At $25,465/yr net price, Fortis Institute-Port Saint Lucie graduates earn $32,886/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,465 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,886/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,114/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.4% |
| 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 | $24,375/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,235/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,839/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,377/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,606/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 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,667 | $17,667 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,870 | $13,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,376 | $12,293 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $22,303 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
59.4% of students at Fortis Institute-Port Saint Lucie 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-Port Saint Lucie delivers strong returns for nursing students but poor outcomes for most other programs. The registered nursing program stands out with $55,770 median earnings that justify the $26,833 debt load, while practical nursing offers solid middle-income prospects at $41,667 with manageable debt of $17,667.
You should avoid the dental support and medical assisting programs, which leave graduates earning around $22,000-$24,000 annually with debt that creates negative returns. The HVAC program falls in the middle at $30,870 earnings, providing decent blue-collar wages for South Florida's growing construction market but limited upward mobility.
The school's 59% graduation rate creates significant risk since you forfeit your investment if you don't complete the program. With three-quarters of students receiving financial aid and a net price exceeding $25,000 annually, the cost structure works only if you pursue high-earning healthcare tracks.
This school makes financial sense for career changers seeking fast entry into nursing or students who need local healthcare training options. The nursing programs align well with Florida's aging population and healthcare job growth. Skip Fortis if you're considering the lower-paying support programs, as community colleges offer similar training at fraction of the cost with better job placement networks.
The debt loads remain reasonable compared to four-year institutions, but the narrow program focus means you're betting heavily on specific career paths with limited backup options if those fields don't work out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis Institute-Port Saint Lucie worth the cost?
The value depends heavily on your program choice. Registered nursing graduates earn $55,770 annually, making the $25,465 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like medical assisting lead to much lower earnings of $22,303.
What are the highest paying programs at Fortis Institute-Port Saint Lucie?
Registered nursing offers the best return at $55,770 annually, followed by practical nursing at $41,667. HVAC programs earn around $30,870, while dental and medical assisting programs pay significantly less at $24,376 and $22,303 respectively.
How much debt do Fortis Institute-Port Saint Lucie graduates have?
The median debt is $12,346, which is relatively manageable compared to many schools. However, with overall graduate earnings averaging $32,886 after 10 years, debt repayment could still be challenging for lower-paying program graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Fortis Institute-Port Saint Lucie?
The graduation rate is 59.4%, meaning about 4 in 10 students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially for programs with lower earning potential.