Fortis Institute-Scranton

Based on the provided data, the ROI Score is negative (-51), suggesting that the median earnings after graduation may not justify the cost of the degree and the debt incurred.

The graduation rate at Fortis Institute-Scranton is 46.4%.

The median debt at graduation is $9,500, while the median earnings 10 years after entry are $30,224, resulting in a negative return on investment.

The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students at Fortis Institute-Scranton is $15,348.

Fortis Institute-Scranton has a small student body size of 372 students.

Fortis Institute-Scranton does not publicly disclose a specific acceptance rate, which is common for many for-profit institutions. Admission is typically based on meeting program prerequisites, such as a high school diploma or GED, and potentially specific academic requirements for certain health or technical programs. The admissions process often involves interviews and assessments to ensure candidates are prepared for the rigors of the chosen program. While not highly selective in the traditional academic sense, prospective students should be prepared to demonstrate their commitment and aptitude for the vocational training offered. It's advisable to contact the admissions office directly for the most accurate information regarding entry requirements and the application timeline. The focus is generally on ensuring students can succeed in the program and subsequently in their chosen career field.

Based on available data, Fortis Institute-Scranton appears to be a questionable investment. The median 10-year earnings of $30,224 are quite low, especially when considering the tuition costs. If a program lasts two years, the total tuition could easily exceed $30,000, which is already at the upper end of the median 10-year earnings. With a median debt of $9,500, graduates face a significant burden relative to their earning potential. The ROI score of -51 strongly suggests that the financial return does not justify the cost. While the school offers career-focused training, the low earnings indicate that graduates may struggle to recoup their educational investment quickly. Students should thoroughly research program-specific outcomes and compare them against alternative institutions before enrolling.

Fortis Institute-Scranton specializes in career and technical education, with a strong emphasis on allied health and skilled trades. Popular and potentially strong programs often include Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Practical Nursing (LPN), and HVAC training. These fields typically have consistent demand in the Scranton area and surrounding regions, offering a clearer path to employment upon graduation. For instance, the healthcare sector in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including providers like Geisinger and Commonwealth Health, often seeks qualified support staff. Similarly, the need for skilled trades like HVAC technicians remains steady. Prospective students should investigate the specific job placement rates and average starting salaries for each program offered, as these can vary significantly. Focusing on programs with direct local employer partnerships and high demand is advisable.

As a primarily vocational and career-focused institution, Fortis Institute-Scranton's student life may differ from that of a traditional four-year university. The student body likely consists of individuals focused on acquiring specific skills for immediate career entry. Campus culture tends to be pragmatic and goal-oriented, with less emphasis on extensive extracurricular activities, clubs, or a traditional campus social scene. The student population is relatively small (372 students), fostering a more intimate learning environment. While there may be opportunities for student interaction and support services, the focus is predominantly on academic and practical training. Students seeking a vibrant campus life with diverse social events and organizations might find it limited here. The experience is geared more towards efficient skill acquisition and preparation for the workforce.

Fortis Institute-Scranton, like most for-profit institutions, relies heavily on federal financial aid programs. This includes federal Pell Grants, federal student loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), and federal work-study programs. Institutional aid may also be available, though specific details and amounts are not widely published. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for grants and loans. The school's financial aid office will then work with students to package aid based on their needs and the cost of attendance for their chosen program. Given the median debt of $9,500, it's clear that many students utilize loans. It's crucial for applicants to understand the total cost of their program, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, and to carefully consider the amount of debt they are willing to incur.

The median earnings for graduates 10 years after starting at Fortis Institute-Scranton are reported as $30,224. This figure represents a national median and may not reflect the specific earnings potential for every program or individual. Graduates from vocational programs like Medical Assistant or LPN might expect starting salaries in the range of $30,000-$40,000 annually in the Scranton area, depending on the employer and specific role. Skilled trades, such as HVAC technicians, could see similar or slightly higher starting wages. However, it's important to note that the median earnings are quite low, suggesting that career advancement and salary growth may be slower compared to graduates from four-year degree programs in higher-paying fields. Prospective students should research program-specific employment and salary data, if available, and consider the long-term earning trajectory.

Fortis Institute-Scranton does not appear to offer on-campus housing or dormitory facilities. As a primarily commuter-based institution focused on vocational training, students are expected to arrange their own living accommodations. This is common for many for-profit colleges that operate out of dedicated training centers or leased facilities rather than traditional campuses. Prospective students who are not local to Scranton will need to factor in the cost and logistics of securing off-campus housing, such as renting an apartment, when considering the overall expense of attending Fortis. This lack of on-campus housing also means that the traditional residential college experience, including campus-based social life and activities, is not a feature of Fortis Institute-Scranton.

Fortis Institute-Scranton is not designed as a research-intensive institution. Its focus is squarely on providing practical, career-oriented training and vocational skills that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. Research opportunities, faculty-led research projects, and advanced academic inquiry are not primary components of the educational model at Fortis. Instead, the emphasis is on hands-on learning, technical proficiency, and clinical or practical application of knowledge within specific trades and healthcare support fields. Students seeking a robust research environment or opportunities to engage in scholarly work should look towards traditional universities with dedicated research programs and facilities. Fortis prioritizes job readiness over academic research.

Fortis Institute-Scranton competes in the vocational and career training space, often alongside other for-profit institutions and community colleges offering similar certificate and associate degree programs. Compared to community colleges like Lackawanna College, Fortis may offer more specialized programs and potentially more aggressive career placement services, but often at a higher tuition cost. Other for-profit schools in allied health or trades (e.g., Lincoln Tech, UTI) are direct competitors, offering similar career-focused curricula. Fortis's key differentiator might be its specific program mix and local partnerships in Scranton. However, a significant disadvantage compared to many community colleges and some public institutions is the lower median graduate earnings and the for-profit model's associated costs and potential scrutiny. Its graduation rate (46.4%) is also a point of concern when compared to institutions with higher completion rates.

Employer perception of degrees from for-profit institutions like Fortis Institute-Scranton can be mixed. Employers in fields with high demand for specific vocational skills, such as healthcare support (e.g., Medical Assistants, LPNs) or skilled trades (e.g., HVAC technicians), are often more focused on the candidate's practical skills, certifications, and ability to perform the job duties. In these sectors, a graduate from Fortis who possesses the required competencies and certifications may be viewed favorably, especially if they have completed relevant internships. However, in fields requiring broader academic knowledge or in more competitive job markets, employers might place a higher value on degrees from traditional, non-profit universities. The relatively low median earnings reported for Fortis graduates could also indirectly influence employer perception, suggesting a potentially less rigorous academic foundation or a focus on roles with lower compensation ceilings.