Great Lakes Institute of Technology: 303 Students

303Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$28,704Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Great Lakes Institute of Technology

Great Lakes Institute of Technology focuses on healthcare and technical training programs that prepare students for immediate employment. The school enrolls 303 students in a midsize suburban setting outside Erie. Women make up 91% of the student body, reflecting the institute's strong emphasis on nursing, medical assisting, and other health-related fields. The small class sizes create a tight-knit learning environment where students get hands-on training in labs and clinical settings.

Students pay an average of $18,299 after financial aid, with 68% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $28,704 ten years after completing their programs. The relatively low median debt of $11,250 means most students face manageable monthly loan payments of $119. However, only 44% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, suggesting some graduates struggle with the debt burden despite the modest amounts.

The school maintains strong industry connections that help achieve a 94.8% employment rate for graduates. Three-quarters of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a regional pipeline for local healthcare employers. The 57% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face in balancing school with other responsibilities, but those who complete programs typically find steady work in growing healthcare fields.

Academics & Faculty

Great Lakes Institute of Technology specializes in healthcare programs, particularly nursing and medical assisting. Women make up 90.76% of the student body, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally female-dominated healthcare fields. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship in hands-on clinical training. However, the 57.10% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. The school emphasizes practical skills over theory, preparing students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce. Small class sizes allow for intensive lab work and clinical rotations. Students receive direct instruction in medical procedures and patient care techniques that employers in Erie's healthcare system value.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 57.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $28,704

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$38,649
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$22,130
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Certificate	$21,234
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$21,052
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$19,749
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Certificate	$19,113
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$18,600

View all 11 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Great Lakes Institute of Technology experience a tight-knit campus where women make up 91% of the student body. The suburban Erie setting sits about 100 miles from both Pittsburgh and Buffalo, offering small-town charm with big-city access when needed. Winter coats are essential here, as Lake Erie dumps heavy snow from November through March, creating a true Great Lakes winter experience.

With just 303 total students, campus life feels intimate and focused. Most students commute from the surrounding area, as 76% come from Pennsylvania. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not ID number. Weekends often revolve around practical concerns rather than parties, as many students work part-time jobs or internships to offset costs. The school's career-focused programs create a no-nonsense atmosphere where students prioritize landing jobs over traditional college social activities. Study groups form naturally in the small program cohorts, and students often support each other through the intensive technical training that defines the GLIT experience.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–35°F
July Avg: 64°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.0"
Annual Snowfall: 104.3"

Student Demographics

Great Lakes Institute of Technology draws overwhelmingly female students, with women making up 91% of enrollment. This gender split reflects the school's focus on healthcare programs like medical assisting and nursing. Three-quarters of the 303 students come from Pennsylvania, suggesting strong ties to local healthcare employers in the Erie region. The school primarily serves working-class families, with 68% qualifying for Pell Grants. Students typically choose GLIT for practical career training rather than traditional college experiences, attracted by small class sizes with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

Men: 9.2%
Women: 90.8%
White: 76.2%
Black: 11.6%
Hispanic: 7.3%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 75.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 68.1%

Location

Great Lakes Institute of Technology sits in Erie, Pennsylvania, about 90 miles north of Pittsburgh along the shores of Lake Erie. The city of 94,000 offers a mid-sized setting with affordable living costs and access to waterfront recreation. Erie serves as a regional center for manufacturing and healthcare, providing internship opportunities for the school's career-focused programs. With 76% of students coming from Pennsylvania, most stay relatively close to home. The area experiences lake-effect snow in winter but enjoys mild summers perfect for outdoor activities. The proximity to both Cleveland and Buffalo expands job market options for graduates. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Great Lakes Institute of Technology with similar schools in the region.

Address: Erie, Pennsylvania 16509-2482

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $28,704
Median Earnings (5 years): $28,651
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $20,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 43.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $119/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Great Lakes Institute of Technology?

The school enrolls 303 students, with women making up 90.76% of the student body. This heavily female demographic reflects the institute's focus on healthcare and medical programs, which traditionally attract more women.

How much does Great Lakes Institute of Technology cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,299 per year after aid. With 68.13% of students receiving financial aid and the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, the school serves a predominantly lower-income population seeking career training.

What are the class sizes like at Great Lakes Institute of Technology?

The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for relatively small classes and personalized attention. This hands-on approach is typical of career-focused technical institutes that emphasize practical skills over large lecture formats.

How successful are graduates from Great Lakes Institute of Technology in finding work?

The employment rate reaches 94.8%, showing strong job placement in the local market. However, median earnings after 10 years are $28,704, reflecting the vocational nature of the programs and regional wage levels in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Where do most students at Great Lakes Institute of Technology come from?

About 75.73% of students are from Pennsylvania, making it primarily a regional school. The suburban Erie location draws students mainly from the Great Lakes region who want career training close to home.

Does Great Lakes Institute of Technology have good graduation rates?

The 6-year graduation rate is 57.10%, which is typical for a for-profit career college. Students often balance work and family obligations while pursuing technical certificates and associate degrees, which can extend completion times.