Trade School Review: Fortis Colleges & Institutes

Fortis Colleges and Institutes are frequently considered by students seeking fast, career-focused education in healthcare, skilled trades, and technical fields. As tuition at traditional colleges continues to rise and employers report shortages in middle-skill occupations, Fortis has positioned itself as a workforce-oriented alternative designed to move students into employment more quickly.

This guide takes a clear-eyed, data-driven look at Fortis Colleges and Fortis Institutes: where they operate, what programs they offer, how students perform, what programs cost, and who is most likely to benefit. The goal is not hype, but practical clarity, so prospective students can determine whether Fortis aligns with their career goals and financial situation.

What Are Fortis Colleges and Fortis Institutes?

Fortis Colleges and Fortis Institutes are private, for-profit career education institutions owned by Education Affiliates, a large operator of workforce-focused schools in the United States. Education Affiliates also operates All-State Career School, the Denver College of Nursing, St. Paul’s School of Nursing, DriveCo CDL Learning Center, and other specialized institutions.

The Fortis brand is divided into two primary segments: Fortis College and Fortis Institute. While the two share ownership and a similar mission, Fortis Colleges typically offer associate degree programs in addition to diplomas, while Fortis Institutes focus primarily on diploma and certificate programs.

Fortis Campus Footprint and Locations

Across both Fortis Colleges and Fortis Institutes, the organization operates dozens of campuses across the United States. Fortis College alone operates approximately 19 campuses across 11 states, while Fortis Institute operates more than 10 campuses in several additional states.

Fortis College campuses are located in states such as Ohio, Florida, Texas, Utah, Virginia, South Carolina, and Indiana. Fortis Institute campuses expand coverage into additional regional labor markets. All Fortis locations are commuter-based, with no on-campus housing, and are designed to serve local workforce needs.

Programs Offered at Fortis Colleges and Institutes

Fortis offers programs aligned with healthcare support roles, skilled trades, and technical occupations.

Healthcare and Allied Health Programs
Healthcare remains one of Fortis’s largest program areas. Offerings include Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Practical Nursing (at select locations), Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomy, Medical Office Administration, and Pharmacy Technician. Many healthcare programs include externships and prepare students for industry certifications or licensure.

Skilled Trades and Technical Programs
Fortis Institutes in particular emphasize trades education. Programs include HVAC, Electrical Systems, Welding Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Automotive Technology, and Electronics Technology. These programs emphasize lab-based instruction, safety training, and hands-on skill development.

Business and Information Technology Programs
Some Fortis locations offer Business Administration, Accounting, Computer Support Specialist, Network Systems, and IT-related programs. These are often available in hybrid or online formats and focus on office-based and entry-level technical roles.

Program Length and Instructional Structure

Most Fortis diploma and certificate programs are designed to be completed in approximately 9 to 15 months, depending on the field and attendance schedule. Associate degree programs, where offered, generally take closer to 18 to 24 months.

Programs follow structured curricula with clearly defined learning outcomes. Hands-on labs, simulations, and externships are common, particularly in healthcare and trades programs. Fortis emphasizes attendance and consistent progression, with strict policies governing satisfactory academic progress.

Accreditation and Institutional Legitimacy

Fortis Colleges and Institutes are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Colleges and Schools (ACCSC), a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation allows eligible students to access federal Title IV financial aid.

Certain programs also hold programmatic accreditation. For example, the Diploma in Medical Assisting is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) through at least 2027.

Because ACCSC accreditation is national rather than regional, credits earned at Fortis may not readily transfer to regionally accredited colleges or universities. Prospective students considering future academic transfer should account for this limitation.

Student Enrollment and Demographics

IPEDS enrollment data shows that Fortis primarily serves full-time, certificate- and associate-degree-seeking students. Across Fortis College campuses, total enrollment exceeded 11,000 students in fall 2023.

The student population is diverse and largely nontraditional. Many students are over age 24, first-generation college students, or balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Female students make up a substantial majority at many Fortis locations, particularly in healthcare programs.

Retention, Graduation, and Completion Outcomes

Student outcomes at Fortis vary by campus and program, which is typical for career-focused institutions. IPEDS Data Feedback Reports from individual campuses show full-time retention rates around the mid-40 to mid-50 percent range for first-time students.

Graduation rates within 150 percent of normal program length have been reported around the low-50 percent range for certain cohorts, with transfer-out rates near zero, reflecting Fortis’s workforce-oriented mission rather than preparation for academic transfer.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees at Fortis Colleges and Institutes vary by program and location. IPEDS data from select campuses shows annual tuition and required fees generally ranging from approximately $14,000 to $16,000 for full-time students.

Average net price for students receiving grant aid has been reported in the low-to-mid $20,000 range. Financial aid is widely used: a large majority of full-time, first-time students receive Pell Grants, and roughly three-quarters or more utilize federal student loans. Average federal loan amounts for first-time students have been reported in the $8,000 to $9,000 range, with some students also using private loans.

Career Services and Employer Alignment

Fortis provides career services support to students and graduates, including resume assistance, interview preparation, and employer referrals. Healthcare graduates often find employment in clinics, physician offices, long-term care facilities, and hospitals, while trades graduates pursue roles with contractors, service companies, and industrial employers. While employment is not guaranteed, Fortis programs are designed to align with local labor market demand and employer expectations.

Financial Stability and Institutional Oversight

Financial responsibility data reported to the U.S. Department of Education shows variability across Fortis campuses, with some locations reporting composite scores below the fully passing threshold in recent years. This underscores the importance of ongoing federal oversight and institutional monitoring. Despite these fluctuations, Fortis continues to participate in federal financial aid programs and maintain institutional accreditation.

Who Should Consider Fortis Colleges and Institutes?

Fortis may be a strong fit for students who:

• Want accelerated, career-focused education
  • Are pursuing healthcare or skilled trades roles
  • Prefer structured programs with hands-on training
  • Are less concerned with academic credit transfer
  • Plan to enter the workforce quickly

Fortis may be less ideal for students seeking traditional campus life, broad liberal arts education, or seamless transfer to four-year universities.

Final Takeaway: Are Fortis Colleges and Institutes Worth It?

Fortis Colleges and Institutes occupy a defined niche within career education. They are not designed to replace traditional colleges, but to provide targeted training for in-demand occupations. For motivated students who complete their programs, manage borrowing carefully, and enter aligned fields, Fortis can offer a viable pathway into the workforce. As with any for-profit career school, prospective students should compare programs, costs, outcomes, and alternatives—including community colleges and other trade schools—before enrolling.