Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

91.1%Acceptance

$9,050Tuition

1,449Students

60%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$54,681Earnings

Public2-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Thaddeus Stevens College prepares students for careers in manufacturing, construction, and technology through intensive hands-on programs. The college enrolls 1,449 students in Lancaster's small-city setting, focusing exclusively on trades and technical fields that employers desperately need. Stevens built its reputation on practical training that gets graduates hired fast. The 91% acceptance rate reflects the school's mission to welcome motivated students into high-demand careers.

Students pay surprisingly little for training that leads to solid middle-class wages. The average net price of $9,964 drops to just $3,142 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $54,681 ten years after starting, while carrying only $9,990 in debt with monthly payments of $106. That's an strong return on investment for a two-year program. The 97.6% employment rate proves employers value Stevens graduates.

The student body reflects the male-dominated trades, with men comprising 89% of enrollment. Nearly all students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community focused on learning practical skills. Seven varsity sports give the Bulldogs opportunities to compete while building the teamwork essential in technical careers. Stevens graduates enter the workforce ready to earn solid wages in essential industries.

Academics & Faculty

Thaddeus Stevens builds skilled tradespeople through intensive hands-on programs in automotive technology, welding, construction, and advanced manufacturing. The college operates as a tuition-free institution for Pennsylvania residents who meet income requirements, making technical education accessible. Students work with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship from industry professionals. The 60% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of technical programs that prioritize job skills over traditional academics. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,681 within ten years, demonstrating strong return on investment. The college's machine tool and die program has particular recognition among regional manufacturers who actively recruit graduates.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 73.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 60.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,681

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering.	Associate	$53,358
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology.	Associate	$53,358
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$46,193
Architectural Sciences and Technology.	Associate	$42,682
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$42,235
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.	Associate	$41,937
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services.	Associate	$39,729
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$38,649
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.	Associate	$38,289
Woodworking.	Associate	$36,312

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

This trade-focused campus draws students who want to work with their hands rather than sit in lecture halls. With 89% male enrollment, the atmosphere feels more like a construction site than a traditional college. About half the 1,449 students live in the campus housing, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows your major and career goals.

Lancaster sits an hour from Philadelphia, giving students access to big-city internships while keeping costs reasonable. Winters require heavy coats as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, but the hands-on labs and workshops keep students busy indoors during cold months. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and notice when you skip class. Weekends often revolve around pickup basketball games and trips to Lancaster's downtown restaurants and shops. With a 97.6% employment rate, students spend free time networking at industry events rather than traditional college parties. The NCCAA athletic program fields seven varsity teams, though most of the 145 student-athletes balance sports with demanding technical coursework that prepares them for immediate employment after graduation.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 728 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1905

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–38°F
July Avg: 64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.8"
Annual Snowfall: 18.3"

Student Demographics

Thaddeus Stevens draws almost exclusively Pennsylvania residents seeking technical careers. The student body is 89% male, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades like welding, automotive technology, and construction. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and working-class families looking for direct pathways to stable employment. The diverse mix includes substantial Hispanic and Black representation alongside white students. These demographics align perfectly with the school's mission of providing practical, affordable technical training to local communities seeking skilled trades careers.

Men: 89.2%
Women: 10.8%
White: 63.8%
Black: 12.3%
Hispanic: 15.8%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 99.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.5%

Location

Lancaster sits in southeastern Pennsylvania's Amish Country, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. The city of 59,000 blends historic charm with modern industry in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch territory. Students experience a small-city atmosphere surrounded by rolling farmland and Amish communities. Lancaster's downtown features art galleries, restaurants, and the historic Central Market, operating since the 1730s. The region attracts millions of tourists annually who come to see Amish farms and covered bridges. With 99.59% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Pennsylvania's landscape. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602-3198

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $54,681
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,820
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 69.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,990

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?

Thaddeus Stevens College accepts 91.09% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1113. This technical college focuses on hands-on training rather than traditional academic metrics for admission decisions.

How much does Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,964 annually, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $3,142. The college charges the same $9,050 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.

What programs does Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology offer?

The college operates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its technical and trade programs. Students receive hands-on training in fields like manufacturing, construction, and automotive technology through this two-year institution.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?

Graduates achieve a 97.6% employment rate with median earnings of $54,681 ten years after graduation. The college's focus on in-demand trades leads to strong career outcomes despite the 60% six-year completion rate.

Where do students live at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?

The Lancaster campus houses 728 students in on-campus dormitories at $10,670 per year for room and board. Nearly all students are Pennsylvania residents, with 99.59% coming from in-state.

Is Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology primarily male or female?

Men make up 89.16% of the 1,449-student body while women represent just 10.84%. This gender split reflects the college's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades and technical fields.