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370Students
56%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$30,227Earnings
#12 in District of ColumbiaPrivate forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Career Technical Institute

Career Technical Institute prepares students for immediate entry into Washington DC's job market through hands-on vocational programs. The school enrolls 370 students in career-focused programs designed to meet local industry demands. Women make up 73.5% of the student body, reflecting the institute's strength in healthcare support, business administration, and other fields that attract female students. Nearly 89% of students are Black, making this one of the most racially concentrated institutions in the district.

Students pay an average of $19,920 after financial aid, with 81% receiving Pell Grants that help cover costs. Graduates earn a median of $30,227 ten years after starting school, though early career earnings start lower at $22,222 in the first year. Most students borrow money to attend, with typical debt loads of $7,917 and monthly payments of $84. The employment rate reaches 89.2%, showing strong job placement despite modest salary outcomes.

The student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1 means larger classes and less individual attention than traditional colleges offer. Only 18% of borrowers are successfully paying down their loans, suggesting many graduates struggle with repayment. About 56% of students complete their programs within six years, which is typical for career colleges serving working adults and first-generation college students.

Academics & Faculty

Career Technical Institute focuses on hands-on vocational training that prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical colleges, reflecting the practical, skills-based approach common in technical education. With a 55.8% six-year graduation rate, about half of students complete their programs within the typical timeframe. The school serves primarily working-age adults and career changers, with 89.2% of graduates finding employment after completion. Programs emphasize trades and technical skills that lead directly to jobs rather than academic theory. Students learn practical competencies designed to meet immediate workforce demands in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Full-Time Faculty
57.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
55.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$30,227

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Certificate $19,995
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Certificate $19,455
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $17,067
Hospitality Administration/Management. Certificate $16,246

View all 15 programs →

Campus Life

Career Technical Institute sits in the heart of Washington, DC, where 370 students navigate urban college life. With 73.51% women and 88.92% Black students, the campus reflects the diversity of the nation's capital. Students bundle up in winter coats from December through February as DC temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller, hands-on classes focused on technical skills. Most students commute from across the metro area since the school doesn't offer dormitories. Weekend life revolves around DC's free museums, food trucks, and Metro rides to explore neighborhoods like Adams Morgan or Capitol Hill. The Smithsonian museums provide endless entertainment just minutes away.

Students here are serious about launching careers quickly. With 89.2% finding employment after graduation, many balance part-time jobs while studying. The urban setting means grabbing lunch from corner delis between classes and dealing with city parking challenges. Snow days occasionally disrupt the academic calendar, but the Metro keeps most students connected to campus year-round.
Setting
City-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–44°F
July Avg
70°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
45.6"
Annual Snowfall
9.7"

Student Demographics

Career Technical Institute draws primarily Black women from the DC area seeking practical job training. Nearly three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body is 89% Black, making it a historically important institution for the local African American community. Most students come from lower-income families, with over 80% receiving Pell Grants. About half the students are from in-state, suggesting strong ties to the Washington metro area job market.
Men
26.5%
Women
73.5%
White
3.0%
Black
88.9%
Hispanic
7.8%
Asian
0.3%
In-State Students
44.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
81.4%

Location

Career Technical Institute sits in the heart of Washington, DC, putting students directly in the nation's capital. The school serves a student body that's 44% in-state, drawing heavily from the DC metro area's diverse population. Students learn trades and technical skills while surrounded by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and a thriving service economy. The urban campus provides access to internships and job opportunities across federal agencies and private contractors. Washington's extensive public transit system connects students to the entire metropolitan region. The city's mix of historic neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and political activity creates a active backdrop for career-focused education. Students considering colleges in Washington, DC may also compare Career Technical Institute with similar schools in the region.
Address
Washington, District of Columbia 20005

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$30,227
Median Earnings (5 years)
$23,746
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$22,000
Loan Repayment Rate
18.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$84/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,917

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Career Technical Institute?

Career Technical Institute maintains an open enrollment policy for most programs, with 370 students currently enrolled. The school focuses on career readiness rather than traditional academic credentials. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some health-related tracks having additional prerequisites.

How much does Career Technical Institute cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,920 annually, with minimal variation across income levels. About 81% of students receive financial aid, and the median debt at graduation is just $7,917. Monthly loan payments average a manageable $84 for graduates.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Career Technical Institute?

Classes average 25 students per instructor, reflecting the school's focus on practical, hands-on training. The institute specializes in career and technical education programs designed for immediate workforce entry. Students receive direct preparation for specific trades and technical fields.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Career Technical Institute?

Graduates achieve an 89% employment rate, though median earnings start at $22,222 in the first year after completion. Ten years out, median earnings reach $30,227, reflecting the steady career growth typical in technical fields. The 56% six-year completion rate aligns with national averages for similar career-focused institutions.

Where is Career Technical Institute located and what is the campus like?

The school operates in Washington, DC, giving students access to federal agencies and contractors that hire technical workers. About 44% of students come from in-state, while others are drawn to the capital's job market. The urban setting provides internship and employment opportunities in government and private sectors.

What is the student body composition at Career Technical Institute?

Women make up 74% of the student body, reflecting strong female participation in many technical programs. The student population is 89% Black and 8% Hispanic, serving primarily underrepresented communities in technical education. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, with 81% receiving this need-based federal aid.