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 in Houston runs a weak financial return. You pay $15,326 a year, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns $33,193 , barely above what many jobs pay without any credential at all. The upside is that debt stays low. A typical graduate leaves owing $9,500, so you are not buried under loans even when the payoff is thin.
The programs here are certificates and associate degrees, not bachelor's degrees, so judge them on that basis. The Allied Health Diagnostic certificate leads earnings at $40,896, but it also carries the heaviest debt at $20,000 , roughly double the school's median. The Clinical/Medical Laboratory certificate is a better trade: about $30,822 in earnings against $9,500 in debt. The HVAC certificate pays close to that with moderate debt and feeds directly into Houston's steady demand for skilled trades. The Health and Medical Administrative programs sit at the bottom, around $23,000 to $27,000, and the associate version piles on nearly $19,000 in debt for less pay than the lab certificate. Skip that one.
The main risk here is spending a year and $15,000-plus on a credential that lands you in a job paying in the mid-$20,000s. The 61.5% graduation rate also means a real chance you leave without finishing but still owe money.
Net price barely moves by income at the bottom , you pay close to $14,900 whether your family earns under $30k or up to $48k , then climbs past $20,000 above $75k. This school fits you if you want a fast, low-debt path into a specific health or trade job, especially the lab or HVAC tracks. If you are weighing the medical administrative programs, a community college or a different credential will likely cost you less for similar pay.
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.