At $27,972/yr net price, Fortis College graduates earn $33,193/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,972 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,193/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-807/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.2% |
| 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 | $27,766/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,469/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,962/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,364/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $40,896 | $20,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $30,822 | $9,500 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $29,374 | $13,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $27,439 | $18,951 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $23,108 | $10,529 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $22,083 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
45.2% of students at Fortis College 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 delivers weak financial returns that barely justify its high costs. With median earnings of just $33,193 ten years after graduation and an annual net price of $27,972, you'll struggle to see positive returns on your investment.
The Allied Health Diagnostic program offers your best shot at decent earnings at $40,896 annually, though you'll carry $20,000 in debt to get there. This represents the only program where graduates earn significantly above the school median. Clinical Laboratory Science provides more modest returns at $30,822 with lower debt of $9,500, making it a safer financial choice. HVAC training lands you at $29,374 with $13,000 in debt, competitive for trade programs but still below what you'd expect given the school's price tag.
Health and Medical Administrative Services programs show concerning variation in outcomes, with identical degree names producing vastly different results from $27,439 down to $23,108. The lower-earning version saddles you with debt that exceeds your first-year salary expectations.
The 45% graduation rate creates serious financial risk. More than half of students leave without credentials, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it. At these completion rates, you're essentially gambling with borrowed money.
You might find better value at community colleges offering similar healthcare and trade programs at fraction of the cost. Fortis makes financial sense only if you're certain you'll complete the Allied Health Diagnostic program and have exhausted cheaper alternatives. The school's 73% financial aid rate suggests most students require significant assistance, but even with aid, the returns remain underwhelming for a two-year investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis College Houston worth the money?
Fortis College's ROI is poor, with graduates earning just $33,193 ten years after enrollment despite paying nearly $28,000 annually. Only 45% of students graduate, making it a risky investment for most people.
What are the best paying programs at Fortis College?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the highest earnings at $40,896, followed by Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science at $30,822. These are the only programs that come close to justifying the school's high costs.
How much student debt do Fortis College graduates have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the net price. However, with low graduation rates and poor earning outcomes, even this amount can be difficult to repay.
Should I attend Fortis College Houston for healthcare programs?
Only consider Fortis College if you're specifically pursuing Allied Health Diagnostic or Clinical Laboratory programs, which pay $40,896 and $30,822 respectively. Other healthcare programs at the school lead to earnings well below the cost of attendance.