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Fortis College-Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina · Private for-profit career college
Address: 246 Stoneridge Dr Ste 101, Columbia, SC 29210 · Phone: (803) 678-4800 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
Fortis College-Columbia is a private for-profit trade school in Columbia, SC offering medical assistant, dental assistant, and HVAC programs, accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, 43.4% of students complete their program here versus a 52.0% state average, with median graduate debt of $12,547 and median earnings of $36,368 ten years after entry.
Annual cost of attendance is not reported for this campus in federal data; federal financial aid can be used here, and about 77.2% of students receive Pell Grants.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical assistants | $34,730 | $41,160 | $46,950 |
| Dental assistants | $37,070 | $47,320 | $50,780 |
| HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers | $39,170 | $56,610 | $62,990 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in South Carolina (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 44 | $24,867 | $25,079 | $9,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | Certificate, 1–2 years | 41 | $24,949 | $24,109 | $13,000 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Certificate, 1–2 years | 40 | $33,511 | $30,047 | $13,000 |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
Fortis College-Columbia is a private for-profit trade school located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and students can use federal financial aid (Title IV) to help pay for their programs. The campus is best known for its medical assistant programs, dental assistant schools, and HVAC schools, which together make up its top three program families among the three total families offered.
According to federal data, 43.4% of students complete their program here, compared to a South Carolina state average of 52.0% — putting this campus below the state average. Graduates carry a median debt of $12,547, and median earnings 10 years after entry are $36,368. About 77.2% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a largely low-income student population. Annual cost of attendance is not reported for this campus in federal data.
This campus may suit students seeking shorter, hands-on training in fields like medical assisting, dental assisting, or HVAC rather than a traditional multi-year degree, though specific program lengths are not reported here. Career changers should independently verify program length, licensing requirements, and total cost directly with the school before enrolling. To confirm accreditation status and review the latest federal outcome data, prospective students can check the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard or contact the school directly using the information below.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
Fortis College-Columbia offers three program families: medical assistant programs, dental assistant schools, and HVAC schools. These are listed as its top programs based on completions.
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes, the school is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and its accreditation status is listed as accredited.
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, this school participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs. About 77.2% of its students receive Pell Grants.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
The completion rate is 43.4%, which is below the South Carolina state average of 52.0%.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Graduates carry a median debt of $12,547, according to federal data.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings 10 years after entry are $36,368, per federal data.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
Annual cost of attendance is not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school at (803) 678-4800 or visit fortis.edu for current tuition.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
Fortis College-Columbia is a private for-profit institution. This can affect tuition costs, financial aid options, and institutional priorities compared to public or non-profit schools.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Program length is not reported in the available federal data; contact the school directly to confirm program duration.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can review the school's federal outcome data on the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard at the provided link, or verify accreditation status directly with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The campus offers programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, and HVAC, fields often pursued by career changers, but specific fit depends on program length and schedule, which are not reported here; contact the school to discuss options.
What license or certification will I need after finishing a program here?
Licensing and certification requirements are not reported in this data; contact the school directly to learn what credentials apply to each program.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can reach Fortis College-Columbia at (803) 678-4800 or visit https://www.fortis.edu/ for application information.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data on nearby schools is not included here; check the College Scorecard at the provided link to compare completion rates, costs, and outcomes across schools.
Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.