Fortis Institute-Cookeville: $14,644 Tuition

$14,644Tuition

301Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,509Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Fortis Institute-Cookeville

Fortis Institute-Cookeville trains students for healthcare careers in Tennessee's Upper Cumberland region. This career training institute enrolls 301 students who focus on practical skills like nursing, medical assisting, and surgical technology. The school draws exclusively from Tennessee, serving a community where students want to stay close to home while building medical careers.

Students face a steep financial climb at Fortis. The average net price hits $24,118 annually, while graduates earn a median of $34,509 ten years after starting. Most students borrow money, with 76% taking federal loans and graduating with $13,000 in median debt. The monthly loan payment of $138 represents a significant chunk of entry-level healthcare salaries. The school's 31% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs.

Women dominate the student body at 81%, reflecting healthcare career patterns. Nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, indicating most come from low-income families. The 95% employment rate shows strong job placement for graduates who finish their programs. Students work closely with faculty in a 17:1 ratio, getting hands-on training for Tennessee's growing healthcare sector.

Academics & Faculty

Fortis Institute-Cookeville operates as a career training institute focused on hands-on healthcare and technical programs. The school maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more individualized attention than typical community colleges. However, only 32% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face in intensive vocational programs. Women comprise 81% of enrollment, typical for healthcare-focused institutions. The institute specializes in nursing, medical assisting, and allied health fields that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Students receive practical training in clinical skills rather than broad academic coursework. With 95% of graduates finding employment, the school prioritizes job placement over traditional academic metrics.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,509

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$39,369
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$38,289
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$33,993
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Certificate	$32,818
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$28,960
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$21,640

View all 6 programs →

Campus Life

Cookeville sits about 80 miles east of Nashville, placing students in classic small-town Tennessee territory where you'll need both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen throughout the year. This career training institute operates on a non-traditional calendar system that keeps students focused on hands-on learning rather than typical college social activities. With 301 students and an 81% female enrollment, the atmosphere feels more like a professional training environment than a traditional college campus.

Students commute to campus since this is a career-focused program without dormitories or campus housing. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and track your progress closely. Weekends typically involve work, family time, or catching up on coursework since most students are local residents with Tennessee roots. The school's 95% employment rate reflects its practical approach to education. With 73% of students receiving Pell Grants, classmates often share similar backgrounds and goals of entering healthcare and technical fields quickly.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Other

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–46°F
July Avg: 65°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 56.0"
Annual Snowfall: -771.3"

Student Demographics

Fortis Institute-Cookeville draws exclusively from Tennessee, reflecting its role as a local career training center serving the Upper Cumberland region. The student body is overwhelmingly female, typical for a school specializing in healthcare programs like medical assisting, nursing, and dental hygiene. Most students come from working-class backgrounds, with nearly three-quarters qualifying for Pell Grants. This demographic mix aligns with the school's mission of providing practical healthcare training to local residents seeking stable, middle-income careers in Tennessee's growing medical sector.

Men: 18.6%
Women: 81.4%
White: 85.4%
Black: 3.7%
Hispanic: 6.3%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 72.6%

Location

Cookeville sits in central Tennessee, about 80 miles east of Nashville. This town of 35,000 residents serves as a regional center for the Upper Cumberland area. The setting combines small-town accessibility with proximity to outdoor recreation in the Cumberland Mountains. Tennessee Tech University also calls Cookeville home, giving the area a modest college town atmosphere. All 301 Fortis students come from within Tennessee, reflecting the institute's local focus. The rural setting provides a quieter environment for career training, though students travel over an hour to reach major metropolitan amenities in Nashville. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Fortis Institute-Cookeville with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cookeville, Tennessee 38501-4305

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,509
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,925
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 30.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $138/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Fortis Institute-Cookeville?

Fortis Institute-Cookeville operates as a career training institute with open enrollment for qualified applicants. The school serves 301 students who are entirely from Tennessee. This vocational college focuses on practical job training rather than traditional selective admissions.

How much does Fortis Institute-Cookeville cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,118 annually regardless of in-state or out-of-state status. About 73% of students receive financial aid, while only 8% get institutional grants averaging $4,930. Monthly loan payments typically run $138 after graduation.

What academic programs does Fortis Institute-Cookeville offer?

The institute operates on a non-traditional calendar system focused on career training programs. Students work with faculty at a 17:1 ratio in hands-on vocational fields. The school specializes in technical and healthcare training that prepares students for immediate employment.

What are the job outcomes for Fortis Institute-Cookeville graduates?

Graduates achieve a 95.2% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for their technical skills. However, only 32% complete their programs within six years, and median earnings reach $34,509 ten years after enrollment. The loan repayment rate stands at just 31%, indicating financial challenges for many alumni.

Where is Fortis Institute-Cookeville located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Cookeville, Tennessee, a remote town setting that limits urban amenities. With 301 students total, the small size creates an intimate learning environment. The student body is 81% female, reflecting the institute's focus on healthcare and service-oriented career programs.

Is Fortis Institute-Cookeville worth the debt for career training?

Students graduate with a median debt of $13,000, which is relatively low for career colleges. However, the 32% graduation rate and 31% loan repayment rate suggest many students struggle to complete programs or earn enough to manage payments. The high employment rate of 95% shows promise for those who do finish their training.