At $22,914/yr net price, Fortis Institute-Birmingham graduates earn $32,886/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,914 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,886/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,114/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,346 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,514/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,888/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,641/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,880/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,880/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,870 | $13,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $30,409 | $29,680 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $24,730 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,376 | $12,293 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,757 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $22,303 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
36.2% of students at Fortis Institute-Birmingham 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 Institute-Birmingham delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's $22,914 annual net price produces a median salary of $32,886 after ten years, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.
HVAC emerges as the clear financial winner, generating $30,870 in median earnings with manageable $13,000 debt loads. This program aligns well with Alabama's growing construction and industrial sectors. Clinical laboratory science pays similarly at $30,409 but saddles you with $29,680 in debt, making the return far less attractive. Electrical programs offer decent earning potential at $24,730, though debt data is unavailable.
Dental support services and health administration programs show weaker returns, with earnings barely exceeding $22,000 to $24,000 despite requiring similar debt loads to HVAC training.
The school's 36% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a real possibility of accumulating debt without completing your program. With nearly 79% of students receiving financial aid, most attendees need assistance to afford the tuition.
This school works financially if you enroll in HVAC or electrical programs and can complete them successfully. The hands-on technical training matches Birmingham's industrial job market reasonably well. However, healthcare administration and support programs offer poor value given the debt burden and limited earning potential.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering laboratory science due to the excessive debt load, or if you have concerns about completing a program given the low graduation rates. Community colleges in Alabama often provide similar training at lower cost with better completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis Institute-Birmingham worth the cost compared to other schools?
With graduates earning $32,886 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $22,914 per year, Fortis Institute-Birmingham offers modest returns that may not justify the cost for many students. The low 36% graduation rate adds significant risk to your investment.
Which programs at Fortis Institute-Birmingham have the best job prospects?
HVAC technician training offers the highest earning potential at $30,870 annually, followed by medical laboratory programs at $30,409. These technical programs provide the best return on investment compared to administrative health programs that average under $25,000.
How much student debt do Fortis Institute-Birmingham graduates typically have?
The median debt is $12,346, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, with graduate earnings around $33,000, debt payments could still strain your budget for several years.
What are the biggest risks of attending Fortis Institute-Birmingham?
The 36% graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their programs, often leaving with debt but no credential. Even graduates face limited earning potential, with most programs leading to jobs paying less than $31,000 annually.