Central Louisiana Technical Community College

$4,099Tuition

1,100Students

75%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,558Earnings

#6 in LouisianaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Central Louisiana Technical Community College

Central Louisiana Technical Community College trains students for the jobs that power central Louisiana's economy. The school focuses on technical and workforce training programs that connect directly to regional industries. With 1,100 students in Alexandria, this community college maintains strong ties to local employers who need skilled workers.

Students pay an average net price of $5,497 after financial aid, making this an affordable path to career training. Graduates earn a median of $29,558 ten years after graduation, while carrying just $7,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments average only $74, making the financial burden manageable for most graduates. Nearly 46% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families.

The employment rate hits 91.3%, demonstrating strong job placement success. Students work with faculty at a 23:1 ratio, which is higher than many colleges but typical for technical programs focused on hands-on training. The student body is 54% women and draws heavily from Louisiana, with 95% of students coming from in-state. This local focus helps the college stay connected to regional workforce needs and ensures graduates find jobs close to home.

Academics & Faculty

Central Louisiana Technical Community College specializes in workforce training programs designed to get students into jobs quickly in the region's key industries. The school offers technical certificates and associate degrees in fields like welding, industrial maintenance, healthcare, and automotive technology. With 1,100 students and a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, classes are practical and hands-on rather than lecture-heavy. The 75% graduation rate reflects the school's focus on completing programs efficiently. Students earn a median of $18,469 one year after graduation, jumping to $38,009 after five years as they gain experience in their trades. The 91% employment rate shows strong connections between programs and local employers who need skilled technicians.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 69.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 75.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,558

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Certificate	$42,682
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$34,170
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$29,685
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies.	Certificate	$16,848
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Certificate	$14,318

View all 25 programs →

Campus Life

The 1,100 students at Central Louisiana Technical Community College navigate a practical, job-focused campus in Alexandria, a city of about 45,000 people. Alexandria sits 130 miles northwest of Baton Rouge and 180 miles south of Shreveport, giving students access to Louisiana's industrial corridor. With 95% of students coming from in-state, the campus feels deeply connected to local industry needs.

Louisiana's humid subtropical climate means students need air conditioning more than winter coats. Summer temperatures regularly hit the 90s with heavy humidity, while winter lows rarely drop below freezing. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller, hands-on classes where instructors often bring real workplace experience. As a commuter campus with no dormitories, students typically live at home or in nearby apartments and work part-time jobs. The 91.3% employment rate reflects the school's direct pipeline to local manufacturing, healthcare, and technical jobs. Weekend social life centers around Alexandria's downtown district and nearby Kisatchie National Forest rather than traditional college activities.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–58°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 60.9"
Annual Snowfall: -777.4"

Student Demographics

Central Louisiana Technical Community College draws students from across the state who need practical job training fast. With 95% of students staying in-state, the college has built a strong reputation as central Louisiana's go-to place for technical skills. The student body reflects the region's demographics, with working-class students making up nearly half of enrollment through Pell Grants. The slight female majority breaks stereotypes about technical education. Most students come from families earning under $48,000 annually and see the college as their pathway to middle-class careers in local industries.

Men: 46.5%
Women: 53.6%
White: 53.6%
Black: 36.2%
Hispanic: 3.3%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 95.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.7%

Location

Central Louisiana Technical Community College sits in Alexandria, Louisiana, about 100 miles northwest of Baton Rouge and 180 miles from New Orleans. Alexandria serves as the economic center of central Louisiana with a population around 45,000. The city anchors a metro area known for timber, agriculture, and military presence through nearby England Air Force Base. This small city setting provides affordable living while maintaining access to regional employers. The school draws 95% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local workforce development center. The Rapides Parish location puts students in Louisiana's geographic center, surrounded by pine forests and rural communities that rely on technical skills training. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Central Louisiana Technical Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Alexandria, Louisiana 71301

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,558
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,009
Monthly Loan Payment: $74/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Central Louisiana Technical Community College?

Central Louisiana Technical Community College maintains open admission policies typical of technical colleges. With 1,100 students enrolled, the school focuses on preparing students for immediate workforce entry rather than selective admissions. The college serves primarily local students, with 95% coming from in-state.

How much does Central Louisiana Technical Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,497 after aid, making this one of Louisiana's most affordable education options. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition costs $4,099, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families. Students typically graduate with just $7,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $74.

What academic programs is Central Louisiana Technical Community College known for?

The college specializes in technical and workforce training programs designed for central Louisiana's industrial economy. With a student-faculty ratio of 23:1, programs focus on hands-on skills rather than traditional academics. The semester-based calendar allows students to complete certifications and associate degrees efficiently.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Central Louisiana Technical Community College?

Graduates achieve a strong 91.3% employment rate, reflecting the school's tight connections to local employers. The 75.2% six-year graduation rate leads to median earnings of $29,558 after ten years. These outcomes demonstrate the college's effectiveness at preparing students for immediate career entry in technical fields.

Where is Central Louisiana Technical Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Alexandria, a small Louisiana city that serves as a regional center. The student body of 1,100 is 53.6% female and reflects the area's demographics with 53.6% white and 36.2% Black students. The focused technical mission creates a practical, career-oriented atmosphere rather than traditional college social life.

How accessible is financial aid at Central Louisiana Technical Community College?

Nearly half of students (45.7%) receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many low-income families. Only 18% receive institutional grants averaging $6,645, but the low base tuition keeps education affordable. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $5,424, making technical education accessible to working-class communities.