Frequently Asked Questions

Ranken offers degree and certificate programs in five core divisions: Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology and Manufacturing.

For students who want to learn general business and management skills, applied management training is available, including a Certificate of Applied Management and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management.

Ranken also offers seminars for students who want to enhance or refine a skill, as well as customized technical training for companies or organizations to offer their employees.

Ranken graduates are employed by a wide variety of local, regional and national businesses. Around 300 companies typically attend Ranken’s job fairs, and even more regularly post job opportunities through Ranken’s department of Career Services. Learn more about the companies who hire our students here.

Many Ranken graduates have jobs in their fields within six months of graduation. Even after landing that first job, Ranken offers lifetime job placement services to our former students. Whether you want to relocate, change industries or advance in your career, Ranken is here to help.

Our goal is to make it affordable to attend Ranken. We’re able to keep tuition prices low for students thanks in large part to the College’s endowment fund and private donations. Current Ranken tuition and fee information can be found here.

Yes. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. In fact, most of Ranken’s students receive some sort of financial aid. To learn more about financial aid options, click here.

Ranken offers need-based scholarships, as well as merit scholarships. You can find information on some of the available scholarships here.

Yes! The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has accredited Ranken to offer both associate and bachelor’s degrees.

When you get your degree from an accredited institution, employers know that your education has met high academic standards. On the other hand, unaccredited schools – also known as “diploma mills” – are known for offering degrees for very little work. Ranken’s accreditation means that:

• Our students are eligible for federal financial aid
• Our classes meet high standards for educational quality
• The credits you earn are based on the work you do in your classes

You can learn more about our accreditation here.

Class schedules and hours will vary depending on your program. A typical full-time student’s schedule is about six hours a day, with four of those hours in your technical major and the rest in general education classes.

Many students choose to work a part-time job or paid internship, but we recommend no more than 20 hours per week. Also, some programs incorporate and assist you in working a part-time, paid position to gain additional real-world experience and build your resume.

Ranken has an open admissions schedule. This means that there is no application deadline, and you can register for your program until the course is full, or classes start. However, some of our courses fill up far in advance, so it’s best to apply and register as early as possible. Applying early also gives you a better chance of getting scholarships and financial aid.

You can apply online here, or make an appointment to come in to tour the campus and talk to one of our admissions reps.

Yes. Ranken’s first-ever dorm, Myrtle and Earl Walker Hall, opened at the main St. Louis campus in 2009 and has the capacity to house 200 students. Learn more about living on campus here.

Ranken’s department of Public Safety is dedicated to providing a safe and secure learning environment for students, faculty and staff. The St. Louis campus has 24-hour security, including gated, secure parking areas, and a police substation is located within the Walker Hall dorm. Safety statistics are publicly available here.

Day school students generally have classes Monday-Friday, six hours per day. A typical day includes two hours of general education courses and four hours of hands-on technical work. Two-year and four-year programs are available for students to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Evening school students attend part time, two nights per week. Some programs require a math test for admission. Most majors are two-year commitments, resulting in a certificate of completion.

Continuing education options include earning an associate degree in the evening, or a bachelor’s degree in applied management.

Students in associate degree programs are required to take general education classes. Their hands-on technical classes are more in-depth and they spend more time in the shop or lab. Because Ranken’s associate degree programs are accredited, your degree will transfer to most other colleges in the area.

With a certificate, students take technical, hands-on classes only; no general education courses are required. Most of our certificate programs do not have testing requirements for admission. One exception is our Electrical division, which requires math testing. In general, we recommend our continuing education certificate programs for working adults who wish to enhance their current skill set or be trained for a new career.

Ranken offers two bachelor’s degrees: Architectural Technology and Applied Management (BSAM).

Ranken’s main campus is located in the city of St. Louis, just north of the Central West End neighborhood. Satellite locations are located in:

• Troy, MO
• Wentzville, MO
• Perryville, MO
• Ashland, MO
• Find campus maps and directions here.