debt load students typically carry.

Where is Fortis College-Columbia located and what is the setting like?

The college sits in Columbia, South Carolina, a mid-size city setting that provides access to healthcare facilities and businesses for internships. The urban location offers students real-world training opportunities in their chosen career fields.

Does Fortis College-Columbia have good graduation rates?

Only 36% of students graduate within six years, which is low even for career colleges. The loan repayment rate of just 24% suggests many graduates struggle financially despite the high employment rate of 95%.