Health and Medical Administrative Services at Fortis Institute-Towson

Fortis Institute-Towson's healthcare administration certificate sits squarely in the middle of Maryland's options—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 time—$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.