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 delivers solid returns for students who complete their programs, with median post-graduation earnings of $55,955 against relatively low debt loads of $12,000. The school's specialized technical focus aligns well with St. Louis's manufacturing and industrial base, creating strong job placement opportunities for graduates.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Electromechanical instrumentation programs lead earnings at $59,124, while electrical maintenance technology graduates earn $54,109 with manageable $14,250 debt loads. Business administration lags behind at $50,231 with double the debt at $24,287, making it a weaker financial choice compared to the technical programs that define this school's strength.
The 50.6% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Half of students who enroll don't finish, meaning you could end up with debt but no credential. This makes Ranken best suited for students with clear technical career goals and strong commitment to hands-on learning environments.
You'll find this school financially attractive if you want direct entry into skilled trades without the expense of a traditional four-year degree. The technical programs offer faster paths to middle-class earnings with minimal debt. However, if you're uncertain about technical careers or prefer academic flexibility, you should consider other options where the completion rates better justify the investment risk.
With only 42% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing the highest-earning technical programs and maintaining focus on graduation to avoid the debt-without-degree trap that affects half of enrollees.
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.