At $27,674/yr net price, Fortis College-Columbus 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) | $27,674 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,696 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,368/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,368/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 46.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.3% |
| 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 | $26,658/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,105/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,226/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,723/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 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,309 | $26,982 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $40,209 | $19,000 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
32.3% of students at Fortis College-Columbus 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-Columbus presents a mixed financial picture with significant variation between programs. The registered nursing program offers the strongest return, with graduates earning $53,671 annually despite carrying $29,028 in debt. This salary level justifies the investment in Ohio's healthcare market, where nursing demand remains high.
However, the school's 32% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Two-thirds of students who start at Fortis don't finish, leaving them with debt but no credential. You face meaningful odds of joining this group, which makes the investment particularly risky compared to higher graduation rate alternatives.
The allied health programs show moderate returns, with diagnostic and intervention fields reaching $42,309 in earnings against $26,982 in debt. Medical assisting presents the weakest financial case at $25,079 in earnings with relatively low debt of $9,500, but this salary barely covers basic living expenses in the Columbus area.
HVAC technology offers decent value at $30,047 in earnings with only $13,000 in debt, representing one of the better debt-to-income ratios available. This program benefits from steady demand in Ohio's construction and maintenance sectors.
The $27,674 annual net price puts significant pressure on your finances for a two-year program. With 67% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is common but clearly insufficient for many students given the high dropout rate.
You should consider Fortis only if you can commit fully to nursing or allied health programs and have strong academic preparation. Students struggling with coursework or uncertain about career direction face high financial risk. Community college alternatives offer similar programs with lower costs and higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis College-Columbus worth the money?
Fortis College-Columbus has mixed value depending on your program choice. Nursing programs show strong returns with graduates earning around $53,000, but other programs may not justify the $27,674 annual cost given the school's 32% graduation rate.
What are the highest paying programs at Fortis College-Columbus?
Registered Nursing graduates from Fortis College-Columbus earn the highest salaries at $53,671 annually. Allied Health Diagnostic programs follow at $42,309, while Medical Assisting graduates earn significantly less at $25,079.
How much debt do Fortis College-Columbus graduates have?
Fortis College-Columbus graduates have a median debt of $12,547, which is relatively manageable compared to the annual tuition cost. However, with only 32% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no degree.
Do Fortis College-Columbus graduates get good jobs after graduation?
Fortis College-Columbus graduates earn an average of $36,368 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. The low 32% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs to reach even these modest earnings.