Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Fortis Institute
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
fortis.eduAnalysis
Fortis Institute's Allied Health program produces graduates who earn significantly less than peers at other Texas institutions, with first-year earnings of $23,420 falling well below the state median of $24,563. More concerning, graduates earn roughly $8,000-12,000 less annually than those from Houston Community College or Lone Star College System—institutions that likely offer similar programs at lower costs as public colleges.
The debt picture offers some relief, with $9,500 in student loans representing a manageable 41% of first-year earnings. Graduates do see steady income growth, reaching $27,561 by year four—an 18% increase that brings them closer to national benchmarks. Among Texas programs, Fortis ranks in the 40th percentile, meaning half of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes, while nationally it sits in just the 17th percentile.
For families considering this program, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere first. Public community colleges in the Houston area consistently produce graduates earning $8,000+ more annually, likely with lower tuition costs. While Fortis serves a predominantly low-income student population (75% receive Pell grants), parents should weigh whether the convenience or specific features of this program justify accepting significantly lower earning potential when stronger alternatives exist nearby.
Where Fortis Institute Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fortis Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis Institute | $23,420 | $27,561 | +18% |
| Houston Community College | $35,469 | $37,034 | +4% |
| Lone Star College System | $33,233 | $36,759 | +11% |
| Lamson Institute | $26,882 | $34,236 | +27% |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston | $31,915 | $33,511 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (89 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $23,420 | $27,561 | $9,500 | 0.41 | |
| $2,040 | $35,469 | $37,034 | $16,035 | 0.45 | |
| $3,090 | $33,233 | $36,759 | $9,105 | 0.27 | |
| — | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 | |
| — | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 | |
| — | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 | |
| National Median | — | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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, approximately 75% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 439 graduates with reported earnings and 534 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.