About Orion Technical College
The financial picture tells a mixed story about value. Students pay an average net price of $20,489 annually, regardless of whether they're from Iowa or elsewhere. Graduates typically earn $37,008 ten years after starting college, while carrying a manageable median debt load of $9,500. Monthly loan payments average just $101, making the debt burden relatively light. However, only 39% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule, suggesting some graduates struggle financially despite the low debt levels.
The school's diversity reflects its urban setting, with 56% white students, 23% Black students, and 14% Hispanic students. Most students come from Iowa, making up 82% of enrollment. The college delivers on its employment promise, with 96% of graduates finding work after completion. The 81% six-year graduation rate shows most students who start here finish their programs successfully.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 84.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,008
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,674 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $28,816 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,808 |
Campus Life
Most students commute to campus since this is a career-focused technical college without traditional dormitories. The 52% male, 48% female split reflects the school's blend of technical and healthcare programs. With 82% of students coming from Iowa, weekends often involve trips home or exploring the Quad Cities area. Students frequently gather at local coffee shops downtown or catch minor league baseball games at Modern Woodmen Park. The 96% employment rate speaks to the school's focus on job placement over campus social life. Study groups are common given the hands-on nature of technical coursework, and the diverse student body includes 23% Black and 14% Hispanic students.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–31°F
- July Avg
- 64°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 52.1%
- Women
- 48.0%
- White
- 56.2%
- Black
- 23.3%
- Hispanic
- 13.7%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 81.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 57.3%
Location
- Address
- Davenport, Iowa 52807
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,008
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $37,000
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
How selective is admission at Orion Technical College?
With only 73 students enrolled, Orion Technical College maintains an intimate learning environment focused on technical education. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention in specialized career training programs. Most students come from Iowa, with 81.82% being in-state residents seeking practical skills training.
What does Orion Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,489 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $19,409, while higher-income families can expect to pay over $26,000. About 57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Orion Technical College?
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on instruction typical of technical colleges. Small classes are essential for programs that require direct supervision of equipment and practical training. This intimate setting helps explain the school's strong 84.48% four-year graduation rate.
How much do Orion Technical College graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $37,008 ten years after starting college, reflecting the practical nature of technical education. The 96.3% employment rate shows strong job placement in skilled trades and technical fields. However, monthly loan payments of $101 are manageable given the relatively low median debt of $9,500.
Where is Orion Technical College located?
The college operates in Davenport, Iowa, a mid-sized city along the Mississippi River. Davenport's industrial base provides internship and job opportunities for technical students. The urban setting offers more career prospects than rural areas while maintaining Iowa's affordable cost of living.
What makes Orion Technical College unique among Iowa schools?
The college serves a diverse student body for Iowa, with 23.29% Black students and 13.70% Hispanic students. This diversity reflects the school's mission to provide technical education access to underrepresented communities. The gender split is nearly even at 52% men and 48% women, unusual for many technical programs.
