Anderson University vs Fortis College-Columbia: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Anderson University comes closer — median earnings $42,101 against a $94,176 total, vs $36,368 at Fortis College-Columbia. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Anderson University | Fortis College-Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,544 | $20,404 |
| Total net cost | $94,176 | $81,616 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,101 | $36,368 |
| Median debt | $26,700 | $12,547 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$219,356 | -$321,456 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Anderson University or Fortis College-Columbia?
Fortis College-Columbia, at $20,404 a year after aid versus $23,544 — a gap of $3,140 a year, or $12,560 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Anderson University or Fortis College-Columbia graduates earn more?
Anderson University graduates report a median $42,101 ten years after entry, $5,733 more than the $36,368 at Fortis College-Columbia. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Anderson University or Fortis College-Columbia?
Fortis College-Columbia: its completers carry a median $12,547 in federal loans versus $26,700 at Anderson University, a difference of $14,153. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
66% of students finish at Anderson University, against 43% at Fortis College-Columbia. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.