Owensboro Community and Technical College: $4,656 Tuition

$4,656Tuition

2,579Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,798Earnings

#9 in KentuckyPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Owensboro Community and Technical College

Owensboro Community and Technical College trains students for careers in western Kentucky's workforce through hands-on technical programs. The college serves 2,579 students in a rural-fringe setting, focusing on practical skills that lead directly to employment. Students can choose from career and technical training programs designed to meet regional employer needs.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from low-income households pay just $3,980 after aid, while those from middle-class families ($30-48K income) pay even less at $3,005. Graduates typically leave with $7,933 in debt and earn a median salary of $35,798 ten years after graduation. The modest monthly loan payment of $84 makes this debt load reasonable given the earning potential. Nearly 96% of graduates find employment, suggesting strong job market connections.

The student body reflects the local community, with 97% coming from Kentucky and women comprising 59% of enrollment. Classes average 20 students per faculty member, allowing for more personalized attention. However, only 49% of students complete their programs within six years, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and low-income students.

Academics & Faculty

Owensboro Community and Technical College focuses on career and technical training programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The school serves western Kentucky with practical programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to instructors, though classes can feel crowded. The 49% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer to four-year schools before completing their associate degrees. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in programs like nursing, welding, and automotive technology. Students typically choose OCTC for its direct pathways to local employment rather than theoretical academic study.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 94.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,798

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$61,516
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,105
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$38,289
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$37,568
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$33,993
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$26,353
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$24,035
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,034

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

This western Kentucky campus draws students from across the region, with 97% coming from in-state. Owensboro sits along the Ohio River about 120 miles southwest of Louisville, giving students access to a mid-sized city while maintaining affordable living costs. The area experiences four distinct seasons, so students need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and shorts for summer highs in the upper 80s.

As a commuter-focused college with 2,579 students, campus life centers around class schedules and work-study opportunities rather than traditional college social scenes. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes in programs like nursing, welding, and business. Most students juggle coursework with jobs or family responsibilities. Women make up 59% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong health sciences and education programs. Weekends typically involve work, family time, or catching up on studies rather than campus events. The high 95.8% employment rate shows students here are focused on practical skills that lead directly to careers in the region's manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1986

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–45°F
July Avg: 68°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 92.4"
Annual Snowfall: 14.7"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at Owensboro Community and Technical College come from Kentucky, reflecting its role as a regional workforce development center. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, drawn to the college's strong health sciences and business programs. The student body is predominantly white in this rural western Kentucky community. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The high in-state enrollment demonstrates OCTC's reputation as a trusted local pathway to technical careers and university transfer programs.

Men: 40.6%
Women: 59.4%
White: 82.9%
Black: 5.3%
Hispanic: 5.4%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 97.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.7%

Location

Owensboro Community and Technical College sits in Owensboro, Kentucky, about 110 miles southwest of Louisville along the Ohio River. The city serves as a regional center for western Kentucky's rural communities. Owensboro is known for its barbecue heritage and bluegrass music scene, hosting the International Bluegrass Music Museum. With 97.23% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local farming and manufacturing communities. The rural-fringe setting offers small-town atmosphere while maintaining access to regional employers. The Ohio River provides recreational opportunities and connects the area to broader economic networks. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Owensboro Community and Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Owensboro, Kentucky 42303

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,798
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,186
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $84/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,933

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Owensboro Community and Technical College?

The college maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 2,579 students enrolled, OCTC serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in western Kentucky. The student body is 97.23% in-state residents, reflecting its strong community ties.

How much does Owensboro Community and Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,627 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,980 net price, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $3,005. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, making this one of Kentucky's most affordable higher education options.

What programs is Owensboro Community and Technical College known for?

OCTC specializes in career and technical training programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment in western Kentucky's job market. The college maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for hands-on instruction in technical fields. With a 95.8% employment rate, graduates find strong job placement in the region's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

What are the graduation and earnings outcomes at Owensboro Community and Technical College?

The college achieves a 49.2% six-year graduation rate, which is solid for a community college serving a rural area. Graduates earn a median salary of $35,798 ten years after enrollment, with relatively low debt burdens averaging $7,933. Monthly loan payments average just $84, making the education investment manageable for working-class families.

Where is Owensboro Community and Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Owensboro, a mid-sized city on the Ohio River in western Kentucky's rural fringe area. With 59.4% female and 40.6% male students, the campus reflects the region's demographics with 82.9% white students. The semester-based calendar system accommodates both traditional students and working adults seeking career advancement.

Does Owensboro Community and Technical College offer good financial aid beyond federal programs?

Only 14.81% of students receive institutional grants from the college itself, averaging $5,478 for those who qualify. The federal loan rate is remarkably low at just 9.82%, indicating most students can afford their education without borrowing. This reflects both the school's affordable tuition and the strong financial aid available to community college students.