Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Fortis College-Columbia

Columbia, SC

Total Enrollment

974

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

4

4 career programs

Full-Time Students

2,052

974 part-time

Total FTE

723

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Medium-Small
Focused training center
974
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 4
Specialized focus
~244 students per program
Training Capacity
Medium
Balanced capacity for quality training
Market Position
Niche Provider
Specialized training provider
Resource Level
Focused
Specialized equipment and dedicated space

What This Means

Fortis College-Columbia operates as a medium-small trade college with 974 students across 4 career programs. This size typically offers good facilities, focused training, and strong job placement support.

With 974 students, Fortis College-Columbia offers a close-knit learning environment with direct access to instructors and industry professionals. The school offers 4 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,052 (67.8%)
67.8%
Part-Time Students 974 (32.2%)
32.2%
Total Students 3,026

Balanced mix of full-time (67.8%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (210.7%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
78.4%
764 students
Men
21.6%
210 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
81.8%
797 students
Black/African American
81.8% (797)
White
11.6% (113)
Hispanic/Latino
4.4% (43)
Two or More Races
1.7% (17)
Asian
0.2% (2)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (2)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (78%) across 974 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Black/African American students make up 82% of the student body (797 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 78% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

3,026 students

22% Men, 78% Women
2,052 Full-time
Diversity Index: 31% • Minority Students: 87%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

513
All full-time students
116 men, 397 women
Diversity: 31%

FT Undergraduate

513
Full-time undergraduate
116 men, 397 women
Diversity: 31%

FT Degree-Seeking

513
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
116 men, 397 women
Diversity: 31%

FT First-Time

52
Full-time first-time students
22 men, 30 women
Diversity: 24%

FT Continuing

461
Full-time continuing students
94 men, 367 women
Diversity: 32%

Part-Time Students

All Students

513
All students total
116 men, 397 women
Diversity: 31%

Transfer

75
Transfer-in students
6 men, 69 women
Diversity: 37%

Continuing

386
Continuing students
88 men, 298 women
Diversity: 31%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

345
White
2,481
Black/African American
135
Hispanic/Latino
6
Asian
Diversity Index: 31% Minority Students: 87%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Fortis College-Columbia's Student Body

Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 974 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (210.7%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 723 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Diversity Focus: Serves a diverse student population with 82% Black/African American students, contributing to cultural diversity and inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

246 Stoneridge Dr Ste 101

Columbia, SC 29210

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials