At $24,076/yr net price, Fortis Institute-Pensacola graduates earn $26,652/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,076 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $26,652/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-7,348/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.9% |
| 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 | $22,810/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,991/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,865/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,112/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 | $52,357 | $27,910 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $28,381 | $13,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $20,921 | $11,316 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $19,810 | $9,474 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $19,341 | $9,500 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $18,576 | $10,800 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $17,412 |
The Risk Factor
46.9% of students at Fortis Institute-Pensacola 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-Pensacola delivers mixed returns that depend entirely on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $52,357 annually despite carrying $27,910 in debt. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio in a field with strong job security in the Florida Panhandle healthcare market.
The HVAC program offers decent middle-ground value at $28,381 in earnings with just $13,000 in debt, positioning graduates well for the region's construction and maintenance sectors. However, the remaining programs present concerning financial prospects. Dental support, medical assisting, and health administration graduates earn around $20,000 annually, barely exceeding the poverty line for a family of three.
The school's 47% graduation rate creates significant risk of paying tuition without completing your credential. At $24,076 annually, you face substantial costs for programs that may not deliver adequate returns. The median debt of $9,500 appears manageable until you consider that half of all graduates earn just $26,652 per year.
You should consider Fortis Institute-Pensacola only if you can secure admission to the nursing program and have realistic expectations about completing it. The HVAC program may work if you have hands-on aptitude and local job connections. Avoid the lower-paying healthcare support programs unless you have guaranteed employment or view them as stepping stones to further education.
With nearly 66% of students receiving financial aid, explore all grant and scholarship options before taking loans. The school's for-profit structure means limited endowment funding compared to public alternatives that might offer similar programs at lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis Institute-Pensacola worth the cost?
With graduates earning $26,652 after 10 years and annual costs of $24,076, the financial return is minimal for most programs. Only nursing programs show strong ROI with $52,357 median earnings, while other programs like medical assisting barely reach $20,000 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Fortis Institute-Pensacola?
Fortis Institute-Pensacola has a 47% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This presents significant risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a credential.
Which programs at Fortis Institute-Pensacola have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing programs offer the strongest return with $52,357 median earnings, while HVAC technician training provides moderate earnings at $28,381. Medical assisting and dental support programs show poor returns under $21,000 annually.
How much debt do Fortis Institute-Pensacola students typically have?
Students graduate with $9,500 in median debt, which is relatively low compared to other career colleges. However, with most programs leading to earnings under $30,000, even this modest debt can be difficult to repay.