Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Fortis College-Columbus
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This Allied Health program at Fortis College-Columbus delivers solid, middle-of-the-road results that put graduates on a stable career path without crushing debt. With median starting earnings of $27,198 and debt of just $10,263, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 is quite reasonable—students can expect to earn back their educational investment in roughly 4.5 months of gross wages. Among Ohio's 83 similar programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaningfully outperforming the state median of $26,324.
The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth, reaching $29,402 by year four—an 8% increase that keeps pace with typical wage progression in allied health roles. While this won't lead to six-figure salaries, it provides reliable income in a growing healthcare field. The fact that 67% of students receive Pell grants indicates the program serves working-class students well, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes.
For parents concerned about career stability and manageable debt, this program represents a sensible investment. Your child would graduate with skills for an in-demand field and debt that won't derail their financial future, though they should understand this is an entry-level healthcare pathway rather than a high-earning trajectory.
Where Fortis College-Columbus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Fortis College-Columbus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Fortis College-Columbus graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (83 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis College-Columbus | $27,198 | $29,402 | $10,263 | 0.38 |
| Sinclair Community College | $43,380 | $38,030 | $7,750 | 0.18 |
| Herzing University-Akron | $30,106 | $29,950 | $24,721 | 0.82 |
| ATA College-Cincinnati | $29,280 | $29,977 | $16,640 | 0.57 |
| Fortis College-Centerville | $28,653 | $28,120 | $11,466 | 0.40 |
| Ohio Business College-Sheffield | $27,980 | $25,263 | $10,500 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Community College Dayton | $3,435 | $43,380 | $7,750 |
| Herzing University-Akron Akron | $13,420 | $30,106 | $24,721 |
| ATA College-Cincinnati Cincinnati | $14,075 | $29,280 | $16,640 |
| Fortis College-Centerville Centerville | $14,023 | $28,653 | $11,466 |
| Ohio Business College-Sheffield Sheffield Village | $9,385 | $27,980 | $10,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fortis College-Columbus, approximately 67% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 801 graduates with reported earnings and 920 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.