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112Students
95%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$30,188Earnings
Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About YTI Career Institute-Altoona

YTI Career Institute trains students for hands-on careers in automotive technology, medical assisting, and business fields. The small campus in suburban Altoona serves just 112 students who want practical skills over traditional academics. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, everyone gets personal attention in lab-heavy programs designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment. The school boasts an impressive 95% graduation rate within six years.

Students pay an average of $18,131 after financial aid, though costs vary widely by family income. About 73% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the working-class student body seeking career advancement. Graduates earn a median of $30,188 ten years out, which means loan payments can be manageable for the 30% who borrow federal funds. The 44% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle financially, but the 94% employment rate shows most find work in their fields.

Women make up 76% of students, typical for programs heavy on medical assisting and business administration. The student body is racially diverse, with 40% Black students and 36% white students. Most students come from Pennsylvania, drawn to practical training that leads directly to steady employment rather than further education.

Academics & Faculty

YTI Career Institute-Altoona specializes in hands-on technical training that gets students job-ready fast. The school focuses on high-demand fields like automotive technology, medical assisting, and business administration. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with instructors who bring real industry experience. The 95% graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to helping students complete their programs. Most students finish associate degrees or certificates in two years or less. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills over theory. Students spend significant time in labs and workshops rather than lecture halls. This career-focused approach means graduates enter the workforce with specific technical competencies that local employers value.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Graduation Rate (6-year)
95.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$30,188

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $29,685
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $25,496
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Associate $24,421
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Certificate $23,890
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $22,012

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

The tiny campus in suburban Altoona houses just 112 students focused intensely on hands-on career training. You'll need a heavy winter coat here in central Pennsylvania, where snow blankets the region from December through March. Altoona sits about 45 minutes east of State College and two hours from Pittsburgh, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains.

With 76% of students being women and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classrooms feel intimate and supportive. Most students commute from the local area since 88% come from Pennsylvania. The demographic mix includes 40% Black students and 36% White students, creating a diverse learning environment uncommon in rural Pennsylvania.

Weekend life revolves around work and family rather than campus activities. Many students juggle jobs while completing their programs, which explains the practical focus on medical assisting and automotive technology. The 95% graduation rate reflects the school's no-nonsense approach to getting students job-ready quickly. After graduation, 94% find employment with median earnings of $30,188 within ten years.
Setting
Suburb-Small

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
18°–32°F
July Avg
60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
42.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

YTI Career Institute draws students primarily from Pennsylvania who need practical job training fast. Three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the school's strong programs in medical assisting and business fields that traditionally attract female students. The student body is racially diverse, with significant Black and white enrollment. Most students come from working-class families seeking career advancement through hands-on technical training. The small enrollment of 112 students creates a tight-knit learning environment where everyone knows each other. Local reputation keeps drawing students from across Pennsylvania's smaller towns and cities.
Men
24.1%
Women
75.9%
White
35.7%
Black
40.2%
Hispanic
6.3%
Asian
6.3%
In-State Students
87.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
72.8%

Location

YTI Career Institute sits in Altoona, Pennsylvania, roughly 100 miles east of Pittsburgh in the heart of central Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains. The small suburban setting offers a tight-knit community atmosphere where 87.5% of students come from in-state. Altoona built its reputation as a railroad town, home to the famous Horseshoe Curve and rich Pennsylvania Railroad history. The mountainous terrain provides outdoor recreation opportunities while maintaining affordable living costs. With just 112 students enrolled, the institute operates more like a specialized training center than a traditional college campus. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare YTI Career Institute-Altoona with similar schools in the region.
Address
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$30,188
Median Earnings (5 years)
$31,814
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$20,600
Loan Repayment Rate
44.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at YTI Career Institute-Altoona?

YTI Career Institute-Altoona accepts most students who meet basic program requirements, as career institutes typically focus on helping students gain practical skills rather than selective admissions. The small enrollment of 112 students allows for personalized attention in technical training programs. The school attracts students primarily from Pennsylvania, with 87.5% coming from in-state.

How much does YTI Career Institute-Altoona cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,131 annually after financial aid is applied. Nearly three-quarters of students (72.84%) receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many low-income families. Students from families earning $48,000-$75,000 get the best deal at $15,296 net price.

What is the student-faculty ratio at YTI Career Institute-Altoona?

The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, providing hands-on instruction essential for technical training programs. YTI specializes in career-focused programs like automotive technology, medical assisting, and business administration. The small class sizes help students master practical skills needed for immediate employment after graduation.

What are the job prospects after graduating from YTI Career Institute-Altoona?

An impressive 94.1% of graduates find employment, reflecting strong demand for skilled technicians in Pennsylvania. Graduates earn a median salary of $30,188 ten years after enrollment, which is competitive for technical careers. The school's 95% six-year graduation rate shows students successfully complete their programs and enter the workforce.

Where is YTI Career Institute-Altoona located?

The campus sits in Altoona, Pennsylvania, a small suburban city known for its railroad heritage and blue-collar workforce. The location provides access to regional employers who hire YTI graduates in automotive, healthcare, and business fields. Students benefit from lower living costs compared to major metropolitan areas.

Does YTI Career Institute-Altoona serve a diverse student body?

Women make up 75.89% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strength in medical assisting and business programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body is racially diverse with 40.18% Black students and 35.71% White students. This diversity enriches the learning environment for career-focused technical training.