Nursing at Fortis College-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a compact campus enrolling 513 students in Columbia, SC.

Program Analysis

Fortis College-Columbia's Nursing program produces graduates earning $69,200/yr — within striking distance of the $69,474 national average for this trade.

With a 26.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $29,028 in median debt clears fast against $69,200 in annual earnings.

A #851 ranking among 947 Nursing programs places Fortis College-Columbia in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $69,200 to $75,709 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
71
Score
72
High End
Earnings $69,200/yr (-0% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$767K
2.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
26.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$29,152
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,028
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,709
9% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

What can you do with a Nursing credential from Fortis College-Columbia? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis College-Columbia

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fortis College-Columbia's Nursing program score?
This program scores 71/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Fortis College-Columbia?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Fortis College-Columbia graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Nursing program at Fortis College-Columbia?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Nursing occupations, such as Home Health Director and Long Term Care Nurse Management. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Nursing graduates from Fortis College-Columbia find jobs?
The very large job market (292,500 annual openings) works in favor of Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →