Williamson College of the Trades: 38.9% Acceptance Rate

38.9%Acceptance

$30,858Tuition

313Students

66%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Williamson College of the Trades

Williamson College of the Trades prepares young men for careers in mechanical trades through intensive hands-on training. The school serves 313 students on a suburban campus outside Philadelphia, focusing exclusively on programs like masonry, carpentry, power plant technology, and machine tooling. This all-male institution has maintained its traditional approach to skilled trades education for over a century.

The financial picture here tells a remarkable story. Students pay an average net price of just $1,421 regardless of family income, thanks to substantial institutional support. With graduates earning a median of $65,497 just one year after completing their programs, this represents strong return on investment. The school charges $30,858 in tuition but covers most costs through grants, with 31% of students receiving institutional aid averaging $33,180. Students graduate debt-free since the federal loan rate stands at 0%.

The school's selective 39% acceptance rate reflects its commitment to finding students ready for rigorous technical training. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment immediately after completing their programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized instruction in specialized workshops and labs. Housing capacity of 320 means most students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community focused on mastering their chosen trades.

Academics & Faculty

Williamson College operates as one of the country's few remaining all-male trade schools, focusing exclusively on mechanical trades education. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive hands-on training in programs like machine tool technology, masonry, and power plant technology. Students complete rigorous three-year programs that blend classroom instruction with extensive workshop experience. The 65.60% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of the curriculum, which requires students to master both technical skills and work discipline. The college maintains strong industry connections that help explain why 96.5% of graduates find employment. Programs emphasize traditional craftsmanship alongside modern industrial techniques, preparing students for careers in manufacturing, construction, and facility maintenance.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 56.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.6%

Campus Life

Williamson operates from a 222-acre suburban campus just 15 miles west of Philadelphia. The school houses 320 students in residence halls, meaning nearly every student lives on campus given the 313 total enrollment. Pennsylvania winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer comfortable weather for outdoor activities.

The all-male student body of 313 creates a tight-knit brotherhood atmosphere focused on hands-on learning. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll work closely with instructors in specialized workshops and labs. The 96.5% employment rate reflects the school's intense focus on job preparation over traditional college social activities.

Weekends often involve trips to nearby Philadelphia for entertainment and cultural activities. The campus itself centers around practical training facilities rather than typical college amenities. Students bond over shared projects in machine shops and construction labs. The suburban Media location provides a quiet environment for studying technical skills, while Philadelphia's attractions remain easily accessible by car or train for weekend adventures.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 320 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–42°F
July Avg: 70°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.7"
Annual Snowfall: 23.1"

Student Demographics

Williamson draws young men from Pennsylvania and nearby states who want hands-on careers in the mechanical trades. About two-thirds of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation among families seeking alternatives to traditional college. Nearly 60% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class students looking for direct paths to middle-class careers. The all-male student body fits the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades like masonry, carpentry, and power plant technology. Most students are white, though the school enrolls a notable percentage of Black students for a trade institution.

Men: 100.0%
Women: 0.0%
White: 65.8%
Black: 21.1%
Hispanic: 6.7%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 66.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 58.6%

Location

Media sits in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 15 miles west of Philadelphia. The suburban setting gives students access to both small-town community feel and big-city opportunities. Delaware County's location puts students within reach of major employers in manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area. With 67% of students coming from Pennsylvania, many appreciate staying close to home while building careers in the trades. The area's industrial history and ongoing development projects provide strong job prospects for graduates. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Williamson College of the Trades with similar schools in the region.

Address: Media, Pennsylvania 19063-5299

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Williamson College of the Trades?

Williamson College of the Trades accepts 38.89% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a trade school. The college serves 313 students exclusively male students in specialized mechanical trades programs. Competition exists because the school provides intensive hands-on training with excellent job placement outcomes.

How much does Williamson College of the Trades cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $1,421 regardless of family income level, despite a sticker price of $30,858. This dramatic cost reduction happens because 58.63% of students receive Pell Grants and 31.31% get institutional grants averaging $33,180. The school's generous aid makes quality trade education accessible to working-class families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Williamson College of the Trades?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, providing close mentorship in hands-on mechanical trades training. Students work directly with experienced craftsmen in small workshop settings. This personalized approach helps explain the school's reputation for producing skilled tradesmen ready for immediate employment.

What are job outcomes like for Williamson College of the Trades graduates?

Graduates achieve a 96.5% employment rate with median first-year earnings of $65,497, exceptional outcomes for a two-year program. The 65.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of the technical curriculum. Employers actively recruit Williamson graduates because of their reputation for work-ready skills in mechanical trades.

Where is Williamson College of the Trades located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Media, Pennsylvania, a large suburb outside Philadelphia, with housing capacity for 320 students. All 313 current students are male, continuing the school's traditional focus on training young men for mechanical trades. The residential campus creates a brotherhood-like environment centered around mastering practical skills.

Is Williamson College of the Trades really tuition-free for most students?

While tuition officially costs $30,858, the average net price of $1,421 makes it nearly free for most families. Students from all income brackets pay the same low net price due to the school's endowment-funded financial aid. This unique funding model allows the college to focus on education rather than profit, staying true to its mission of serving working-class communities.