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Bates Technical College

Tacoma, WA | Public | Technical College

Bates Technical College is a public university in Tacoma, WA earning an overall grade of Unranked, and enrolling about 1,613 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants and Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.

Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.

Families typically invest $4,176, about $12,822 less than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,569. That's about $1,881 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

Unranked
Ranking
Insufficient data
How We Rank Schools Lower tuitionPublic school optionSmall campus feel
At a Glance
Ranking
Not reported
Tuition
$5,569
Net Price
$4,176
4-Year Tuition
$22,276
Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Transfer Rate
Not reported
Student Population
1,613
Student-Faculty
21:1
Graduation Rate
Not reported
Retention Rate
Not reported
6-Yr Earnings
$45,569
ROI
Not reported

Who is Bates Technical College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Families tracking affordability closely
Learners who value a tight-knit campus

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$3,340-$13,718 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Data not reported
Six-year completion data not reported.
Will you get a job?
Employment outlook unavailable
Employment rate data is not reported. Median earnings six years after entry are $45,569. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Bates Technical College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

Total Program Cost (Pay with Cash)
$15,805
$15,805 × 1 year
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$4,176
$4,176 × 1.0 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 1.0 years | 4-Year Rate: N/A | 6-Year Rate: Not reported
Completion rate data is not available for this institution.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$15,805
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$4,176
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Program Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time certificate-seeking students.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $5,569
Books and Supplies $1,200
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $15,805

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
8.9%
Federal Loan
1.9%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 8.9% of Bates Technical College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$3,340
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$2,319
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$6,006
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$7,572
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$13,718
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $3,340 annually, while high-income families pay $13,718. Use Bates Technical College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$15,030
$30K-$48K families
~$10,436
$48K-$75K families
~$27,027
$75K-$110K families
~$34,074
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $7,572/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,718/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
Not reported
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $45,569
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $50,051
  • Average Years to Graduate 1.0 years
  • Average Student Debt $5,563
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 46.8%
  • Employment Rate Not reported

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Bates Technical College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $45,569 six years after enrollment — roughly 4% above the national median.
Payback Period
0.09 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Bates Technical College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Bates Technical College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Bates Technical College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Selectivity Not Reported
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 1,613
  • Full-Time Students 81.5%
  • Part-Time Students 18.5%
  • Retention Rate Not reported
  • Graduation Rate Not reported
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1

How to Get Into Bates Technical College

1. Meet Program Requirements: Bates Technical College focuses on practical skills and career readiness. Review the specific program requirements, which may include a high school diploma or equivalent, and any prerequisite coursework.

2. Prepare for Your Program: Focus on demonstrating your interest in the field and readiness for hands-on training. Some programs may require interviews or portfolio submissions.

3. Understand Admissions: Trade and certificate programs typically have open or moderately selective admissions focused on program fit rather than academic competition.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Bates Technical College undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies, and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A draw the most students.

  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 17.5%
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies 15.8%
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A 14.4%
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing 7.4%
  • Precision Metal Working 7.1%
  • Fire Protection 3.7%
See more majors
  • Design and Applied Arts 3.5%
  • Ground Transportation 3.2%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Certificate Programs

  • 1. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $70,437
  • 2. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies $45,721

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants grads earn $70,437—54% more than Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies ($45,721). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Bates Technical College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 127 graduates)
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 116 graduates)
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 110 graduates)
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Associate's Degree, 60 graduates)
  • Precision Metal Working (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 37 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (31 programs)
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
  • Precision Metal Working
  • Ground Transportation
  • Fire Protection
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Engineering Technology, General
  • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
  • Carpenters
  • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
  • Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology
  • Computer Programming
  • Energy Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
  • Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
  • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
  • Woodworking
  • Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
  • Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
  • Marketing
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
  • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Culinary Arts and Related Services
  • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
  • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,613
  • Full-Time Students 81.5%
  • Part-Time Students 18.5%
  • Male Students 62.9%
  • Female Students 37.1%
  • Caucasian 37.3%
  • Asian 5.1%
  • Hispanic 17.3%
  • Black 11.4%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 8.9%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Bates Technical College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Bates Technical College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

EDsmart Insight: Bates Technical College has a diverse student body, with 37.3% identifying as White. Men make up 62.9% of undergraduates. About 8.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.

Our Take

Bates Technical College serves as a highly accessible technical college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Unranked with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $4,176 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $45,569 median earnings. Graduation rate data is not reported for this technical college. Retention data is not available.

Technical College Value: Bates Technical College's Strengths

Unranked with a Unranked grade, Bates Technical College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Technical Colleges like Bates Technical College excel at providing affordable education ($4,176 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.

Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.

Honest Assessment: Available data trail elite universities but align with typical technical college performance. Career outcomes ($45,569 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.

Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Bates Technical College and $4,176 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • Median earnings of $45,569 run about 4% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $4,176 is roughly $12,942 lower than the national median of $17,118.
  • 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
Red Flags
  • Pell participation at 8.9% trails the national share by 29.9 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates Bates Technical College—a public university in Tacoma, WA—at Unranked overall. Completion earns Unranked, Support Unranked, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability Unranked.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $4,176 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $15,805.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,629 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $5,563 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 8.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,569 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 4% higher.

Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.

Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Bates Technical College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
0.00 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Bates Technical College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Bates Technical College Website →

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Nearby Schools

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Note: EDsmart’s national college rankings compare four-year, bachelor’s-granting institutions. Certificate- and trade-focused schools are not included in that ranking pool. The schools below are four-year references in the same state only, not peer comparisons.

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Contact Information

  • AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Endowment$3.0M

Data Source & Methodology