At $24,118/yr net price, Fortis Institute-Cookeville graduates earn $34,509/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $509/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,118 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,509/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$509/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 189.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,325/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,773/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,834/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,068/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $6,333 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $32,818 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $28,960 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $21,640 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
31.6% of students at Fortis Institute-Cookeville 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-Cookeville delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of $34,509 against a $24,118 annual net price. The 31.6% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their programs, making this a high-risk investment for your education dollars.
Clinical lab science and allied health diagnostic programs offer the strongest earning potential at $39,369 and $38,289 respectively, but these represent small program enrollments. The more common HVAC program produces $32,818 in median earnings with $13,000 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for trades-focused students. Ground transportation stands out with low debt of $6,333 and decent earnings at $33,993.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its low completion rate combined with for-profit pricing. You face significant odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The 72.6% of students receiving financial aid suggests most cannot afford full tuition, yet the pricing remains high for a two-year technical program.
This school works financially only if you have strong certainty about completing your specific program and can secure employment in Tennessee's regional job market. Students interested in healthcare technology or skilled trades with solid work histories may find value in targeted programs. However, if you struggle with program completion or need more academic support, community colleges offer similar technical training at much lower cost with better completion rates.
Avoid this school if you are uncertain about your career direction or have had difficulty completing previous educational programs. The combination of high costs and low graduation rates creates substantial financial downside risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis Institute-Cookeville worth the cost?
With a net price of $24,118 per year and median earnings of $34,509 after 10 years, Fortis Institute-Cookeville offers modest returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The medical lab science program shows the strongest ROI at $39,369 in earnings, while other programs may struggle to justify the cost.
What is the graduation rate at Fortis Institute-Cookeville?
Fortis Institute-Cookeville has a 31.6% graduation rate, meaning roughly 2 out of 3 students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk of enrolling.
Which programs at Fortis Institute-Cookeville have the best job prospects?
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science leads with $39,369 in median earnings, followed by Allied Health Diagnostic programs at $38,289. Transportation and HVAC programs earn less at around $33,000, making them harder to justify given the school's costs.
How much student debt do Fortis Institute-Cookeville graduates typically have?
The median debt is $13,000, which is relatively manageable compared to the school's annual cost. However, with a 31.6% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.