At $26,089/yr net price, Fortis College-Cutler Bay graduates earn $34,726/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $726/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,089 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,356 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,726/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$726/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 143.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,485/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,285/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,316/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 | $56,014 | $28,049 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $23,042 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
36.1% of students at Fortis College-Cutler Bay 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-Cutler Bay presents a financially risky proposition for most students, with median earnings of just $34,726 ten years after graduation against an annual net price of $26,089. The school's 36% graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs.
Your financial outcome depends entirely on which program you choose. The Registered Nursing program offers strong returns with graduates earning $56,014 annually, justifying the higher debt load of $28,049. However, the Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services program produces concerning results, with graduates earning only $23,042 while carrying $9,500 in debt.
The nursing program makes financial sense if you can complete it, as registered nurses in South Florida command competitive salaries. The allied health track, however, leaves graduates earning barely above minimum wage while servicing educational debt. Given Miami-Dade County's high cost of living, these lower-earning programs create significant financial stress.
This school works financially only if you plan to pursue nursing and have strong confidence in your ability to complete the program. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially. If you're considering the allied health programs, community colleges in the area offer similar training at much lower cost.
With 76% of students receiving financial aid, most rely heavily on federal loans. The relatively low median debt of $13,000 reflects the short program length, but income-driven repayment may still strain budgets for lower-earning graduates. You should have backup financial support and be realistic about your academic preparedness before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis College-Cutler Bay worth the cost for nursing programs?
The nursing programs at Fortis College-Cutler Bay offer solid ROI potential with graduates earning around $56,000 annually. However, the school's 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, which significantly impacts the value proposition.
What are the employment prospects after graduating from Fortis College-Cutler Bay?
Overall graduate earnings average $34,726 after 10 years, which is low considering the $26,089 annual cost. Nursing graduates do much better at $56,000, while allied health graduates earn only $23,000 annually.
How much debt do Fortis College-Cutler Bay students typically have?
The median debt is $13,000, which is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Should I attend Fortis College-Cutler Bay or look at other options?
Consider this school only if you're committed to nursing and confident you'll graduate. The low completion rate and poor earnings for non-nursing programs make it a risky investment for most students.