Skip to main content
$6,634Tuition
2,417Students
41%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,787Earnings
#25 in WashingtonPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Clover Park Technical College

Clover Park Technical College builds careers through hands-on training in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. The school serves 2,417 students in Lakewood, a small city setting that keeps classes focused and personal. Founded in 1942, this public technical college has spent decades perfecting programs that connect directly to regional job markets. Students learn by doing rather than sitting through lectures.

The financial picture looks solid for technical education. Students pay an average net price of $3,912 after aid, keeping costs low regardless of residency status since in-state and out-of-state tuition both hit $6,634. Graduates earn a median of $41,787 ten years after completing their programs. Most students graduate with manageable debt of $12,112, leading to monthly loan payments of just $128. The employment rate reaches 91.6%, meaning nearly all graduates find work in their fields.

Women make up 62.76% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in healthcare programs. The student-faculty ratio of 22:1 means instructors can provide individual attention during lab work and technical training. Only 5.06% of students take federal loans, suggesting many can afford the low tuition without borrowing heavily.

Academics & Faculty

Clover Park Technical College focuses entirely on hands-on career training rather than traditional academic degrees. The school built its reputation around healthcare programs, manufacturing technology, and skilled trades that prepare students for immediate employment. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with instructors who bring real industry experience into the classroom. The 42.91% four-year graduation rate reflects the intensive, practical nature of these technical programs. Students spend most of their time in labs and workshops rather than lecture halls. Popular programs include nursing, dental hygiene, automotive technology, and welding. The college operates on a quarter system, allowing students to complete certifications and associate degrees quickly and enter the workforce with marketable skills.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
98.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
42.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
40.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,787

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $73,949
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $47,260
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $46,478
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $43,000
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Associate $39,369
Engineering Technology, General. Certificate $36,938
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $35,060
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $35,060
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $34,847
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Certificate $32,925

View all 63 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Clover Park Technical College experience a commuter-focused environment just 45 minutes south of Seattle in Lakewood. The campus draws entirely in-state students, with 63% women reflecting the strong healthcare and human services programs that dominate enrollment. You'll need a rain jacket more than sunscreen, as western Washington delivers about 150 rainy days per year with mild temperatures rarely reaching extremes.

The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means hands-on lab work in smaller groups, whether you're training in dental hygiene, automotive technology, or nursing. Most students work while attending classes, fitting their quarter-system schedule around jobs and family obligations. With no dormitories, campus life centers on program-specific study groups and professional clubs rather than traditional college social scenes. Weekends often involve clinical rotations for healthcare students or internships at local manufacturing companies like Boeing suppliers. The diverse student body includes 14% Black and 16% Hispanic students, creating a more multicultural environment than many Washington communities. Students typically grab coffee between classes rather than lingering for campus events.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Quarter
Founded
1942

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 6 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 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

Clover Park attracts working-class students from across Washington state seeking practical career training. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. The student population is more diverse than typical Washington communities, with significant Black and Hispanic enrollment. Most students come from families earning modest incomes, drawn by affordable tuition that stays under $7,000 regardless of residency. These are serious-minded adults who want job-ready skills without the debt load of a traditional four-year degree.
Men
37.2%
Women
62.8%
White
38.7%
Black
13.7%
Hispanic
15.6%
Asian
6.3%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.0%

Location

Clover Park Technical College sits in Lakewood, Washington, just 10 miles south of Tacoma and 45 miles from Seattle. The campus serves the South Puget Sound region, where military installations like Joint Base Lewis-McChord create strong demand for technical skills. Lakewood operates as a small city of about 63,000 residents in Pierce County. The area blends suburban neighborhoods with industrial zones, reflecting the college's focus on workforce training. Students benefit from proximity to major employers in aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing throughout the Puget Sound corridor. The Pacific Northwest setting offers access to both urban opportunities and outdoor recreation. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Clover Park Technical College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Lakewood, Washington 98499-4004
Clover Park Technical College Health Sciences Building
Clover Park Technical College Health Sciences Building

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,787
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,782
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,800
Loan Repayment Rate
33.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$128/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,112

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Clover Park Technical College?

Clover Park Technical College has an open admission policy for most programs, meaning qualified applicants are typically accepted. The college serves 2,417 students and focuses on preparing students for immediate entry into high-demand technical careers. Students must meet basic requirements like a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in most certificate and degree programs.

How much does Clover Park Technical College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Clover Park Technical College is $3,912 per year, making it highly affordable for technical education. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $3,264 annually. The college's low costs reflect its mission to provide accessible career training without the burden of excessive student debt.

What academic programs is Clover Park Technical College known for?

Clover Park Technical College specializes in hands-on technical training programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. The college maintains a 22:1 student-faculty ratio to ensure personalized instruction in laboratory and workshop settings. Programs are designed to meet local workforce demands in the Puget Sound region.

What are the employment outcomes for Clover Park Technical College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91.6% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market demand for the college's technical training. The median earnings are $41,787 ten years after graduation, reflecting solid career prospects in skilled trades and technical fields. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $12,112, leading to monthly loan payments of just $128.

Where is Clover Park Technical College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Lakewood, Washington, a small city near Tacoma in the Puget Sound region. All students are in-state residents, creating a close-knit community focused on local workforce development. The campus emphasizes practical learning environments with workshops, labs, and simulation facilities that mirror real workplace conditions.

Does Clover Park Technical College have a diverse student body?

The student body is 62.76% women and reflects significant diversity, with 38.68% White, 15.60% Hispanic, 13.65% Black, and 6.25% Asian students. This diversity stems from the college's role in providing accessible career training to underserved communities. The college has served the region since 1942, building strong connections with local employers and community organizations.