Renton Technical College

3000 NE Fourth St
Renton, WA 98056
Top-Ranked (2026-27): View Rankings
  • 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 2,824 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is lower than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the state average of 60%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 2,824 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,735
  • Out-state tuition: $4,735
  • Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
  • Minority enrollment: 78%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Renton Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:

School Overview

The teacher population of 128 teachers has declined by 50% over five years.
Renton Technical College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1941
Campus Size
30 acres
Total Faculty
128 staff
156 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Renton Technical College has declined by 12% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 has increased from 15:1 over five years.
The Renton Technical College diversity score of 0.81 is more than the state average of 0.77. The school's diversity has grown by 8% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,824 students
3,791 students

Showing 2013–2025. View full 19-year historical data

Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
1,226 students
1,835 students

Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data

# Part-Time Students
1,598 students
1,956 students

Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data

# Enrollment Undergraduate
2,824 students
3,741 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,226 students
1,835 students

Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,598 students
1,956 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%

Showing 2011–2025. View full 19-year historical data

% Asian
12%
9%

Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data

% Hispanic
18%
19%

Showing 2011–2025. View full 19-year historical data

% Black
12%
6%

Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data

% White
22%
40%

Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data

% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Unknown races
28%
14%
Diversity Score
0.81
0.77

Showing 2011–2025. View full 19-year historical data

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)
60%
36%
Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry (measured in 2022-2023, in 2024 dollars)
$56,634
$48,744

Points are in the dollars of their own College Scorecard release, and the colleges behind the state line differ by period. The lines do not show inflation-adjusted growth.

Tuition & Financial Aid

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
77%
70%

Showing 2011–2025. View full 19-year historical data

Median Debt for Graduates
$7,807
$11,794

Showing 2008–2020. View full 14-year historical data

Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,961
$6,242

Showing 2008–2020. View full 14-year historical data

Source: 2025 (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?

Recent Articles

Does a College’s Employer Partnership Include Hiring?
Does a College’s Employer Partnership Include Hiring?
A major employer’s logo does not promise a job. Learn how to check hiring commitments, eligibility and access before choosing a community college program.
New vs. Established Career Programs: Which Is Safer?
New vs. Established Career Programs: Which Is Safer?
Compare new and established community college career programs by checking readiness, recent outcomes, staffing and support before you commit to enrollment.
Can Your Career Credential Cross State Lines?
Can Your Career Credential Cross State Lines?
Before choosing a community college career program, check whether its credential meets licensing requirements in another state and what moving could cost.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 2,824 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,735
  • Out-state tuition: $4,735
  • Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
  • Minority enrollment: 78%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

King County, WA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.79, which is higher than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in King County, WA is Seattle Central College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

Quick Links