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$18,980Tuition
822Students
53%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,770Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Pittsburgh Technical College

Pittsburgh Technical College trains students for careers in high-demand technical fields through hands-on learning programs. The school enrolls 822 students in its suburban campus outside Pittsburgh. Founded in 1946, PTC specializes in automotive technology, information technology, electronics, and other skilled trades that employers actively seek.

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

Pittsburgh Technical College focuses entirely on career-ready technical training rather than traditional liberal arts education. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on instruction in specialized labs and workshops where students learn practical skills. With a 53% graduation rate, the college attracts students who want direct pathways to employment rather than theoretical coursework. The school built its reputation around automotive technology, information technology, and health sciences programs. Most students choose majors like automotive management, computer networking, and medical assisting. The quarter system accelerates learning so students can enter the workforce quickly. Faculty members typically come from industry backgrounds rather than academic research, bringing real-world experience into technical training programs.

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

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian 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

View all 27 programs →

Campus Life

Pittsburgh Technical College sits in suburban Oakdale, about 20 miles west of Pittsburgh. With housing for 484 students and total enrollment of 822, roughly 59% of students live on campus. The quarter system keeps the academic pace brisk, with 92% of students returning each year.

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

Pittsburgh Technical College draws students who want hands-on career training close to home. About 83% of students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the school's strong reputation among local families seeking practical education paths. Men make up 61% of the student body, typical for technical programs in fields like automotive technology and electronics. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class communities looking for affordable routes to skilled trades. The small size of 822 students creates tight-knit cohorts where classmates often become professional networks after graduation.
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

Pittsburgh Technical College sits in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh. The suburban location gives students access to the Steel City's job market while maintaining a quieter campus environment. Oakdale lies in Allegheny County's rolling hills, where former industrial towns have transformed into bedroom communities. The region maintains strong ties to manufacturing and technology sectors that align with the college's career-focused programs. Students benefit from internship opportunities at nearby companies while avoiding urban housing costs. The 484-bed campus housing capacity serves about 59% of the 822 enrolled students. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Pittsburgh Technical College with similar schools in the region.
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.