At $5,051/yr net price, Renton Technical College graduates earn $49,782/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,782/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,051 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,204 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,782/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,782/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,920 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,050/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,344/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,250/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,031/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,962/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
55.0% of students at Renton 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
Renton Technical College delivers strong financial returns for a public technical college, with graduates earning a median of $49,782 annually while carrying minimal debt of just $7,920. The low net price of $5,051 per year makes this one of the most affordable pathways to middle-class earnings in the Seattle region.
Your program choice determines everything here. Registered nursing graduates earn $63,997 annually, making it the clear winner financially and justifying any extra time needed to complete prerequisites. The healthcare support programs in ophthalmic and dental services both hover around $32,000 annually, which works given the low debt load but won't deliver rapid wealth building.
The 55% graduation rate signals real completion risk, particularly concerning since technical programs typically have clearer career outcomes than traditional four-year degrees. You need to honestly assess your commitment level before enrolling.
This school works best for career changers seeking stable, middle-income work without taking on crushing debt. The proximity to Seattle's strong healthcare system creates strong job placement opportunities for nursing and medical support graduates. Skip this option if you're looking for high-growth career potential or if you struggle with hands-on learning environments.
Financial aid appears limited with only 18% of students receiving assistance, but the low sticker price makes this less problematic than at expensive private schools. Focus on completing your program quickly rather than hunting for additional scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Renton Technical College worth the cost?
Renton Technical College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,051 per year and median debt under $8,000. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning nearly $64,000 annually, making the investment worthwhile for healthcare-focused students.
What is the ROI for Renton Technical College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $49,782 ten years after enrollment, which is solid considering the low cost and debt levels. However, earnings vary significantly by program, with nursing paying nearly double what some technical programs offer.
Which Renton Technical College programs have the best job prospects?
The registered nursing program provides the highest returns at $63,997 median earnings. Dental and ophthalmic support programs offer more modest but stable returns around $32,000, while some technical maintenance programs may struggle to justify even the low cost.
How much debt do Renton Technical College students graduate with?
Median debt is just $7,920, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The bigger concern is the 55% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without completing their programs.