At $27,508/yr net price, Fortis College-Columbia graduates earn $36,368/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,368/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,508 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,032 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,368/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,368/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 46.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,547 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,947/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,072/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,570/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,276/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,276/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 | $53,671 | $29,028 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,047 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,079 | $9,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $24,667 | $11,701 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,109 | $13,000 |
The Risk Factor
36.3% of students at Fortis College-Columbia graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Fortis College-Columbia delivers mixed returns that depend entirely on your program choice. The nursing program justifies the investment with $53,671 median earnings, though you'll carry $29,028 in debt to get there. Every other major at this school produces concerning financial outcomes.
HVAC training leads to $30,047 earnings with manageable $13,000 debt, making it the second-best option. The remaining programs put you at financial risk. Medical assisting, health administration, and dental support all generate earnings in the mid-$20,000s while saddling you with debt that takes years to overcome given those salary levels.
The 36% graduation rate creates additional risk. If you don't complete your program, you keep the debt but lose the credential needed for career-level earnings. This school works financially only if you're committed to nursing or need local HVAC training and can't access cheaper options at community colleges.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering any program beyond nursing or HVAC. The healthcare support programs don't generate enough income to justify private college costs. Community colleges typically offer similar training at half the price with better job placement rates in Columbia's healthcare market.
Financial aid covers most students, but the high net price of $27,508 means you're still paying significantly more than public alternatives. The school's for-profit status limits federal aid options compared to nonprofit institutions. Choose this school only if you're pursuing nursing and can handle the debt load, or if you need HVAC training and have exhausted cheaper local options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis College-Columbia worth the cost?
Fortis College-Columbia's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $53,671 annually, making the $27,508 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like dental support services ($24,109) barely cover the tuition investment.
What is the job market like for Fortis College-Columbia graduates?
The school's 36% graduation rate is concerning, meaning most students don't finish their programs. HVAC technicians and nurses have better job prospects than graduates from the lower-paying health administration programs.
How much debt do Fortis College-Columbia students graduate with?
The median debt is $12,547, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, with average earnings of $36,368 ten years after enrollment, students in lower-paying programs may struggle to justify even this debt level.
Which programs at Fortis College-Columbia have the best return on investment?
Registered nursing offers the strongest ROI with $53,671 in annual earnings. HVAC programs ($30,047) provide decent returns, while dental support and medical assisting programs pay too little to justify the cost.