Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Fortis College

This Allied Health program at Fortis College presents a concerning financial picture that should give parents pause. With graduates earning just $23,496 in their first year—well below both the national median of $27,186 and even the Alabama state median of $24,037—this program ranks in only the 18th percentile nationally. More troubling is the negative earnings trajectory, with graduates actually earning less ($22,618) four years after graduation, suggesting limited career advancement opportunities.

While the debt load of $9,500 isn't excessive compared to many programs, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means graduates will likely struggle to pay off loans quickly given their low starting salaries. Among Alabama's 17 similar programs, this one performs exactly at the state median, but that's hardly reassuring when competing schools like Herzing University-Birmingham show graduates can earn $6,600 more annually in the same field.

The bottom line: this program appears to trap students in low-wage positions with declining earning potential. With nearly 80% of students requiring Pell grants, many families are already financially vulnerable and can't afford a program that delivers below-average outcomes. Consider looking at higher-performing alternatives in Alabama or exploring whether a different healthcare pathway might offer better long-term prospects for your child.