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$7,714Tuition
132Students
74%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$21,632Earnings
Private nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Commonwealth Technical Institute

Commonwealth Technical Institute transforms lives through specialized career training designed specifically for adults with disabilities. This vocational rehabilitation institute serves 132 students in suburban Johnstown, focusing on practical skills that lead directly to employment. The school maintains an intimate 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention for each learner.

Students pay an average net price of $12,882 after financial aid, with 47% receiving Pell Grants. The investment requires careful consideration since graduates earn a median of $21,632 ten years after completion. Recent graduates start at $15,051 in their first year, climbing to $20,984 by year five. The school serves primarily Pennsylvania residents, with 97% of students coming from in-state.

Men make up 76% of the student body, reflecting the technical nature of many programs offered. The employment rate of 78% demonstrates the school's success in preparing graduates for the workforce. Most students commute to campus, though housing is available for 350 residents. The semester system allows for focused, intensive training periods that accommodate the unique learning needs of students with disabilities.

Academics & Faculty

Commonwealth Technical Institute specializes in vocational rehabilitation and career training for adults with disabilities. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive, personalized instruction tailored to each student's needs and abilities. Programs focus on practical job skills that lead directly to employment opportunities. With 132 students, classes remain small and supportive. The 74.40% graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to helping students complete their training despite potential challenges. Most graduates earn around $21,632 within ten years of completing their programs. The institute partners with employers to design curriculum that matches current job market demands. Students receive hands-on training in fields like office administration, culinary arts, and maintenance services.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
6:1
Graduation Rate (6-year)
74.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$21,632

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. Certificate $17,060
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $13,702

View all 19 programs →

Campus Life

This specialized institute serves adults with disabilities in a small college town setting about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh. With just 132 students and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll receive highly personalized attention in your vocational training program. The campus houses up to 350 students, creating a close-knit residential community where most students live on-site during their rehabilitation and career preparation.

Johnstown sits in the Allegheny Mountains, where winters require heavy coats and snow boots from December through March. The small-town environment focuses student life around campus activities and skill-building rather than traditional college nightlife. Men make up 76% of the student body, reflecting the institute's emphasis on trades and technical careers. With a 78% employment rate after graduation, students spend weekends practicing skills learned during the week. The supportive atmosphere helps students transition from rehabilitation to independent living. Nearly all students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight community of people working toward similar goals of career independence and personal growth.
Setting
Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity
350 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–33°F
July Avg
61°–78°F
Annual Precipitation
41.3"
Annual Snowfall
64.6"

Student Demographics

Commonwealth Technical Institute draws students from across Pennsylvania who need vocational rehabilitation services. Nearly all students come from in-state, reflecting the school's role as Pennsylvania's primary disability services training center. Three-quarters of students are men, typical for technical and trades programs that dominate the curriculum. Almost half receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families. The small enrollment of 132 students creates an intimate learning environment. Students typically enter after injury, illness, or disability has interrupted their career path, seeking new skills for sustainable employment.
Men
75.8%
Women
24.2%
White
63.6%
Black
12.9%
Hispanic
1.5%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
97.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
46.8%

Location

Commonwealth Technical Institute sits in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, about 65 miles east of Pittsburgh. This small city in the Allegheny Mountains has a population of around 18,000 and carries deep industrial heritage from its steel-making past. The mountainous terrain and four distinct seasons define the region's character. Johnstown's compact size means the 132-student campus represents a meaningful presence in the community. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby state parks and forests. Students live in a setting that's neither urban nor completely rural, with access to basic amenities while maintaining a close-knit feel. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Commonwealth Technical Institute with similar schools in the region.
Address
Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15905

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$21,632
Median Earnings (5 years)
$20,984
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$16,700

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance process like at Commonwealth Technical Institute?

Commonwealth Technical Institute serves adults with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation programs rather than traditional admissions. The school enrolls just 132 students and maintains a highly personalized 6:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly all students (97.44%) come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the institute's focus on serving local residents.

How much does Commonwealth Technical Institute cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,882 annually, with tuition set at $7,714 for all students regardless of residency. About 47% of students receive financial aid, and the net price varies by income level from $12,117 for the lowest-income families to $18,170 for middle-income households.

What are the academic programs like at Commonwealth Technical Institute?

The institute specializes in vocational rehabilitation and career training designed specifically for adults with disabilities. Classes follow a semester system with extremely small class sizes given the 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The hands-on training programs prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.

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

Graduates achieve a 78.4% employment rate, demonstrating strong career placement in their chosen fields. However, median earnings start at $15,051 in the first year and reach $21,632 ten years after graduation. The 74.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the specialized nature of the programs and student population.

Where do students live at Commonwealth Technical Institute?

The campus offers housing for up to 350 students, with room and board costing $9,028 annually. The residential component supports the institute's mission by providing a supportive living environment for students with disabilities. The small suburban setting in Johnstown provides a focused learning environment.

Is Commonwealth Technical Institute primarily for men or women?

Men make up about 76% of the student body while women represent 24%, reflecting enrollment patterns common in vocational and technical programs. The student population is 63.6% White and 12.9% Black, with other ethnicities making up smaller percentages. This demographic mix reflects both the local Pennsylvania population and the specialized mission of serving adults with disabilities.