Health and Medical Administrative Services at Fortis College-Baton Rouge

At $26,833 in first-year earnings, Fortis College-Baton Rouge's health administration certificate lands solidly in the middle of Louisiana programs—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide while performing below the national median. The program serves a predominantly low-income student population (88% Pell recipients) and saddles graduates with $13,875 in debt, which translates to roughly half a year's earnings. That's manageable compared to many certificate programs, though still above the national debt benchmark. Earnings do grow modestly to $28,628 by year four, putting graduates closer to top Louisiana programs like Delgado Community College.

The clearest competitor is Delta College-Slidell, which produces nearly identical outcomes at likely similar cost. Within Louisiana, this program holds its own—graduates earn about $4,200 more annually than the state median for this credential. However, medical administrative roles typically don't require significant debt, and some community colleges in the state offer comparable training at lower cost. The moderate sample size suggests steady enrollment, which points to local employer demand.

For families weighing this investment: the debt load is reasonable given the earning potential, but shop around. If your student can access a community college option with lower tuition, the outcomes may not justify the premium. If Fortis offers stronger job placement support or scheduling flexibility that fits your family's needs, the difference narrows considerably.