What Is It Known For?
Ranken Technical College is a nonprofit institution in St. Louis, Missouri, that emphasizes hands-on training and career-oriented education in skilled trades and technology. Established in 1907 by philanthropist David Ranken Jr., the college was founded to provide practical training that meets the evolving needs of the workforce. Each semester, Ranken enrolls approximately 1,800 students, maintaining a 12-to-1 student-faculty ratio to support hands-on learning and direct engagement with instructors.
Degrees & Certifications
Ranken offers Associate of Technology degrees, Associate of Science degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas across various fields, including:
- Automotive Technology
- Construction & Building Trades
- Electrical & Electronics Technology
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing & Industrial Technology
- Plumbing & HVACR
Class Schedules
Ranken Technical College offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate students with different needs. Classes are available during the day and in the evening, allowing students to balance their education with work or other commitments. Programs emphasize hands-on training, giving students the opportunity to develop technical skills in real-world settings.
In addition to in-person instruction, Ranken also provides online classes for select courses, offering greater accessibility for students. Many programs incorporate internships and apprenticeships, allowing students to gain industry experience before graduation.
Is It Legit?
Ranken Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and its automotive programs are certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). These accreditations confirm that Ranken meets industry and academic standards.
Acceptance Rate
Ranken has an open admissions policy, meaning most students who meet the basic requirements can enroll.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Ranken Technical College varies by program. Full-time day and evening students pay $695 per credit hour, while general education courses cost $191 per credit hour. The Bachelor of Science in Applied Management is $394 per credit hour, and all students must pay a $95 registration fee.
Financial aid is also available to help students manage costs. Ranken also provides a Net Price Calculator to estimate expenses based on individual financial situations.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Automotive
- Architecture
- Construction
- Electrical
- Manufacturing
Technology
- Information Technology
Campus Locations
St. Louis 4431 Finney Ave. St. Louis, MO 63113
Wentzville Ranken Technical College 755 Parr Road Wentzville, MO 63385
Troy 651 John Deere Drive Troy, MO 63379
Perryville Ranken Technical College 1907 Perryville Blvd. Perryville, MO 63775
Ashland Ranken Technical College 975 Perry Ave. Ashland MO 65010
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Ranken Technical College presents a mixed but high-impact educational opportunity. Graduates frequently praise the career-launching skills and subsequent high salaries, while a segment of students heavily criticizes the administrative operations and high cost.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Career Outcomes and Earning Potential: This is the strongest and most consistent praise. Alumni from various graduation years emphasize that the financial investment “was well worth every penny spent” and that the training provides the tools and knowledge to build a successful career, often resulting in high starting salaries (e.g., $38K to over $60K in IT) and a degree that “has paid well back in it’s weight in gold.”
Quality Hands-On Technical Training: Students highly value the focus on practical, technical skills over theory. Reviewers note the education is “very hands-on with little to no book work,” which effectively simulates the job field and allows them to excel in the workplace quickly. Instructors in the IT, Automotive, and HVAC programs are frequently praised for their real-world knowledge and mentorship.
Strong Professionalism and Work Ethic: The curriculum is described as “not for the light hearted,” which instills a level of discipline and work ethic highly valued by industry employers.
Common Criticisms
Overpriced and Over-Promising: The high cost is the most common complaint. Many reviewers advise prospective students to choose less expensive options, such as community college or union apprenticeship programs, suggesting that the education is “overpriced” for what is delivered, and students in programs like Automotive are forced to purchase tools from the college at a steep price.
Poor Administrative and Financial Support: Students report significant frustration with non-academic staff, frequently describing them as “rude,” “condescending,” and uncaring. This includes issues with delayed financial aid and unaccommodating policies, such as charging full tuition with no bereavement accommodation after a family death.
Bullying and Lack of Support: A serious complaint indicates that bullying is not adequately addressed, leaving students feeling isolated and miserable.
Technical and Organizational Flaws: Issues with technology and school resources are noted, including “Planned Outages” that reportedly deleted student progress from online courses, forcing a student to retake classes. The quality of instruction is also noted as varying significantly between different programs.
Momentum
The recent reviews (within the last few months) clearly reflect the two divided camps: highly positive feedback from successful alumni who value the career-launching skills, juxtaposed with immediate, detailed negative feedback from current students regarding administrative failures, cost, and organizational flaws. The college consistently and promptly responds to negative reviews, inviting the reviewer to call the VP for Education to resolve their issues, suggesting a structured, if often criticized, approach to complaint resolution.