At $29,556/yr net price, Fortis College-Norfolk graduates earn $32,754/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,556 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,224 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,754/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,246/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,979/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,287/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,646/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,551/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,941/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $19,120 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
32.6% of students at Fortis College-Norfolk 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-Norfolk presents a challenging financial picture with a median 10-year earnings of $32,754 against an annual net price of $29,556. Your return on investment will be slow, with earnings barely exceeding the yearly cost of attendance.
The school's flagship Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services program offers particularly poor returns, generating just $19,120 in median earnings while carrying the same $9,500 debt load as other programs. This puts graduates well below poverty-level wages in the Norfolk market, where healthcare support roles typically pay more at established hospitals and medical centers.
The 32.6% graduation rate compounds these financial risks. You face a two-thirds chance of leaving without a credential while still carrying debt. Even if you complete your program, the low earnings potential means debt repayment will stretch longer than at schools with stronger employment outcomes.
This school might work for you if you need extremely flexible scheduling for family or work obligations and cannot access community college alternatives. However, Tidewater Community College offers similar healthcare programs at significantly lower cost with better regional employer connections.
Financial aid covers most students, but the high net price suggests limited merit aid availability. Your best cost strategy involves comparing total program costs against local community colleges and exploring whether Virginia's workforce development programs offer funding for healthcare training through alternative providers.
Skip Fortis College-Norfolk if you can access community college healthcare programs or if you need strong earnings to justify education debt. The combination of high costs, low completion rates, and weak employment outcomes creates substantial financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis College-Norfolk worth the cost compared to other schools?
Fortis College-Norfolk graduates earn a median of $32,754 ten years after enrollment, while paying $29,556 per year in net costs. This creates a challenging return on investment, especially given the low 32.6% graduation rate.
What programs at Fortis College-Norfolk have the best job prospects?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services is the top program, with graduates in this field earning around $19,120 annually. However, this salary is well below the national average and may not justify the school's annual cost of nearly $30,000.
How much debt do Fortis College-Norfolk students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Fortis College-Norfolk graduates is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to many schools. However, with graduate earnings averaging just over $32,000, even this modest debt load represents a significant burden.
Should I attend Fortis College-Norfolk or look at other options?
With a 32.6% graduation rate and graduate earnings barely above the annual tuition cost, Fortis College-Norfolk presents significant financial risk. Community colleges or state schools often offer similar programs with better outcomes and lower costs.