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Purdue University Global vs Fortis College-Indianapolis: which has better ROI?

Public, West Lafayette IN · vs · Private for-profit, Indianapolis IN

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Purdue University Global comes closer — median earnings $36,596 against a $31,080 total, vs $34,726 at Fortis College-Indianapolis. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePurdue University GlobalFortis College-Indianapolis
Net price / yr$7,770$27,706
Total net cost$31,080$110,824
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,596$34,726
Median debt$26,078$13,000
Payback
20-year net return-$266,360-$383,504

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Purdue University Global or Fortis College-Indianapolis?

Purdue University Global, at $7,770 a year after aid versus $27,706 — a gap of $19,936 a year, or $79,744 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Purdue University Global or Fortis College-Indianapolis graduates earn more?

Purdue University Global graduates report a median $36,596 ten years after entry, $1,870 more than the $34,726 at Fortis College-Indianapolis. 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, Purdue University Global or Fortis College-Indianapolis?

Fortis College-Indianapolis: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $26,078 at Purdue University Global, a difference of $13,078. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

50% of students finish at Purdue University Global, against 44% at Fortis College-Indianapolis. 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.

Purdue University Global vs Fortis College-Indianapolis: frequently asked questions

Is Purdue University Global or Fortis College-Indianapolis a better value?
Purdue University Global comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Purdue University Global or Fortis College-Indianapolis?
Purdue University Global: $7,770/yr net price after aid versus $27,706/yr at Fortis College-Indianapolis — a difference of $19,936 a year, or about $79,744 over four years.
Do Purdue University Global or Fortis College-Indianapolis graduates earn more?
Purdue University Global graduates earn a median $36,596 ten years after entry, versus $34,726 at Fortis College-Indianapolis — a $1,870 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.