At $15,326/yr net price, Fortis Institute graduates earn $33,193/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,326 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,193/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-807/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.5% |
| 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 | $14,888/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,801/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,107/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,199/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $40,896 | $20,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $30,822 | $9,500 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $29,374 | $13,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $27,439 | $18,951 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $23,108 | $10,529 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $22,083 | $9,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $19,683 | $13,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.5% of students at Fortis Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Fortis Institute Houston delivers below-average returns for most career programs, with median graduate earnings of $33,193 falling short of what you'd expect from a $15,326 annual investment. The school's 61.5% graduation rate means nearly 4 in 10 students leave without completing their programs.
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the strongest financial outcome at $40,896 in median earnings, though you'll carry $20,000 in debt to get there. Clinical Lab Science provides better debt-to-income balance at $30,822 earnings with only $9,500 in loans. HVAC programs earn $29,374 with moderate $13,000 debt loads, positioning graduates well in Houston's strong construction and energy sectors.
Health Administrative Services programs show concerning splits in outcomes. Some graduates earn $27,439 while others make just $23,108, yet both carry substantial debt loads between $10,529 and $18,951. This inconsistency suggests employer preferences vary significantly within the field.
The school works best for students seeking hands-on healthcare support roles who can complete programs quickly and enter Houston's large medical sector. You should avoid Fortis if you're considering administrative programs or need strong graduation support systems. The 75% financial aid participation rate indicates most students require assistance, but the relatively low median debt of $9,500 suggests the school keeps borrowing manageable for successful completers.
Skip this school if you can access community college alternatives for similar programs at lower cost. Fortis makes sense only if you need evening schedules or accelerated timelines that traditional colleges cannot accommodate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortis Institute worth the cost for career training?
Fortis Institute graduates earn $33,193 annually ten years after graduation, which is below average for career colleges. With a net price of $15,326 per year and typical debt of $9,500, the return on investment is modest but manageable for most programs.
Which Fortis Institute programs have the best job prospects?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the strongest earning potential at $40,896 annually, while Medical Laboratory Science graduates earn $30,822. HVAC training also provides solid returns at $29,374, making these the most financially viable options at Fortis Institute.
What is the graduation rate at Fortis Institute Houston?
Fortis Institute has a 61.5% graduation rate, meaning about 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is average for vocational schools but represents significant risk for students who don't finish.
How much debt do Fortis Institute students typically graduate with?
Most Fortis Institute graduates have $9,500 in student debt, which is relatively low compared to other career colleges. However, the modest starting salaries mean loan payments will still represent a significant portion of graduate income.