Western Technical College: 1,148 Students

1,148Students

71%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,156Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Western Technical College

Western Technical College trains students for hands-on careers in automotive technology, HVAC, and welding. The school serves 1,148 students in El Paso's industrial corridor. Nearly three-quarters of students are Hispanic, reflecting the border community's demographics. Most graduates enter technical fields where demand remains strong across Texas.

Students typically graduate with $17,277 in debt, a manageable amount compared to many four-year programs. Median earnings reach $36,156 within 10 years of graduation. The monthly loan payment of $183 represents a reasonable burden given the earning potential. Only 16% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many pay out-of-pocket or through employer sponsorship. The average institutional grant of just $349 means students shouldn't expect significant discounts from the school.

Men make up 84% of the student body, typical for technical colleges focused on trades. The 30:1 student-faculty ratio means large class sizes, but hands-on training happens in smaller workshop groups. Nearly all students come from Texas, with 92% staying in-state for their education. The 90% employment rate shows strong job placement, though the 29% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle financially after completing their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Western Technical College focuses on career-ready technical training in fields like automotive technology, welding, and electronics. The 30:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than traditional colleges, but the hands-on nature of technical programs still allows for direct instructor guidance. Students graduate at a 68% rate within four years and 71% within six years, solid numbers for a for-profit technical institution. The school emphasizes practical skills over theory, preparing students for immediate entry into skilled trades. Most programs include lab work and real-world equipment training. The curriculum targets high-demand technical fields in the El Paso region's manufacturing and service industries.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Full-Time Faculty: 78.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 68.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 71.3%
Retention Rate: 83.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,156

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$56,641
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology.	Associate	$37,208
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$33,281
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$28,960
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$26,799
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$25,580
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$24,035
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$19,606
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Certificate	$16,663

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

The El Paso campus sits in Texas's fourth-largest city, where 84% of students are men drawn to hands-on technical programs. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this desert climate, where summer temperatures regularly hit triple digits and winter rarely requires more than a light jacket. The 30:1 student-faculty ratio means large classes, but the focus stays practical rather than theoretical.

Most of the 1,148 students commute to campus, with 92% coming from within Texas. The heavily Hispanic student body (72%) reflects El Paso's border culture and bilingual community. Weekends often mean trips across the Rio Grande to Juárez or exploring the Franklin Mountains. The technical focus creates a no-frills atmosphere where students prioritize job training over traditional college social life. With a 90% employment rate after graduation, most students view their time here as a direct path to steady work rather than a four-year experience filled with campus traditions.

Setting: City-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–58°F
July Avg: 73°–95°F
Annual Precipitation: 8.8"
Annual Snowfall: 2.8"

Student Demographics

Western Technical College draws overwhelmingly male students who make up 84% of the student body. The school serves El Paso's large Hispanic community, with Latino students representing 72% of enrollment. Nearly all students come from Texas, with 92% staying in-state for their technical education. The college attracts students seeking hands-on career training rather than traditional four-year degrees. Only 16% receive Pell Grants, suggesting families invest in technical skills training as a path to stable employment in fields like automotive technology, welding, and industrial maintenance.

Men: 84.4%
Women: 15.6%
White: 14.9%
Black: 3.7%
Hispanic: 72.0%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 92.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 16.1%

Location

Western Technical College sits in El Paso, a border city of 680,000 people in far west Texas. The campus serves a student body that is 92.20% in-state, reflecting strong ties to the local community. El Paso lies directly across from Juarez, Mexico, creating a unique binational metropolitan area. The nearest major U.S. city is Phoenix, about 430 miles northwest. This desert region is known for its Hispanic heritage and cross-border culture. With 72.04% of students identifying as Hispanic, the college reflects the area's demographic makeup. The city combines urban amenities with southwestern charm and mountain views. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Western Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: El Paso, Texas 79927

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,156
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,866
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $183/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $17,277

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Western Technical College?

Men make up 84.41% of Western Technical College's 1,148 students, reflecting its focus on technical and trade programs. The student population is 72.04% Hispanic, which mirrors El Paso's border demographics.

How much do graduates earn after attending Western Technical College?

Western Technical College graduates earn a median salary of $36,156 ten years after enrollment. The school's hands-on technical training prepares students for skilled trades and manufacturing roles in the Southwest job market.

What are the graduation rates at Western Technical College?

Western Technical College has a 71.30% six-year graduation rate and maintains an 83.33% retention rate. These numbers are competitive for a for-profit technical institution focused on career-ready training programs.

How much debt do students typically graduate with from Western Technical College?

Students graduate with a median debt of $17,277 and monthly loan payments of $183. The relatively low debt load reflects the school's shorter technical programs designed for quick entry into the workforce.

Does Western Technical College have small class sizes?

Western Technical College has a 30:1 student-faculty ratio, which is higher than typical liberal arts colleges. The school emphasizes practical lab work and technical skills training over traditional classroom instruction.

Where do Western Technical College students find employment after graduation?

Western Technical College boasts a 90.4% employment rate for its graduates. The school's location in El Paso provides access to manufacturing, automotive, and energy sector jobs along the US-Mexico border.