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 in Houston is a financial gamble that mostly does not pay off. You pay nearly $28,000 a year in net price, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns about $33,000. That is a wage you could reach in Houston without any of this cost, which makes the return weak for most students walking in the door.
The programs here are certificates and associate degrees, not bachelor's degrees, so treat the earnings accordingly. The Allied Health diagnostic and treatment certificate is the one bright spot, clearing $40,000, but it also carries the heaviest debt load at $20,000. The HVAC certificate lands around $29,000 with mid-range debt and points you toward a Houston trade market that keeps hiring. The health administrative programs sit at the bottom, with the certificate version paying roughly $23,000 while still costing you real money.
The specific risk is that the price does not match the payoff. A 45% graduation rate means fewer than half of you finish, and if you drop out you keep the debt without the credential. The strongest program costs you the most to borrow, so even the winning path here is expensive.
The net price tiers make the problem worse. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay slightly less, around $27,500. But once your family income passes $75,000, the net price jumps to over $34,000 a year, the highest tier on the page.
This school fits you only if you enroll in the HVAC or top allied health certificate, finish fast, and go straight into a Houston healthcare or trades job. If you are eyeing the health administration tracks or unsure you will graduate, a community college certificate in the same field costs far less for similar or better pay.
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.