What Is It Known For?
Washington Technical Institute (WTI) began in 1999 as the National Paralegal Institute of America, Inc., offering distance education to students pursuing careers in the legal field. Over time, the school expanded its focus to include a range of career programs aligned with current workforce demands. Today, all WTI programs are delivered entirely online, giving students the flexibility to study from anywhere.
In 2019, Excel Education Systems, Inc. acquired WTI, marking the start of a new chapter of growth and innovation. The institute remains committed to helping students gain practical, job-ready skills through programs that can be completed in a matter of weeks or months. Enrollment figures for this fully online institution are not currently published.
Degrees & Certifications
Washington Technical Institute awards certificate and diploma programs in various fields. Individual courses run from 4 to 10 weeks or longer, while full certificate programs range from 6 weeks to 16 months, depending on the area of study. Program options include:
- Criminal Justice Certificate
- Programming Languages Certificate
- Health Care Administration Certificate
- Criminal Justice Certificate
- Full Stack Development Certificate
- Senior Paralegal Certificate Program
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
All programs operate entirely online to meet the needs of students who want mobile and flexible education options. The school offers regionally accredited online career certificates and diplomas in business, management, marketing, accounting, business law, economics, and other fields. While there are no set night classes, the online format allows flexible scheduling. Students should contact the school directly for specific details about course timing. Programs do not include externships since classes are delivered online.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Washington Technical Institute holds regional accreditation as a postsecondary institution through theMiddle States Association – Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (CESS).
Acceptance Rate
Information about the school’s acceptance rate is not publicly available.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the school’s most recent catalog, single-subject courses have a fixed price of $599. Certificate programs range from $699 for the Health Insurance & Reimbursement Certificate to $4,900 for the Master Paralegal Certificate Program. For a complete overview of attendance costs, students should contact the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Project Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Paralegal
Healthcare
- Medical Coding & Billing
- Health Services Management
- Healthcare Administration
- Pharmacy Technician
Technology
- Full Stack Development
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Database Management
- Software Developer
- Web Development
- Computer Networking
Campus Locations
Minnetonka 601 Carlson Parkway, Suite 1250 Minnetonka, MN 55305, USA
Reviews
Based on Google reviews provided, the Washington Technical Institute has a mixed and very small set of reviews.
Overall Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Ultimate Flexibility: The school’s 100% online, asynchronous, and self-paced format is its main selling point. It allows students to log in and complete work 24/7 at their convenience, making it ideal for working adults and those with busy schedules.
Regionally Accredited: WTI emphasizes that it is Regionally Accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools – CESS, which is a recognized and respected form of accreditation often associated with traditional universities.
Supportive and Experienced Instructors: WTI claims to have a “top-notch” teaching staff of experienced professionals with advanced degrees who are attentive to the needs of students via email or support ticket.
Affordable and Accessible Education: The school promotes itself as a source for affordable, convenient, and high-quality education, designed to help students acquire in-demand career skills quickly.
Positive BBB Rating: The institution holds an A+ rating and is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.
Common Criticisms
Increased Tuition Costs: The most concrete criticism is the significant increase in tuition prices for certificates in recent years. One report noted a cost jump from around $1,000 to approximately $3,000 for some programs.
Lack of Public Outcome Data: Reviewers (including third-party education watchdogs) note that WTI has not shared alumni outcome data such as job placement rates or verifiable graduate salaries, making it difficult for prospective students to determine the true career value of the programs.
Third-Party Financing Risk: WTI offers financing through third-party companies, including Climb Credit, which was recently subject to a lawsuit by the CFPB for allegedly misleading borrowers.
General Online For-Profit Concerns: Anecdotal comments from third-party forums express common skepticism and warnings about for-profit online institutions, including one student who was allegedly harassed by collectors for a course they never attended (though this specific incident is unverified).
Momentum
The momentum for WTI centers entirely on its regional accreditation status and its focus on flexible, fast-track career bootcamps. While the school lacks public Google reviews, its continued operation and focus on in-demand fields suggest sustained interest. However, the confirmed issues regarding its financing partner and the significant price hikes introduce considerable external risk and financial scrutiny for potential students.