Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Fortis Institute-Nashville

Fortis Institute-Nashville charges more for its lab science program than nearly any competitor in Tennessee—$35,304 in median debt versus the state median of $29,028—yet graduates earn less than most. While first-year earnings of $40,819 fall about 7% below the state median, the program ranks at the 40th percentile among Tennessee schools, meaning it's roughly middle-of-the-pack locally even as it lags far behind nationally. More concerning: earnings actually decline to $37,575 by year four, an 8% drop during a period when most graduates should be advancing.

The comparison to nearby alternatives is striking. Columbia State Community College's lab science graduates earn $48,168—nearly $8,000 more annually—while Miller-Motte in Chattanooga produces similar results at $46,592. Even adjusting for the small sample size here (under 30 graduates, which means these numbers could shift with more data), the pattern of high debt paired with declining earnings suggests this program struggles to position graduates for career growth.

For families considering this program, the math is unfavorable: nearly a dollar in debt for every dollar of first-year earnings, with prospects getting worse rather than better over time. Community college alternatives in Tennessee offer substantially better outcomes at likely lower cost. Unless Fortis provides specific career connections or support services that justify the premium, this appears to be an expensive path to below-average results in the field.