About Bates Technical College
Students pay an average net price of $4,176 after aid, making this one of the most affordable paths to a technical career. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $3,340 annually. Graduates earn a median of $54,066 five years after completing their programs. Only 1.94% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's low cost and strong job placement record. The investment pays off quickly for most graduates.
The student body reflects the blue-collar communities Bates serves, with 62.93% men and strong representation across racial groups. All students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community focused on local industry needs. The 29.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year programs or enter the workforce before completing their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,051
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $48,432 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Tacoma sits 30 miles south of Seattle, giving students access to urban opportunities without the higher costs. Expect to need rain gear from October through May as the Pacific Northwest delivers its signature drizzle. Students often grab coffee between classes at local spots or head to Point Defiance Park on sunny days. The quarter system keeps pace quick with intensive, career-focused coursework. Many students work part-time jobs in their field while studying, creating a practical, goal-oriented atmosphere. Weekend life typically revolves around family and work rather than campus activities, as this is a commuter school serving working adults and recent high school graduates serious about launching technical careers.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Founded
- 1940
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–48°F
- July Avg
- 57°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 5.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 62.9%
- Women
- 37.1%
- White
- 37.3%
- Black
- 11.4%
- Hispanic
- 17.3%
- Asian
- 5.1%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 8.9%
Location
- Address
- Tacoma, Washington 98405
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,051
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,066
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Bates Technical College?
Bates Technical College maintains open admission for most programs, serving all 1,613 students from Washington state. The school focuses on preparing students for immediate entry into technical careers rather than traditional academic prerequisites. Students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in certificate and associate degree programs.
How much does Bates Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,176 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,340 on average, while higher-income families above $110,000 pay $13,718. Only 8.9% of students receive federal aid, reflecting the school's focus on affordable career training.
What programs is Bates Technical College known for?
The college specializes in technical and career training programs across trades and healthcare fields. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on training in areas like automotive technology, welding, nursing, and medical assisting. The quarter system allows for intensive, focused study in specialized technical skills.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Bates Technical College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $50,051 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating strong earning potential in technical fields. However, the 29.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their programs. The college's focus on immediate job skills helps graduates enter the workforce quickly in high-demand technical careers.
Where is Bates Technical College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Tacoma, a mid-size city that provides access to both urban amenities and Pacific Northwest outdoor activities. With 62.9% male enrollment, the student body reflects typical gender patterns in technical trades programs. The diverse student population includes 37.3% white, 17.3% Hispanic, and 11.4% Black students.
Does Bates Technical College offer financial support beyond federal aid?
Only 6.7% of students receive institutional grants, averaging $8,043 for those who qualify. The extremely low federal loan rate of 1.94% indicates most students either pay out of pocket or complete short-term certificate programs. This approach helps students avoid debt while gaining marketable skills quickly.
