About Pittsburgh Technical College
Students pay an average net price of $25,754 after financial aid, with 45% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $40,770 ten years after graduation, which helps explain the reasonable median debt load of $17,416. Monthly loan payments average just $185, making the investment manageable for most graduates. The school's focus on practical skills training shows in its 96.5% employment rate, suggesting strong job placement success.
The student body leans male at 61%, reflecting the technical fields that dominate the curriculum. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized instruction in lab settings. The 92% retention rate indicates students stick with their programs, though the 53% graduation rate suggests the hands-on coursework challenges some students. Most students come from Pennsylvania, with 83% choosing to study close to home.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 37.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.1%
- Retention Rate
- 92.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,770
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,563 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,044 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $39,927 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,729 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $37,748 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,517 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,959 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,900 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,156 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $35,416 |
Campus Life
Winters here require heavy coats and boots for navigating between hands-on labs and classrooms. The 60% male student body reflects the school's focus on technical trades and automotive programs. Students often head into Pittsburgh on weekends for Steelers games or explore the city's tech scene. The Panthers compete in athletics, though much of campus life revolves around project work and internships. With 83% of students from Pennsylvania, many go home on weekends, creating a quieter campus atmosphere. The technical focus means evenings often involve lab time and group projects rather than traditional college parties. Career preparation drives the culture here, with 97% employment rates motivating students who see college as direct job training rather than a four-year exploration.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 484 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Founded
- 1946
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–36°F
- July Avg
- 63°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 44.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 60.8%
- Women
- 39.2%
- White
- 82.1%
- Black
- 10.3%
- Hispanic
- 1.5%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 83.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 45.3%
Location
- Address
- Oakdale, Pennsylvania 15071
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,770
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,905
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $185/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,416
Frequently Asked Questions
How selective is Pittsburgh Technical College?
Pittsburgh Technical College maintains high retention with 92.31% of students returning for their second year. The school focuses on career-ready technical programs rather than traditional academic selectivity. With 822 students enrolled, the college emphasizes hands-on training over competitive admissions.
What does Pittsburgh Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,754 annually after aid, with 45.31% receiving some form of financial assistance. The same percentage qualifies for Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based support. Monthly loan payments average $185 for graduates who borrow.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pittsburgh Technical College?
The college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized attention in technical programs. This small class size supports the hands-on learning approach that defines career-focused education. The quarter system allows for intensive skill development in specialized fields.
What are the job prospects after Pittsburgh Technical College?
Graduates achieve a 96.5% employment rate, reflecting strong industry connections and practical training. Median earnings reach $40,770 ten years after graduation, with many entering skilled trades and technical fields. The 53.43% four-year graduation rate aligns with intensive program requirements.
Where is Pittsburgh Technical College located and what is campus life like?
The suburban Oakdale campus houses 484 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community feel. With 60.83% male enrollment, the gender balance reflects the technical and trades focus. The Panthers compete while 83.27% of students come from Pennsylvania.
How long has Pittsburgh Technical College been preparing students for technical careers?
Founded in 1946, the college has nearly eight decades of experience training students for hands-on careers. The institution emerged during post-war industrial growth when technical skills were in high demand. Today it continues this mission with modern equipment and industry partnerships.