At $16,952/yr net price, Ranken Technical College graduates earn $55,955/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,955/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,952 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,955/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,955/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,882/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,346/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,086/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,561/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,727/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $59,124 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $55,512 | $12,000 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $54,109 | $14,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $24,287 |
| Basic Skills and Developmental/Remedial Education. | Associate | $45,529 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $43,696 | $12,000 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $43,426 | $11,000 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $42,123 | $12,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,689 | $13,300 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,768 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
50.6% of students at Ranken Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Ranken Technical College gives you a solid financial return for a private-nonprofit school. Your median debt at graduation sits at just $12,000, and ten-year median earnings clear $55,000. Paying off that debt on those earnings is realistic, which is the core of why Ranken works financially.
The low debt is the story here. Most private four-year schools leave you owing far more, and Ranken keeps you close to what many students borrow for a single year elsewhere. That low borrowing plus mid-fifties earnings is a rare combination for a private college.
The one degree with listed data, the bachelor's in Business Administration, is the weaker bet on campus. It pays about $50,000 but comes with roughly $24,000 in debt, double the school-wide median. You take on twice the borrowing for earnings below the school's overall median. If Ranken's strength is its trade and technical training, this business bachelor's is the program where the numbers work against that pattern.
The main risk is the 50.6% graduation rate. Half of enrolled students don't finish, and if you borrow and leave without a credential, you carry debt with none of the earnings payoff. The financial case for Ranken depends entirely on you graduating.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $14,000 to $14,900. Above $110,000, you pay about $22,700. The jump happens at the $75,000 mark, where price climbs past $20,000. Lower and middle-income families get the best deal here, and the gap between the bottom and top tiers is under $8,000.
Ranken fits you if you want hands-on technical training, plan to finish, and want to graduate with minimal debt. Look elsewhere if you're drawn mainly to the business bachelor's, where the debt-to-earnings math is the worst on offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ranken Technical College worth the money?
Ranken Technical College offers decent value for hands-on technical training, with graduates earning $55,955 after 10 years and typical debt of just $12,000. However, the 50.6% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Ranken Technical College?
Electromechanical instrumentation and electrical maintenance programs at Ranken Technical College pay the best, with graduates earning $54,000-59,000 annually. Business administration graduates earn less at around $50,000, making the technical programs the better financial choice.
How much debt do Ranken Technical College graduates have?
Ranken Technical College graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With starting salaries around $56,000, most graduates can handle this debt load.
Does Ranken Technical College have a good graduation rate?
Ranken Technical College's 50.6% graduation rate is concerning, meaning about half of students who enroll don't complete their programs. This dropout risk should factor into your decision, especially if you're not certain about your program choice.