Health and Medical Administrative Services at Fortis Institute-Pensacola

The numbers here tell a troubling story, though the small sample size means you should verify these patterns before making a final decision. Graduates start at $27,459—basically matching state and national averages—but earnings drop nearly 20% by year four to just $22,146. That backward trajectory is unusual and suggests graduates may struggle to advance in their careers or maintain full-time hours in this field.

The debt load of $9,500 looks manageable at first glance, but it becomes problematic when paired with declining earnings. While you'd owe about 35 cents per dollar earned initially, that ratio worsens as income falls. More concerning: Florida's top programs in this field produce graduates earning $35,000-$37,000, meaning students at community colleges like Seminole State or St. Petersburg College significantly out-earn Fortis graduates while likely paying less for their education.

With two-thirds of students needing Pell grants, this program serves financially vulnerable students who particularly need credentials that lead to stable, growing wages. The data suggests this certificate isn't delivering that outcome. Before enrolling, talk to multiple recent graduates about their actual job paths and whether they've maintained healthcare administrative roles, or if they've had to shift to lower-paying positions.