What Is Pickens Technical College Known For?
Since 1971, Pickens Technical College has been a leader in technical education in Colorado. As one of only three technical colleges in the state, Pickens is part of the Aurora Public Schools district and the Colorado Community College System. The school offers a wide range of certificate programs to both high school students and adults, with over 25 options to choose from.
In 2022, Pickens Technical College had a total enrollment of 960 students, with 928 attending full-time and 32 part-time. The school expects similar numbers for the 2024 academic year. Students can pursue courses in fields like automotive mechanics, welding, esthetician and skin care, and HVAC and refrigeration engineering.
With its long history of providing quality technical education and its strong ties to the local community, Pickens Technical College is a top choice for students looking to gain practical skills and start rewarding careers in a variety of industries.
Degrees & Certifications
At Pickens Technical College, students can earn certificates or an Associate Degree through cooperation with Colorado Community Colleges. The school offers career-focused programs that prepare students for many high-demand fields, including:
- Arts & Technology
- Cyber Technician
- Electronics Technician
- Multimedia Graphic Design
- Professional Photography
- Business & Marketing
- Skilled Trades
- Health
- Human Services
- Natural Sciences
Class Schedules
Pickens Technical College offers flexible class schedules to fit your lifestyle. Classes are available in the morning from 7:50 AM to 10:40 AM, in the afternoon from 12:05 PM to 2:55 PM, and in the evening from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. While some courses, like IT Bootcamps, can be taken online, others, such as dental assisting, include externships for hands-on experience.
Contact the school to confirm the availability of the course you’re interested in.
Is It Legit?
Yes. Pickens Technical College is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Acceptance Rate
Pickens Technical College proudly offers open enrollment with a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The tuition rate for the 2024-2025 academic year at Pickens Technical College is $137 per credit hour for Georgia residents and $274 per credit hour for non-Georgia residents.
Students should budget for extra costs, including a $50 registration fee each semester and program-specific expenses for supplies and materials. While these figures give a general idea, it’s worth noting that costs may change. For the most accurate picture of your total expenses, use the school’s net price calculator or contact the college directly.
Programs & Courses
Arts
- Graphic Design
- Photography
Business
- Marketing
- Small Business
Healthcare
- CNA
- Dental Assisting
- LPN
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Respiratory Therapist
- Veterinary Assistant
Professional Services
- Barber
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Esthetician
- Nail Technician
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Service
- Building Maintenance
- Collision Repair
- Construction
- Diesel Tech
- HVAC
- Motorcycle Tech
- Welding
Technology
- Cyber Technician
- Online Bootcamps
Campus Locations
Aurora 500 Airport Blvd, Aurora, CO 80011,
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Pickens Technical College has a mixed reputation, with strong praise for specific trade programs and deep criticism of the administrative and general academic experience.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Value Trade Programs: Many graduates report a great educational experience in specific hands-on trades like Welding and Automotive. Students and parents of graduates from these programs report that the education is a “best lifetime investment” and that the skills learned are immediately useful.
Knowledgeable and Supportive Instructors: Several reviews, particularly older ones and those related to the successful trade programs, praise the faculty as “extremely knowledgeable” and “wonderful and helpful.”
Excellent Public Services: The student-run services, such as the Salon, Barber School, and Plant Sale, receive consistently high marks. Reviewers praise the students’ professionalism and the quality of the work while noting the very low cost, all supervised by watchful instructors.
Positive Learning Environment: Some reviewers noted that the staff and instructors were supportive and available, making it an “awesome place to learn” and a great place to acquire necessary skills for the workforce.
Common Criticisms
Severe Lack of Communication and Administration: This is the single most frequent and persistent complaint. Reviewers repeatedly report that no one answers the phone or responds to emails, making it “extremely frustrating” to apply, enroll, or receive necessary support.
Inconsistent and Subpar Program Quality: Several programs are explicitly singled out as lacking rigor, being disappointing, and not preparing students for certification or the workforce. These include the Medical Assistant (MA) program, LPN program (in recent reviews), Cosmetology, and Small Business Management.
Cost and Value Concerns: A significant number of recent reviews feel the school is “overpriced,” a “waste of time and money,” and not worth the tuition given the reported low quality of education and administrative dysfunction.
Staff and Instructor Professionalism: There are serious complaints about rudeness and unprofessional conduct from administrative staff, including enrollment. Additionally, some academic programs are marred by specific instructors who are described as rude, using outdated teaching methods, or being unstable (with teachers quitting mid-year).
Momentum
The institution’s primary strength lies in its specific vocational offerings (Welding, Automotive) and its student services, which continue to receive positive reviews. However, the most visible and recent trend is the overwhelmingly negative feedback on administration and communication. Prospective students report being unable to enroll or get information due to unresponsive staff. Furthermore, persistent negative reviews about the quality of several healthcare and beauty programs suggest that these areas are struggling to meet current industry and student expectations. This administrative gridlock and program inconsistency are significantly holding down the school’s overall rating.