About Renton Technical College
The financial picture looks solid for a technical education. Students pay an average net price of $5,051 after aid, with low-income families paying just $4,050. Graduates earn a median of $49,782 ten years after starting school. That return on investment works well when most students graduate with only $7,920 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $84, making the debt manageable on technical salaries.
The school delivers strong job market results that matter for career-focused students. Employment rates hit 95.6% for graduates, reflecting the demand for skilled technical workers. The student body splits evenly between men and women at roughly 50% each. The diverse population includes students from many backgrounds, with no single racial group making up a majority. All students come from Washington state, creating a local community focused on regional workforce needs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,782
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,997 |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $32,569 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $32,213 |
| Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $30,771 |
Campus Life
The quarter system keeps things moving fast, with 95.6% of graduates finding employment quickly after finishing their programs. Students commute from across the region since there's no campus housing, creating a practical, get-to-work atmosphere. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means hands-on learning in labs and workshops where you'll work with the same equipment used in industry. Weekends often involve study groups for challenging technical coursework or part-time jobs that build experience in their chosen fields. The diverse student body reflects the region's demographics, with nearly equal representation across racial groups and a 50-50 gender split that's unusual for technical schools.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–48°F
- July Avg
- 57°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.0%
- Women
- 50.0%
- White
- 21.8%
- Black
- 17.9%
- Hispanic
- 20.0%
- Asian
- 19.3%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.0%
Location
- Address
- Renton, Washington 98056-4123
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,782
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,796
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $84/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,920
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Renton Technical College?
Renton Technical College maintains an open admission policy for most programs, though some healthcare and specialized technical programs have competitive entry requirements. The college serves 1,539 students and focuses on preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce through hands-on technical training. All enrolled students are Washington state residents, reflecting the college's mission to serve the local community's workforce development needs.
How much does Renton Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,051 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options in Washington. In-state tuition is $6,723, but families earning less than $30,000 pay just $4,050 after aid. Only 18% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students work while attending or come from middle-income families seeking career training.
What programs is Renton Technical College known for?
The college specializes in technical and professional training programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on instruction in small classes designed for practical skill development. The quarter system allows for accelerated program completion, with many certificates and degrees completed in less than two years.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Renton Technical College?
Graduates achieve a 95.6% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technical workers in the Seattle metro area. The median earnings one year after graduation are $49,173, demonstrating the immediate value of technical training. Students graduate with manageable debt, with a median of $7,920 and monthly loan payments of just $84.
Where is Renton Technical College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Renton, a midsize city in the Seattle metropolitan area known for its aerospace and manufacturing industries. With nearly equal gender representation at 50.03% women and 49.97% men, the student body reflects the diversifying technical workforce. The campus serves a highly diverse population, with no single racial group forming a majority.
How quickly do students complete programs at Renton Technical College?
The four-year graduation rate of 57.83% is higher than the six-year rate of 55%, indicating most students complete programs within two to four years rather than extending their studies. The quarter calendar system enables faster program completion compared to traditional semester schools. This accelerated pace aligns with the college's focus on getting students job-ready quickly rather than pursuing lengthy academic programs.
