Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology at Fortis Institute-Wayne

With 73% of students receiving Pell grants, Fortis Institute-Wayne serves a predominantly working-class population, and for these students, the program's financial profile offers reassurance. The $9,500 debt load is manageable—less than three months of earnings at the one-year mark—and sits below the 30th percentile nationally, meaning most comparable programs saddle graduates with more debt. Within New Jersey, this program performs in the 60th percentile for earnings, a meaningful edge in a state where technical training costs can be high.

The earnings trajectory shows solid momentum, climbing from $34,287 to $38,230 over four years—a 12% gain that suggests graduates develop marketable skills that employers value over time. While these aren't stunning numbers in absolute terms, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates can realistically manage repayment while building financial stability. For families evaluating short-term credentials, this beats many alternatives where debt exceeds half of first-year earnings.

The practical reality: if your child needs a quick path to steady employment without drowning in debt, this program accomplishes that goal. It won't make anyone wealthy, but the combination of low debt and above-median New Jersey earnings creates a foundation for financial independence—exactly what many families need from a certificate program.