Renton Technical College

3000 NE Fourth St
Renton, WA 98056
Top-Ranked (2026): 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 (2026)

  • 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
0
Institution Level
Four or more years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Year Founded
1941
Total Faculty
128 staff
156 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
18
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 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 8% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,824 students
3,791 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
1,226 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Students
1,598 students
1,956 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
202 students
324 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,226 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,598 students
1,956 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
150 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
12%
9%
% Hispanic
18%
19%
% Black
12%
6%
% White
22%
40%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Non Resident races
n/a
3%
% Unknown races
28%
14%
Diversity Score
0.81
0.00
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%
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
77%
70%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,807
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,961
$6,242
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

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 and Least debt for graduating students.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • 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 0.00. The most diverse community college in King County, WA is Seattle Central College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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