Douglas Education Center: $18,950 Tuition

$18,950Tuition

200Students

82%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,814Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Douglas Education Center

Douglas Education Center trains students for careers in creative and technical fields like special effects makeup, culinary arts, and audio engineering. This private career college serves 200 students in the small town of Monessen, Pennsylvania. The school focuses on hands-on training that prepares graduates for immediate entry into specialized industries.

Students pay an average net price of $26,922 after financial aid, with nearly 48% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $30,814 ten years after starting school. Most students graduate with $12,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $127. The 81.7% graduation rate shows most students complete their programs, though the 42% loan repayment rate suggests some struggle financially after graduation. The employment rate hits 94%, indicating strong job placement despite modest starting salaries.

Women make up 76.5% of the student body, reflecting the school's emphasis on fields like cosmetology and culinary arts that traditionally attract female students. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized instruction crucial in hands-on programs. About three-quarters of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a close-knit community atmosphere in this specialized training environment.

Academics & Faculty

Douglas Education Center specializes in hands-on career training that prepares students for creative and technical industries. The school is particularly known for its special effects makeup program, which attracts aspiring artists for film and television work. Students also pursue culinary arts and audio engineering programs designed for immediate workforce entry. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small, practical learning environments. The 81.7% six-year graduation rate reflects strong program completion despite the intensive nature of technical training. Most graduates find employment quickly, with a 94% employment rate demonstrating the school's focus on job-ready skills rather than traditional academic theory.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 46.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 81.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,814

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services.	Certificate	$35,594
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$21,508
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Associate	$19,508
Design and Applied Arts.	Associate	$19,227
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.	Associate	$19,227
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$15,633

View all 13 programs →

Campus Life

Douglas Education Center sits in Monessen, about 25 miles southeast of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania's Rust Belt region. The 200-student campus occupies a converted former high school building in this small river town. With 76.5% women, the student body skews heavily female, especially in programs like special effects makeup artistry. You'll definitely need a winter coat for Pennsylvania's snowy winters and chilly springs.

Most students commute from the surrounding area since the school doesn't offer dorms. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small, hands-on classes where instructors know your name. Students spend long hours in specialized labs practicing audio mixing, perfecting culinary techniques, or creating movie-quality prosthetics. The semester system allows deep dives into technical skills. Weekends often involve students collaborating on creative projects or traveling back to Pittsburgh for internship opportunities. The 94% employment rate reflects the school's industry connections. With 74.4% of students from Pennsylvania, you'll find a tight-knit community of locals serious about launching creative careers rather than traditional college social scenes.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–38°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.9"
Annual Snowfall: 21.4"

Student Demographics

The student body reflects Douglas Education Center's role as a regional career training center for creative industries. Three-quarters of students come from Pennsylvania, showing the school's strong local reputation in specialized fields like special effects makeup and audio engineering. Women make up more than three-quarters of enrollment, likely drawn to the school's beauty and culinary programs. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking hands-on career training. The small enrollment of 200 students creates an intimate learning environment focused on practical skills development.

Men: 23.5%
Women: 76.5%
White: 80.0%
Black: 5.5%
Hispanic: 8.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 74.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.0%

Location

Douglas Education Center sits in Monessen, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The town of roughly 7,700 residents occupies a spot along the Monongahela River in Pennsylvania's Mon Valley region. This former steel town has transformed from its industrial roots while maintaining small-town character. The campus serves students from across western Pennsylvania, with 74% coming from in-state. Monessen offers affordable living costs compared to Pittsburgh while providing access to the larger city's cultural and professional opportunities. The town-fringe setting gives students a quiet environment to focus on hands-on training programs. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Douglas Education Center with similar schools in the region.

Address: Monessen, Pennsylvania 15062

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,814
Median Earnings (5 years): $27,545
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Douglas Education Center?

Douglas Education Center accepts most qualified applicants who demonstrate readiness for their career-focused programs. The school enrolls around 200 students in specialized fields like special effects makeup, culinary arts, and audio engineering. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, classes remain small and hands-on.

How much does Douglas Education Center cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $26,922 annually at Douglas Education Center. Nearly 48% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. The median debt load of $12,000 is relatively manageable for a career college.

What programs is Douglas Education Center known for?

Douglas Education Center specializes in creative and technical career training programs. Students can pursue degrees in special effects makeup, culinary arts, and audio engineering among other hands-on fields. The school maintains an 81.7% six-year graduation rate, which is strong for a two-year career college.

What are job prospects like after Douglas Education Center?

Graduates achieve a 94% employment rate, demonstrating strong industry connections and practical training. The median earnings reach $30,814 ten years after graduation, though early career salaries start around $19,759. Monthly loan payments average just $127, making the debt burden manageable for most graduates.

Where is Douglas Education Center located and who attends?

The campus sits in Monessen, Pennsylvania, a small town setting that keeps costs lower than urban areas. About 74% of the 200 students come from Pennsylvania, with women making up 77% of enrollment. The student body is predominantly white at 80%, with growing Hispanic representation at 8%.

Does Douglas Education Center offer good financial aid?

Only 18% of students receive institutional grants, with an average award of $6,832 for those who qualify. However, 72% of students take federal loans to cover costs. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $23,175, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full tuition.