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973Students
77%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$57,764Earnings
#21 in WashingtonPrivate nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Perry Technical Institute

Perry Technical Institute builds careers through intensive hands-on training in automotive technology, welding, medical assisting, and other skilled trades. The school enrolls 973 students in Yakima, a small city in central Washington's agricultural heartland. Students dive deep into practical skills that employers desperately need, from diesel mechanics to medical office administration.

The financial picture looks solid for a technical program. Students pay an average of $23,292 after aid, while typical graduates earn $57,764 within ten years of finishing. Most students graduate with just $14,139 in debt and monthly loan payments of $150. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, making this education accessible to working-class families. The 96.8% employment rate speaks to strong industry connections and job-ready training.

This is overwhelmingly a male campus where 81.6% of students are men, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated trades Perry serves. Hispanic students make up 59.6% of enrollment, the largest demographic group. Almost all students come from Washington state, with 96.6% staying close to home for their technical education. The 76.9% graduation rate shows most students stick with their programs and finish what they start.

Academics & Faculty

Perry Technical Institute focuses entirely on career-ready technical training that gets students into the workforce fast. The school specializes in hands-on programs like automotive technology, welding, medical assisting, and other skilled trades that meet regional industry demands. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get direct access to instructors who bring real-world experience to small lab settings. The 77% graduation rate reflects the practical, focused nature of these programs. Students earn a median of $45,720 just one year after completing their programs. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment, making this a direct pipeline from classroom to career in the skilled trades sector.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
91.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
76.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$57,764

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Certificate $73,035
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. Certificate $52,822
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Certificate $52,107
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Certificate $51,794
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $33,993
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $32,806
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $31,042
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Certificate $30,409
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $30,305

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

Perry Technical Institute sits in Yakima, a city of 96,000 people surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards in central Washington. Students need winter coats for snowy January temperatures and light jackets for mild summers. The campus has no dormitories, so all 973 students commute daily. With 97% of students from Washington state, most drive from nearby towns or live locally.

The heavily male student body (82% men) reflects the automotive, welding, and heavy equipment programs that dominate campus life. Students spend most time in hands-on labs rather than lecture halls. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know students personally and can provide individual guidance on complex technical skills. With 60% Hispanic enrollment, the campus reflects Yakima's agricultural community. Students often work part-time jobs at local businesses between classes. Weekends typically involve family time rather than campus activities, since most students have local ties. The 97% employment rate shows graduates quickly move into well-paying trade jobs, earning a median $57,764 within ten years.
Setting
City-Small

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
23°–38°F
July Avg
53°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
8.3"
Annual Snowfall
-756.1"

Student Demographics

Perry Technical Institute draws overwhelmingly from Washington state, with nearly 97% of students staying close to home for career training. The student body is predominantly male, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades like automotive repair and welding. Hispanic students make up the largest demographic group at nearly 60%, while white students represent about 31% of enrollment. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking direct pathways to skilled trades careers in the Yakima Valley's agricultural and industrial economy.
Men
81.6%
Women
18.4%
White
30.9%
Black
0.8%
Hispanic
59.6%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
96.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
49.3%

Location

Perry Technical Institute sits in Yakima, Washington, a city of 96,000 people in the heart of the Yakima Valley. The campus lies about 140 miles southeast of Seattle, surrounded by apple orchards and hop farms that fuel the region's agricultural economy. With 96.6% of students coming from in-state, most know this area well before arriving. The Cascade Mountains rise to the west while the Columbia River flows nearby, creating a high desert climate perfect for farming. Yakima blends small-city amenities with rural character, offering outdoor recreation from skiing to hiking. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Perry Technical Institute with similar schools in the region.
Address
Yakima, Washington 98903-1296

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$57,764
Median Earnings (5 years)
$61,859
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$44,100
Loan Repayment Rate
61.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$150/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,139

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Perry Technical Institute?

Perry Technical Institute operates with an open enrollment policy for students who meet basic requirements for their chosen technical programs. The school focuses on hands-on training in skilled trades like automotive technology and welding. With 973 students enrolled, the institute maintains a practical approach to admissions rather than competitive selection.

How much does Perry Technical Institute cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,292 annually after financial aid at Perry Technical Institute. Nearly half of students (49.31%) receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. Graduates typically leave with a median debt of just $14,139, which is relatively low for career-focused technical training.

What are the class sizes like at Perry Technical Institute?

Perry Technical Institute maintains a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing for personalized instruction in technical programs. The school emphasizes hands-on learning in specialized labs and workshops. This ratio supports the institute's focus on practical skills training in automotive, welding, and medical assisting programs.

What job outcomes can graduates expect from Perry Technical Institute?

Perry Technical Institute graduates achieve a 96.8% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled trade workers. The median earnings reach $57,764 within 10 years of graduation, demonstrating solid career advancement potential. New graduates start with median earnings of $45,720, which grows to $61,859 after five years in the workforce.

Where do most Perry Technical Institute students come from?

Nearly 97% of Perry Technical Institute students are Washington state residents, primarily from the Yakima Valley region. The student body is predominantly male (81.6%) and reflects the local demographics with 59.61% Hispanic students. This composition aligns with the institute's mission to serve the regional workforce development needs in technical fields.

Does Perry Technical Institute have a good graduation rate for a technical school?

Perry Technical Institute achieves a 76.90% six-year graduation rate, which is strong for technical education programs. The school specializes in career-focused training that prepares students for immediate employment in skilled trades. Most graduates complete their programs and successfully transition into well-paying technical careers in the regional job market.