Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Fortis Institute
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Fortis Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Fortis Institute graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 17th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (89 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis Institute | $23,420 | $27,561 | $9,500 | 0.41 |
| Houston Community College | $35,469 | $37,034 | $16,035 | 0.45 |
| Lone Star College System | $33,233 | $36,759 | $9,105 | 0.27 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 |
| Pima Medical Institute-El Paso | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College Houston | $2,040 | $35,469 | $16,035 |
| Lone Star College System The Woodlands | $3,090 | $33,233 | $9,105 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston Houston | — | $31,915 | $9,457 |
| Pima Medical Institute-El Paso El Paso | — | $31,915 | $9,457 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio San Antonio | — | $31,915 | $9,457 |
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.