About Penn Commercial Business/Technical School
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School focuses entirely on getting students job-ready through hands-on career training. The school serves 223 students in Washington, Pennsylvania's suburban setting with programs designed around what employers actually need. Students work closely with instructors in a 5:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. The quarter system keeps programs moving at a fast pace.
Students pay an average net price of $17,147 after financial aid, with 44.86% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $31,736 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt of $11,638. Monthly loan payments average just $123, making the education affordable for working-class families. The school attracts students primarily from Pennsylvania, with 84.21% coming from in-state.
The gender split tilts heavily female at 61.43%, reflecting the business and healthcare programs that dominate the curriculum. With a 72.70% six-year graduation rate and 91.2% employment rate, most students complete their programs and find work quickly. The low 39.44% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle financially, but the modest debt levels keep the risk manageable. This school works best for students who want direct job training without the extras of traditional college.
Students pay an average net price of $17,147 after financial aid, with 44.86% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $31,736 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt of $11,638. Monthly loan payments average just $123, making the education affordable for working-class families. The school attracts students primarily from Pennsylvania, with 84.21% coming from in-state.
The gender split tilts heavily female at 61.43%, reflecting the business and healthcare programs that dominate the curriculum. With a 72.70% six-year graduation rate and 91.2% employment rate, most students complete their programs and find work quickly. The low 39.44% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle financially, but the modest debt levels keep the risk manageable. This school works best for students who want direct job training without the extras of traditional college.
Academics & Faculty
Penn Commercial focuses entirely on career-ready technical and business programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The school operates on a quarter system that accelerates learning through intensive, hands-on training. With a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive individualized attention that's rare at larger institutions. This personalized approach helps explain the solid 72.70% graduation rate for a career college. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in fields like medical assisting, HVAC, culinary arts, and business administration. Students spend significant time in labs and simulated work environments rather than lecture halls. An impressive 91.2% employment rate demonstrates the school's effectiveness at preparing graduates for immediate entry into their chosen fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 5:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,736
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,704 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $30,409 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $27,439 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $25,194 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $24,421 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $21,312 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $20,596 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $17,242 |
Campus Life
Penn Commercial sits in Washington, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh. The 223 students attend classes in a suburban setting where winters require heavy coats and snow boots. With a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, expect small, hands-on classes where instructors know your name.
The school operates on a quarter system, moving students quickly through career-focused programs. Women make up 61.43% of enrollment, creating a balanced but female-majority environment. Most students commute from nearby areas, as 84.21% come from Pennsylvania. The campus lacks traditional college amenities like dorms or sports teams. Instead, students focus intensively on technical training in labs and workshops.
Weekends often involve work or internships, as the school emphasizes real-world experience. The 91.2% employment rate reflects this practical approach. Social life revolves around study groups and industry networking events rather than campus parties. Students typically complete programs quickly and transition directly into careers, with median earnings reaching $31,452 within a year of graduation.
The school operates on a quarter system, moving students quickly through career-focused programs. Women make up 61.43% of enrollment, creating a balanced but female-majority environment. Most students commute from nearby areas, as 84.21% come from Pennsylvania. The campus lacks traditional college amenities like dorms or sports teams. Instead, students focus intensively on technical training in labs and workshops.
Weekends often involve work or internships, as the school emphasizes real-world experience. The 91.2% employment rate reflects this practical approach. Social life revolves around study groups and industry networking events rather than campus parties. Students typically complete programs quickly and transition directly into careers, with median earnings reaching $31,452 within a year of graduation.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–35°F
- July Avg
- 58°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- -749.2"
Student Demographics
Penn Commercial draws students from across Pennsylvania who want practical career training without the cost of a four-year degree. About 84% come from in-state, reflecting the school's strong reputation in the region's business and technical communities. Women make up 61% of enrollment, often pursuing programs in business administration and healthcare support. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking upward mobility. The diverse student body includes a significant number of Black students at 14%, higher than many technical schools. Most students are career-changers or recent high school graduates focused on immediate employment.
- Men
- 38.6%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 78.0%
- Black
- 13.9%
- Hispanic
- 0.5%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 84.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 44.9%
Location
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School sits in Washington, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. The school draws 84% of its students from within Pennsylvania. Washington serves as the county seat and blends small-town charm with suburban convenience. The area features rolling hills typical of southwestern Pennsylvania's landscape. Students have access to Pittsburgh's job market while enjoying lower living costs in a quieter setting. The region has strong ties to healthcare, manufacturing, and business services industries. Washington offers a traditional Main Street downtown with local shops and restaurants. The location provides internship and employment opportunities in both the immediate area and nearby Pittsburgh metropolitan region. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn Commercial Business/Technical School with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Washington, Pennsylvania 15301-6822
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,736
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $35,429
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $24,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $123/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,638
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School?
Penn Commercial accepts 64.58% of applicants, making admission moderately selective for a career-focused technical college. The school prioritizes students who are committed to hands-on learning in business and technical fields.
How much does Penn Commercial Business/Technical School cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,147 annually, with costs varying by family income. About 44.86% of students receive federal Pell Grants, helping make career training more accessible to working-class families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School?
The school maintains a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive personal attention in technical and business programs. This small class environment supports the hands-on learning approach that defines career colleges.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Penn Commercial Business/Technical School?
Graduates achieve a 91.2% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technical workers in the region. The median earnings reach $31,736 within 10 years, though graduates typically enter the workforce quickly rather than pursuing four-year degrees.
Where is Penn Commercial Business/Technical School located and who attends?
The school operates in Washington, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting that serves 223 students. About 84.21% of students come from in-state, with women comprising 61.43% of enrollment in business and technical programs.
How quickly do students complete programs at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School?
The school operates on a quarter system, allowing for accelerated program completion compared to traditional semester schedules. With a 72.70% six-year graduation rate, most students complete their career-focused training and enter the workforce relatively quickly.
