Ranken Technical College: The Ultimate Guide

Posted by Onassis Krown on June 28, 2025

Everything You Should Know About Ranken Technical College

When considering a hands-on, skills-based education that leads directly to rewarding and high-paying careers, few institutions stand out quite like Ranken Technical College. With over a century of history rooted in preparing students for workforce success, Ranken has carved out a powerful reputation for excellence in technical education, strong job placement, and unmatched partnerships with industry leaders.

Whether you’re a high school graduate looking to fast-track your career, a military veteran seeking to transition into civilian life, or an adult learner aiming to upskill or change careers, Ranken offers practical programs tailored to real-world demands. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Ranken Technical College—its history, programs, campuses, admissions, financial aid, campus life, job prospects, and why it remains one of the top choices for technical education in the Midwest and beyond.

Is Ranken a Good School: A Legacy of Excellence

Ranken Technical College was founded in 1907 in St. Louis, Missouri, by David Ranken Jr., a philanthropist and businessman with a passion for improving education for working-class individuals. His vision was to establish an institution that would provide students with the technical skills needed to secure meaningful employment.

More than a century later, Ranken continues to live out this mission, offering hands-on technical training grounded in a rigorous academic foundation. Ranken is a private, nonprofit institution, meaning that all its resources are invested directly back into the student experience. Its commitment to affordable, high-quality education has made it a top-tier destination for students across the country.

Campuses and Locations: Is Ranken Accredited?

Ranken has strategically expanded its footprint across Missouri and Illinois to better serve students throughout the region. Here’s a look at its primary campus and satellite locations:

St. Louis Campus (Main Campus) – Located in the heart of the city, this flagship campus includes state-of-the-art labs, modern classrooms, residence halls, and direct access to local employers.
Ranken Wentzville – Situated just outside St. Louis, this campus offers many of the same core programs in a suburban setting ideal for students from western Missouri or central Illinois.
Ranken Perryville – Located in southeast Missouri, the Perryville campus provides accessible education for rural students and specializes in high-demand technical training.
Ranken Southeast (Rolla) – In partnership with area employers, this campus offers focused programs tailored to the needs of the local job market.
Ranken-West (Ashland, MO) – The newest addition, this site reflects Ranken’s commitment to expanding technical training access across the state.

Each campus is equipped with modern training facilities, experienced instructors, and connections to employers who are actively seeking to hire Ranken graduates.

Program Areas

Ranken’s programs are organized into key areas that reflect current and future workforce needs. The college emphasizes hands-on training, with students spending more time in labs than in lecture halls—an essential aspect of technical education.

1. Automotive Technology

Ranken is renowned for its automotive technology programs. With direct partnerships with manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, GM, and Ford, students gain up-to-date experience on modern vehicles.

Programs include:

Automotive Maintenance Technology
High Performance Racing Technology
Diesel Technology
Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Technology

Students often earn manufacturer certifications alongside their degrees, making them even more competitive in the job market.

2. Construction and Building Technology

With America’s growing need for skilled tradespeople, Ranken’s construction division prepares students to lead in areas such as:

Carpentry and Building Construction
Electrical Automation Technology
Plumbing Technology
HVAC Technology

These programs emphasize project-based learning, where students participate in building actual homes in nearby communities—creating real value while they learn.

3. Manufacturing and Industrial Technology

As manufacturing continues to evolve into a tech-driven industry, Ranken offers training in:

Precision Machining Technology
Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Industrial Engineering Technology
Welding Technology

Students graduate ready to join companies in aerospace, automotive, defense, and other high-tech manufacturing sectors.

4. Information Technology

Technology is central to all modern industries. Ranken’s IT programs are built around in-demand certifications and areas of specialization, including:

Cybersecurity
Network Systems Technology
Application & Web Development
Cloud Technology and Data Management

These programs prepare students to enter roles as network administrators, IT analysts, and web developers.

5. Electrical and Electronics Technology

Electrical training is fundamental across many industries. Ranken offers programs such as:

Electrical Technology
Control Systems Technology
Industrial Automation
Renewable Energy Systems

These programs equip students with the skills to work in both residential and industrial electrical systems.

6. Architecture and Design

Students with creative minds and technical aptitude can pursue:

Architectural Technology
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Civil Engineering Technology

These programs blend drafting, software design, and architectural theory with practical building knowledge.

Academic Structure and Degrees

Ranken offers a range of credentials designed to meet students at different levels of education and ambition:

Associate of Technology (AT) – Two-year hands-on programs that provide a fast path to employment.
Bachelor of Science (BS) – Select programs offer bachelor’s degrees, particularly in information technology and applied management.
Certificates and Diplomas – For those seeking short-term training, Ranken provides options that can be completed in as little as six months.

All programs are designed with employer input to ensure they meet the standards of today’s job market.

Job Placement and Career Support

One of Ranken’s strongest features is its exceptional job placement rate, which consistently exceeds 95% in many programs. The college maintains close relationships with more than 1,000 employers regionally and nationally. These partnerships lead to job fairs, co-op programs, internships, and even job offers before graduation.

Students benefit from:

Career counseling and coaching
Resume and interview preparation
Access to the Ranken Employer Network
On-campus recruiting and job matching services

Ranken’s reputation for producing job-ready graduates makes its alumni highly desirable to employers.

Admissions Process

Getting started at Ranken is straightforward and student-friendly. Here's what prospective students can expect:

Online Application – Available on the school’s website, takes only 15–20 minutes.
Placement Assessment – Depending on the program, Ranken may require placement testing in math or reading.
Campus Tour or Visit – Strongly recommended; prospective students can schedule a guided tour or attend an open house.
Program Selection and Registration – Academic advisors help align students with the best-fit program.
Financial Aid Counseling – The financial aid office helps students understand options and complete the FAFSA.

Ranken has a rolling admissions policy, meaning students can apply year-round for upcoming start dates.

Tuition and Financial Aid: How Much Does It Cost?

Ranken is a private college, but it strives to make education affordable through scholarships, grants, work-study, and payment plans.

Typical annual tuition ranges from $16,000–$18,000, depending on the program. This is considerably lower than most four-year universities and leads to job-ready skills in less time.

Financial aid options include:

Federal Pell Grants
Missouri A+ Scholarships
Ranken Institutional Scholarships
Veteran’s Benefits (GI Bill)
Work-Study Opportunities

More than 90% of Ranken students receive some form of financial aid, and many graduate with little to no student debt, especially if they qualify for state or employer-based assistance.

Student Life and Housing

Ranken offers a vibrant and supportive student experience that goes beyond academics.

Housing

The main St. Louis campus offers on-campus residence halls for full-time students. Living on campus provides easy access to labs, classes, and events while fostering friendships and professional networks.

Clubs and Activities

Students can participate in:

Student Government
SkillsUSA competitions
Professional organizations
Gaming and tech clubs
Automotive enthusiast clubs
Community service projects

Ranken emphasizes professionalism, and all students follow a dress code and conduct guidelines meant to mirror real-world workplaces.

Diversity and Inclusion

Ranken Technical College is proud to serve a diverse student population and has programs in place to support equity and inclusion across its campuses. It actively recruits women and underrepresented minorities into STEM and trade fields, offering mentorship, guidance, and community-building resources.

Programs like Women in Technology, Minority Mentorship Initiatives, and Veteran Student Support Services help make sure every student has the resources needed to succeed.

Alumni Network and Employer Partnerships

Ranken graduates join an active alumni network that spans thousands of professionals across industries. Many alumni go on to become:

Foremen
Shop managers
IT consultants
Business owners
Engineering technicians

Employers continually return to Ranken to recruit because they know graduates are dependable, well-trained, and ready to contribute on day one.

Partner companies include:

Boeing
Ameren
GM
AT&T
Anheuser-Busch
Local municipalities
Hundreds of small-to-medium businesses

Why Choose Ranken?

If you’re looking for a practical education that leads directly to a successful career, Ranken Technical College stands out as a smart investment. Here’s a quick summary of what sets it apart:

Over 115 years of proven success
Hands-on, real-world training in every program
Exceptional job placement and employer partnerships
Affordable tuition with strong financial aid options
Modern campuses with up-to-date equipment
Flexible start dates and program lengths
Supportive environment for all students
Opportunities to earn while you learn through co-ops

Whether you want to be building houses, fixing engines, securing networks, or designing architecture, Ranken has a pathway to get you there—quickly and affordably.

Final Thoughts: Ranken a Leading Technical College in Missouri

In today’s economy, skills are everything. Employers are hungry for qualified technicians, coders, mechanics, and builders—and they’re willing to pay handsomely for the right people. Ranken Technical College provides the exact kind of education that bridges the gap between classroom and career, all while offering a supportive and professional environment.

If you’re ready to skip the four-year debt and start building your future today, Ranken Technical College might just be the perfect place to begin. With its century-old reputation, powerful employer connections, and commitment to real-world readiness, it’s more than a college—it’s a launchpad for success.

For more info or to schedule a campus visit, check out Ranken’s official website or reach out to their admissions team to take your first step toward a high-paying, high-demand technical career.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.

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