At $29,669/yr net price, Fortis Institute-Nashville graduates earn $32,886/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,669 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,676 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,886/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,114/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.8% |
| 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 | $29,341/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,315/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,863/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,762/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,770 | $26,833 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $36,745 | $24,696 |
| 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 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $22,303 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
51.8% of students at Fortis Institute-Nashville 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 Institute-Nashville delivers mixed financial returns that depend entirely on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $55,770 annually, making it the clear winner despite higher debt loads of $26,833. This represents strong ROI in Nashville's growing healthcare market.
HVAC technology offers solid middle-ground returns at $30,870 with manageable debt of $13,000, positioning graduates well for Tennessee's construction and maintenance sectors. Allied health diagnostic programs earn $36,745 but carry steep debt of $24,696, creating a tighter payback timeline.
The medical assisting program presents concerning numbers with graduates earning just $22,303 while still carrying $9,500 in debt. Clinical laboratory programs show similar warning signs with $30,409 earnings offset by $29,680 in debt, creating a difficult financial recovery path.
Your biggest risk at Fortis is the 51.80% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without completing their programs. This creates substantial financial exposure since you pay tuition regardless of completion. The $29,669 annual net price amplifies this risk.
This school works financially if you commit to nursing and can handle the academic demands. HVAC students also see reasonable returns. Skip the medical assisting and clinical lab programs unless you have specific career requirements that justify the weak earnings-to-debt ratios.
With 68.89% of students receiving financial aid, explore all federal grant options before enrolling. The for-profit structure means limited institutional scholarships, so external funding becomes essential for managing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis Institute-Nashville worth the cost?
Fortis Institute-Nashville's $29,669 annual net price leads to median earnings of just $32,886 after 10 years, making it a poor financial investment for most students. With a graduation rate below 52%, many students leave with debt but no degree.
Which programs at Fortis Institute-Nashville have the best ROI?
Registered Nursing graduates earn $55,770 annually, making it the only program that clearly justifies the cost. Other programs like HVAC ($30,870) and medical assisting ($22,303) offer limited earning potential relative to the school's high price.
How much debt do Fortis Institute-Nashville students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $12,346, which is relatively manageable compared to the school's high costs. However, this figure only reflects students who actually graduate, not the nearly half who leave without completing their programs.
Does Fortis Institute-Nashville provide good value compared to other schools?
No, the school's combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and modest post-graduation earnings makes it a risky investment. Community colleges typically offer similar programs at much lower costs with better outcomes.