Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,157
62nd percentile
40th percentile in Maryland
Median Debt
$13,940
34% above national median

Analysis

Fortis Institute-Towson's healthcare administration certificate sits squarely in the middle of Maryland's optionsβ€”earning $29,157 in the first year puts graduates slightly below the state median of $29,848, landing in the 40th percentile among Maryland programs. That gap widens when you look at top performers: Hagerstown Community College graduates earn $33,686, about 15% more. The debt load of $13,940 is comparable to state norms but higher than the national median, though the 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio means most graduates could reasonably pay this off within two years if they prioritize it.

What's less reassuring is the complete earnings stagnation over timeβ€”$29,727 after four years represents barely 2% growth. With 81% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population that needs strong income mobility, and these flat earnings suggest limited advancement opportunities in entry-level medical administration roles. The certificate does perform decently against national peers (62nd percentile), but that's cold comfort when Maryland students have access to better-performing in-state options.

For families comparing certificate programs, this represents a middle-of-the-road investment: manageable debt for below-average Maryland earnings with minimal growth. If accepted to Hagerstown CC or similar higher-performing programs, the $4,000+ difference in starting salary would meaningfully improve repayment timelines and financial stability.

Where Fortis Institute-Towson Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Fortis Institute-Towson graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Fortis Institute-Towson$29,157$29,727+2%
Durham Technical Community College$70,267$55,326-21%
Gwinnett Technical College$41,337$49,199+19%
Fortis College-Landover$30,540$32,574+7%
All-State Career-Baltimore$23,887$29,356+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (15 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fortis Institute-TowsonTowsonβ€”$29,157$29,727$13,9400.48
Hagerstown Community CollegeHagerstown$4,320$33,686β€”$16,3750.49
Fortis College-LandoverLandover$15,537$30,540$32,574$10,8130.35
All-State Career-BaltimoreBaltimoreβ€”$23,887$29,356$13,0000.54
National Medianβ€”$27,783β€”$10,3720.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

$103,960/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Institute-Towson, approximately 81% 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.