- Renton Technical College prepares a diverse student population for work, fulfilling the employment needs of individuals, business and industry.
School Highlights
Renton Technical College serves 4,949 students (29% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the state average of 56%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 4,949 students
- In-state tuition: $4,735
- Out-state tuition: $4,735
- Student:teacher ratio: 19:1
- Minority enrollment: 73%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Renton Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Resources
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 257 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Renton Technical College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
257 staff
353 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Renton Technical College has grown by 31% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The Renton Technical College diversity score of 0.87 is more than the state average of 0.75. The school's diversity has grown by 17% over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,949 students
4,711 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
1,430 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Students
3,519 students
3,179 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
494 students
494 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,430 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,519 students
3,179 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
12%
10%
% Hispanic
16%
17%
% Black
12%
7%
% White
27%
44%
% Hawaiian
1%
1%
% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Non Resident races
n/a
3%
% Unknown races
26%
9%
Diversity Score
0.87
0.75
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
63%
30%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.6041%
0.3584%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,700
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,735 is more than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has declined by 16% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,735 is less than the state average of $7,359. The out-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,735
$4,105
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,735
$7,359
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
73%
58%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,807
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,961
$6,192
Acceptance Rate
n/a
99%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- In 1942, Renton Technical College came into existence as a war production school. Throughout the duration of World War II, the College provided customized pre-employment training and job upgrading-retraining. After the war, the College became a state-funded vocational school with the mission of assisting industry in converting from a war-time to a peace-time economy. For the next 20 years, the College conducted a large number of upgrading-retraining classes and a small number of high quality training programs. The second 50 years, beginning in 1991, were marked by the conversion of the state's vocational-technical institutes to technical colleges. As part of this change, governance was shifted to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and authorization was given to grant two year, sub-baccalaureate degrees and certificates of completion. Degrees are awarded in 36 preparatory programs, in apprenticeship and through three general occupational degree programs. Certificates are currently provided in 80 programs. Renton Technical College's central campus is located on 30 acres just north of N.E. 3rd Street in Renton, Washington, where 12 permanent structures and four portable buildings house the majority of the college's training facilities. Additionally, the college operates numerous satellite locations throughout King County. Renton Technical College's service area encompasses the Renton, Kent, Auburn, Tahoma, and Enumclaw School Districts, and the central and south portions of the Seattle School District. Renton Technical College provides relevant quality training and education, giving our students the skills and opportunity to compete in the job market. Our 73 specialized career training programs replicate the work environment, training our students on equipment used in today's workplace. Our training areas includes Automotive, Business Technology, Construction and Building, Cosmetology, Education and Human Services, (Allied) Health, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Product Services and Technology. Renton Technical College (RTC) is one of 34 colleges in the State of Washington operated by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. RTC's goal is to provide job training in the shortest period of time at the least cost – an important concept for both the student and the Washington taxpayer. Vocational training at the College is comprised of three programs: full-time, initial job training; part-time, retraining or upgrading existing skills; and apprenticeship-related instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Renton Technical College cost?
Renton Technical College's tuition is approximately $4,735 for In-State students and $4,735 for Out-State students.
What is Renton Technical College's ranking?
Renton Technical College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Diversity in US community colleges, Average community college minority breakdown, Percent of students receiving financial aid and Least debt for graduating students.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Renton Technical College is Pima Medical Institute-Renton (2.3 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
Pima Medical Institute-Renton
Private for-profit
555 South Renton Village Place Suite 110
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 228-9600
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 228-9600
2.3 miles
| 810 students
Bellevue College
Public
3000 Landerholm Cir SE
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 564-1000
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 564-1000
6.5 miles
| 16,959 students
South Seattle College
Public
6000 16th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98106
(206) 934-5300
Seattle, WA 98106
(206) 934-5300
9.2 miles
| 7,517 students
Seattle Central College
Public
1701 Broadway Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 934-3800
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 934-3800
10.9 miles
| 8,115 students
Recent Articles
Careers: Broadcasting
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college.
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills
We offer straightforward advice on identifying transferable skills, exploring job opportunities, leveraging community resources, and embracing lifelong learning. With relatable examples and encouragement, this guide aims to empower readers to navigate the job market confidently and successfully transition into new careers.
