At $24,705/yr net price, Fortis College-Smyrna 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) | $24,705 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,820 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,368/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,368/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 41.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.1% |
| 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 | $24,266/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,421/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,807/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,214/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $31,547 | $6,333 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,047 | $13,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $27,895 | $21,416 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $27,679 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,079 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $23,745 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,649 |
The Risk Factor
54.1% of students at Fortis College-Smyrna 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-Smyrna delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $24,705 annual cost. The median 10-year earnings of $36,368 create a challenging payback scenario, especially when nearly three-quarters of students need financial aid.
The earnings data reveals stark differences between programs at this campus. Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the strongest return at $31,547 annually with relatively low debt of $6,333. HVAC technician training also shows promise at $30,047, though debt loads reach $13,000. These technical programs align well with Atlanta's growing healthcare and construction markets.
Dental support services present the biggest financial risk, generating only $27,895 in median earnings while saddling graduates with $21,416 in debt. Medical assisting produces the lowest returns at $25,079, barely covering living expenses in the Atlanta metro area.
The 54% graduation rate compounds financial risk. You face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential, particularly problematic given the for-profit structure and higher-than-average costs.
This school makes financial sense only if you can secure admission to the allied health diagnostic program or HVAC training, have strong family support during school, and can minimize borrowing. The location in suburban Atlanta provides decent job market access, but community colleges offer similar programs at lower cost.
Skip Fortis College-Smyrna if you need extensive financial aid or are considering dental support or medical assisting programs. The debt-to-earnings ratios make repayment difficult, and completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish their programs successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis College-Smyrna worth the cost for career training?
With a net price of $24,705 annually and graduates earning $36,368 after 10 years, the financial return is modest but positive for most programs. The relatively low median debt of $12,547 keeps the financial risk manageable compared to many career colleges.
What are the best paying programs at Fortis College-Smyrna?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the highest earnings at $31,547, followed by HVAC technology at $30,047. Medical assisting has the lowest earnings potential at $25,079, which may not justify the program cost.
How risky is the debt at Fortis College-Smyrna?
The median debt of $12,547 is lower than many career colleges, making loan payments more manageable. However, with a 54% graduation rate, nearly half of students leave without completing their programs.
Does Fortis College-Smyrna provide good value compared to other trade schools?
The school offers adequate value for students who complete their programs, particularly in allied health fields. The combination of moderate debt levels and steady earnings makes it a reasonable option for career training, though not exceptional.