Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Fortis College-Baton Rouge

The four-year earnings figure of $28,498 creates immediate concern, sitting far below what nursing credentials typically deliver. While first-year earnings estimated from peer programs suggest around $66,398—a promising start for a certificate program—that sharp drop to under $30,000 by year four runs counter to how nursing careers typically progress. This unusual pattern, combined with the fact that both earnings and debt figures are estimated due to small graduate samples, makes it difficult to assess what outcomes Fortis's specific program actually produces.

Based on comparable programs nationally, the estimated debt of roughly $26,000 would normally represent a manageable 39% of first-year earnings for a nursing certificate. However, that calculation assumes the first-year estimate holds true and doesn't account for the puzzling year-four decline. For a student body where 88% receive Pell grants, even moderate debt becomes riskier when career trajectory is uncertain.

The practical reality: you're considering a program where the school hasn't produced enough graduates with trackable outcomes for the Department of Education to report actual data. The one solid number—$28,498 at year four—raises more questions than it answers about whether graduates are finding full-time nursing positions. Before committing, verify current pass rates for Louisiana's NCLEX nursing exam and ask the school directly about recent graduate employment in actual nursing roles, not just "healthcare-related" positions.