Ranken Technical College, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to technical education and hands-on learning. Established in 1907, Ranken has developed a strong reputation for providing high-quality training in various fields, including automotive technology, electrical engineering, and information technology. The college emphasizes practical experience, ensuring that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios. This focus on experiential learning is a hallmark of Ranken's educational approach, making graduates highly sought after in the job market.

The college's campus boasts modern facilities equipped with the latest technology, providing students with the tools necessary to succeed in their chosen careers. Ranken's dedicated faculty members bring a wealth of industry experience, offering students valuable insights and mentorship. The college also fosters a vibrant campus culture, encouraging involvement in various student organizations and activities, which helps develop teamwork and leadership skills. With a strong emphasis on career readiness and a solid track record of graduate employment, Ranken Technical College continues to be a leader in technical education, preparing students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving workforce.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Ranken Technical College

Ranken Technical College has shown a notable increase in tuition fees over the years. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students increased from $14,457 to $17,490, marking a rise of approximately 21% over this decade. This trend reflects a broader national concern regarding escalating college costs, putting financial pressure on students and their families. Coupled with rising room and board costs, which have also seen a significant increase, it raises questions about accessibility and affordability in higher education.

The student population has fluctuated, peaking at 2,097 in 2014 but decreasing to 1,671 by 2023. This decline may be influenced by various factors, including economic conditions and the increasing competition in technical education. The fluctuating number of students could also impact the institution's funding and resources, affecting the quality of education provided.

Furthermore, there has been a concerning trend in graduation rates. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates dipped to approximately 29% in 2023, down from nearly 67% in 2015. This could signal underlying issues such as inadequate student support, retention challenges, or curriculum difficulties that may hinder student success. The retention rate, which has varied significantly, shows a similar pattern, illustrating potential instability within the student experience.

On the gender ratio front, the percentage of male undergraduate students has seen a gradual decline, from approximately 95.9% in 2013 to 91.2% in 2023. This shift may indicate a growing interest among female students in technical fields, aligning with national trends towards increased gender diversity in STEM education.

Overall, while Ranken Technical College continues to provide quality technical education, these metrics indicate areas that require attention, particularly regarding affordability, student retention, and graduation success. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the college to enhance its educational offerings and support its student body effectively.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Ranken Technical College

The graduation data from Ranken Technical College for 2023 reveals several important insights into the distribution of degrees across various programs. Notably, the data indicates a strong emphasis on associate degrees, particularly in the areas of automotive mechanics and industrial electronics, with 101 graduates in the latter and 46 in automotive mechanics. This trend highlights the growing demand for skilled technicians in these fields, mirroring the increasing complexity of automotive technology and electronics in modern vehicles.

Interestingly, the college shows a complete absence of international students graduating with bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees across all programs, which raises questions about the institution's attractiveness to international students. This may be due to various factors including visa regulations, financial considerations, or the college's focus on technical training that may not align with the academic aspirations of international candidates.

Furthermore, the data reveals a lack of bachelor degrees awarded, with only eight graduates in Business Administration. This suggests that Ranken may be primarily focusing on technical training rather than traditional academic tracks, possibly aligning with workforce demands in technical fields. The absence of graduates in engineering and computer programming also suggests a potential gap in these areas that the college could address to enhance its offerings.

Overall, Ranken Technical College's focus on associate degrees in technical fields reflects current labor market needs, while the lack of international participation and bachelor degree graduates indicates areas for potential growth and development in attracting a broader student demographic.

2023 Student Demographics at Ranken Technical College

The 2023 student demographics at Ranken Technical College reveal a notable gender disparity across different student categories. Among undergraduate freshmen, males constitute a staggering 92.4% of the cohort, leaving female representation at a mere 7.6%. This trend continues among undergraduate sophomores, where 91.4% are male and 8.6% are female. The statistics for undergraduate transfer students are slightly more balanced, with males making up 87.0% and females 13.0%.

These figures raise important questions about gender inclusivity within technical education fields, which have historically been male-dominated. The significant underrepresentation of female students, particularly in the freshman and sophomore classes, suggests a need for targeted outreach and support programs to encourage greater female participation.

The data also highlights the racial composition of the student body, although detailed statistics for undergraduate sophomores are not available. For freshmen, the majority of students identified as White, with a smaller proportion identifying as other racial or ethnic groups. Such demographics are reflective of broader trends in technical and vocational education, where diversity remains a challenge.

As the workforce continues to evolve, educational institutions must prioritize inclusivity to reflect the diverse society we live in. Initiatives that promote gender equity and support underrepresented groups will be crucial for fostering a more balanced and diverse student population at Ranken Technical College and similar institutions across the nation.

Age Composition of Students at Ranken Technical College in 2023

The age distribution of students at Ranken Technical College reveals significant trends regarding the demographics of its student body. A striking observation is the overwhelming presence of younger students, particularly those aged 18-19, who constitute 54.2% of the total male enrollment and 64.2% of the total female enrollment. This suggests that the college is attracting a large number of recent high school graduates, which aligns with broader trends in higher education where younger students increasingly pursue technical and vocational programs.

As we look at the age groups from 20-24, there is still a considerable representation, with students aged 20-21 making up 30.6% of male students and 26.8% of female students. However, participation significantly declines in older age brackets. For instance, students aged 30-34 account for only 11.9% of male students and 15.9% of female students, indicating that as age increases, the number of students enrolling in technical programs diminishes, possibly due to career commitments or shifts in life priorities.

Moreover, the very small percentage of students over the age of 65 highlights the college's appeal to a younger demographic, which could be a reflection of the evolving job market that favors fresh skills and knowledge. This trend is consistent with national data showing that younger individuals are more likely to pursue higher education in fields with practical applications. Ranken Technical College, therefore, appears to be well-positioned to meet the demands of a rapidly changing workforce by focusing on these younger students.

International Student Trends at Ranken Technical College

The data from Ranken Technical College illustrates a notable trend in the enrollment of international undergraduate students over the years from 2017 to 2022. In 2017, the total number of undergraduate students was 1,791, with only three international students, resulting in a mere 0.17% of the student body. This percentage saw a slight increase in 2018, reaching 0.30% with five international students, but the growth remained modest. The highest recorded proportion of international students was in 2019, with seven students accounting for 0.41% of the total undergraduate enrollment.

However, the subsequent years reveal a concerning decline in both the number of international students and their percentage representation. By 2022, the percentage dropped to 0.16%, with only three international students among a total of 1,826 undergraduates. This downward trend raises questions about the factors influencing international student enrollment, particularly in a post-pandemic context where many institutions have struggled to attract students from abroad due to travel restrictions and shifting educational landscapes.

The decrease in international representation at Ranken Technical College reflects broader national trends, where many colleges and universities have faced challenges in maintaining their international student populations. It highlights the importance of developing strategies to promote diversity and enhance the appeal of institutions to prospective students from various countries. As educational opportunities continue to evolve globally, Ranken may need to consider initiatives to strengthen its international recruitment efforts and support services to foster a more inclusive environment.

Here are some notable schools near Ranken Technical College:

1. Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious university is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

2. Saint Louis University - With a ranking of 105, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a strong emphasis on community service and social justice.

3. University of Missouri-Columbia - Ranked 124th, this university is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings across various fields.

4. Bradley University - This university, ranked 185th, emphasizes experiential learning and has strong programs in engineering, business, and the liberal arts.

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - With a rank of 35, this university is renowned for its research, innovation, and a wide variety of undergraduate programs.

These schools contribute to a rich educational landscape in the St. Louis area, offering various opportunities for students looking to pursue higher education.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Ranken Technical College

The crime statistics at Ranken Technical College over the past decade reveal significant fluctuations in the incidence of various offenses. From 2013 to 2023, there has been a pronounced rise and fall in the crime rate per 1,000 students, with the highest recorded rate of 10.13 in 2019, a year that may have seen increased attention to campus safety or other contributing factors. The data indicates a concerning trend in 2014 with a spike in offenses, particularly in gun-related arrests, which could reflect broader societal issues regarding gun violence during that period.

Interestingly, the years following 2019 show a dramatic decrease in crime rates, dropping to 1.67 in 2020 and hovering around similar low numbers in subsequent years. This decline may suggest that measures taken by the college to enhance campus safety, such as improved security protocols or community engagement efforts, have been effective.

However, the re-emergence of offenses in 2023, with a slight increase to 2.75, raises questions about the sustainability of these safety improvements. It is essential for the college administration to analyze the underlying causes of these trends and to continually adapt their strategies to foster a safe learning environment.

Moreover, the data highlights the importance of addressing issues related to domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and alcohol abuse on campus, as these remain critical areas that require ongoing attention and resources.

For further insights into how these crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.