Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,157
62nd percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$13,940
34% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.48
Manageable
Sample Size
64
Adequate data

Analysis

Fortis College-Columbus graduates earn around $29,700 after four years—modestly above the national median for health administrative programs but solidly middle-of-the-pack among Ohio's 85 programs offering this credential. The $13,940 in typical debt translates to roughly half a year's earnings, which is manageable but not trivial given the limited income growth trajectory. For context, graduates from Ohio's top programs like Stark State College earn nearly $6,000 more annually with comparable debt loads.

The earnings plateau is the real issue here. Nearly flat growth from $29,157 to $29,727 over four years suggests these administrative roles may have limited advancement opportunities without additional credentials. While two-thirds of students receive Pell grants—indicating the program serves students who need affordable pathways—parents should recognize that $30,000 annually in Ohio won't stretch far, particularly in Columbus's growing job market.

This program makes sense primarily for students who already have healthcare connections or who plan to use it as a stepping stone toward further education. The debt burden won't be crushing, but the earning potential won't be transformative either. If your child is certain about healthcare administration and values quick credential completion, this works. If they're exploring options or hoping for robust income growth, Ohio's higher-performing public college programs offer better returns for similar investment.

Where Fortis College-Columbus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services certificate's programs nationally

Fortis College-ColumbusOther health and medical administrative services programs

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 $29k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all health and medical administrative 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

Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (85 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fortis College-Columbus$29,157$29,727$13,9400.48
Stark State College$36,006$31,860$17,0250.47
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College$34,507—$25,3900.74
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$34,507—$25,3900.74
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College$34,507—$25,3900.74
Ross Medical Education Center-Dayton$31,401$26,020$9,5000.30
National Median$27,783—$10,3720.37

Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Stark State College
North Canton
$4,670$36,006$17,025
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
Batavia
$6,554$34,507$25,390
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$34,507$25,390
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
Blue Ash
$6,992$34,507$25,390
Ross Medical Education Center-Dayton
Fairborn
—$31,401$9,500

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.