About Commonwealth Technical Institute
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
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
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Certificate | $17,060 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $13,702 |
Campus Life
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
- 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
- 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.
Similar Schools
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Gratz College
Melrose Park, Pennsylvania
Valley Forge Military College
Wayne, Pennsylvania
Curtis Institute of Music
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Remington College-North Houston Campus
Houston, Texas