At $25,803/yr net price, Fortis College-Salt Lake City graduates earn $34,509/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $509/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,803 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,509/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$509/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 202.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.4% |
| 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 | $24,269/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,959/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,050/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,008/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,149/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 | $56,302 | $29,028 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $32,818 | $13,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $32,094 | $41,634 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $21,640 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $20,687 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $20,482 | $13,000 |
The Risk Factor
42.4% of students at Fortis College-Salt Lake City graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Fortis College-Salt Lake City delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $34,509 ten years after graduation against a net price exceeding $25,800 annually. The nursing program stands as the clear exception, generating $56,302 in median earnings that justify its $29,028 debt load in Utah's healthcare market.
Your program choice determines everything at this school. HVAC training produces reasonable outcomes with $32,818 earnings against $13,000 in debt, positioning graduates well in Salt Lake City's growing construction sector. However, dental support services creates a financial trap with $41,634 in debt for $32,094 in earnings. Medical assisting programs perform poorly across the board, delivering under $22,000 in annual earnings.
The 42% graduation rate creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your program. Nearly 40% of students receive no financial aid, meaning you'll likely pay close to full price. The school's for-profit structure typically limits merit scholarships compared to community colleges offering similar programs at lower cost.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to nursing and can handle the program's demands. HVAC students might find value, but should compare costs with Salt Lake Community College's similar programs. Medical assisting and dental support students should look elsewhere, as the debt-to-earnings ratios create long-term financial strain.
Consider Fortis only if you need the flexible scheduling that for-profit schools often provide and you're targeting nursing specifically. Otherwise, Utah's community college system offers better value for most career training programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis College-Salt Lake City worth the cost?
The ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn around $56,000 annually, making the $25,803 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like medical assisting lead to earnings of only $20,000-21,000, creating poor returns.
What are the best paying programs at Fortis College-Salt Lake City?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning $56,302 annually. HVAC technician training pays around $32,818, while dental support and medical assisting programs result in much lower earnings of $20,000-32,000.
How much debt do Fortis College-Salt Lake City graduates have?
The median debt is $13,000, which is relatively manageable. However, with a 42% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their programs and may still carry debt.
What is the graduation rate at Fortis College-Salt Lake City?
Only 42% of students graduate, meaning most students who enroll never finish their programs. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk of attending.