West Kentucky Community and Technical College

$4,656Tuition

2,810Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,891Earnings

#11 in KentuckyPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About West Kentucky Community and Technical College

West Kentucky Community and Technical College serves 2,810 students in Paducah with practical programs designed to get people working. The college focuses heavily on workforce training and career preparation in western Kentucky's river town setting. About 94% of students come from in-state, making this a regional institution that understands local job markets and employer needs. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for hands-on learning in technical fields.

Students pay an average net price of $5,023 after financial aid, making this an affordable option for career training. Graduates earn a median of $34,891 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $8,986. Monthly loan payments average just $95 for those who borrow. The employment rate hits 91.9%, showing strong job placement success. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $4,091.

Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and service programs popular with female students. The graduation rate of 48.7% is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Only 32% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college serves a mix of working adults and traditional students seeking practical skills training.

Academics & Faculty

West Kentucky Community and Technical College focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for immediate employment in western Kentucky's job market. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in hands-on training programs. With a 48.7% six-year graduation rate, the college serves students who often balance work and family commitments while pursuing credentials. The school excels in workforce development, offering programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that align with regional employer needs. Nearly 92% of graduates find employment, reflecting strong industry partnerships. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in fields like nursing, welding, and business administration, with most programs designed for completion in two years or less.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 99.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,891

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$49,053
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$43,798
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$41,565
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$36,852
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$36,134
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$30,771
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$28,598
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$28,212
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$25,194
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$24,904

View all 57 programs →

Campus Life

Students at West Kentucky Community and Technical College experience small-city life in Paducah, population 27,000, located about two hours northwest of Nashville. The 67% female student body reflects the college's strength in healthcare and service programs. Paducah sits along the Ohio River where it meets the Tennessee, creating a historic downtown arts district that draws students for weekend entertainment.

Winter temperatures drop into the 30s, so pack a coat for January classes. Summer heat reaches the 80s and 90s with humidity that makes air conditioning essential. The 94% in-state enrollment creates a tight-knit community where most students commute from surrounding western Kentucky counties. Students often work part-time jobs while attending classes, with the 91.9% employment rate showing strong local job connections. Weekend activities center around the river, downtown festivals, and nearby Kentucky Lake recreation. The National Quilt Museum downtown attracts visitors year-round. Many students use WKCTC as a stepping stone to four-year universities or direct entry into skilled trades.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 2003

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–45°F
July Avg: 68°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The student body draws heavily from western Kentucky, with nearly 94% coming from in-state. Women make up about two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. The 32% Pell Grant rate shows the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. Students typically come from rural communities and small towns across the region. The college attracts both recent high school graduates and older adults returning to gain technical skills for the local job market.

Men: 32.9%
Women: 67.1%
White: 78.3%
Black: 8.6%
Hispanic: 7.3%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 93.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.0%

Location

Paducah sits in western Kentucky near the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, about 140 miles northwest of Nashville and 45 miles east of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The city of 27,000 anchors a region known for its riverfront culture and outdoor recreation along Kentucky Lake. With 93.89% of students coming from in-state, West Kentucky Community and Technical College draws heavily from the surrounding rural counties and small towns. The area blends river town charm with access to major transportation corridors. Paducah's historic downtown and artist community give the city a cultural feel despite its modest size. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare West Kentucky Community and Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Paducah, Kentucky 42001

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,891
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,202
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,986

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at West Kentucky Community and Technical College?

West Kentucky Community and Technical College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The school serves 2,810 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the western Kentucky region. With 93.89% of students coming from in-state, the college prioritizes serving local communities.

How much does West Kentucky Community and Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,023 annually at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,091 after aid, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay $4,761. The school keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at $4,656 and graduates carrying a median debt of only $8,986.

What academic programs is West Kentucky Community and Technical College known for?

West Kentucky Community and Technical College specializes in career-focused programs and workforce training designed to meet regional employment needs. The college maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in technical and professional programs. With a 91.9% employment rate after graduation, the school successfully prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce.

What are the career outcomes for West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $34,891 ten years after graduation, with strong early career earnings of $32,770 just one year out. The college boasts a 91.9% employment rate, demonstrating its effectiveness in workforce preparation. However, only 48.70% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face.

Where is West Kentucky Community and Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Paducah, Kentucky, a small city setting that provides students with a close-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 67.12% of the student body while men represent 32.88%, typical of many community colleges nationwide. The student population is predominantly white at 78.26%, with growing diversity including 8.61% Black and 7.33% Hispanic students.

How does financial aid work at West Kentucky Community and Technical College?

Only 32.02% of students receive federal financial aid, which also represents the percentage receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. The federal loan rate is remarkably low at just 9.30%, meaning most students avoid borrowing altogether. Those who do borrow have manageable monthly payments of $95, though the loan repayment rate of 33.95% suggests some graduates struggle with debt.