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Pennco Tech-Bristol

Bristol, Pennsylvania · www.penncotech.edu

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Undergraduates

771

Student-faculty ratio 16:1

Peer median 21 : 1

Graduation rate

78.0%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 78.0%

Peer median 66.7%

“Peers” are all 44 private two-year technical schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Pennco Tech-Bristol, located in Bristol, Pennsylvania, is a well-respected technical institution that emphasizes practical skills and training tailored for the job market. The college is renowned for its hands-on approach to education, particularly in fields such as automotive technology, electrical technology, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that mirror real-world environments, allowing them to gain the necessary experience to excel in their respective industries. The institution prides itself on its small class sizes, which foster personalized attention from instructors, many of whom are industry professionals with extensive experience.

In addition to its strong academic offerings, Pennco Tech-Bristol is committed to creating a vibrant campus culture that supports student engagement and success. The college promotes a collaborative learning environment where students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities and networking events. This not only enhances their educational experience but also aids in building valuable connections within their chosen fields. The college's focus on job placement services ensures that graduates have the resources they need to transition smoothly into the workforce, contributing to the high employment rates of its alumni. With a strong emphasis on technical education and a supportive community, Pennco Tech-Bristol remains a leading choice for students seeking to advance their careers through skilled trades.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Pennco Tech-Bristol

The data from Pennco Tech-Bristol reveals significant trends in student demographics, graduation rates, retention rates, and the student-to-faculty ratio over the years.

Firstly, the fluctuating number of undergraduate students is noteworthy. In 2013, there were 468 students, peaking at 566 in 2022, but then dropping to 515 in 2023. This inconsistency suggests potential challenges in attracting and retaining students, which could be influenced by various factors, including market demand for specific programs or economic conditions.

The gender ratio among undergraduate students shows a substantial male dominance, with males constituting approximately 88% by 2023. While there has been a slight increase in female enrollment over the years, the disparity remains significant. This trend may reflect broader societal issues regarding gender representation in certain fields of study, particularly in technical and vocational education.

Graduation rates portray a concerning decline, particularly in timely graduation, which plummeted from approximately 78.8% in 2013 to just 17.0% in 2023. Such a drastic decrease raises questions about the academic support provided to students and the overall quality of education. Similarly, retention rates have shown volatility, dropping to as low as 64.8% in 2018, although they recovered to around 74.6% in 2023. These metrics indicate that while some students may enroll, the institution faces challenges in keeping them engaged and successfully guiding them to graduation.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively high, with a ratio of 10:1 by 2023. This suggests a potential concern regarding the level of individual attention students receive, which can significantly impact both retention and graduation rates.

In summary, while Pennco Tech-Bristol has experienced growth in student numbers, the alarming trends in graduation and retention rates alongside the gender imbalance and high student-to-faculty ratio highlight areas requiring urgent attention to ensure student success and institutional sustainability.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Philadelphia, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 25 mi
Bristol, Pennsylvania
Academic calendar
Continuous
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Danielle Cattell (Director)
Phone
2157850111
City
Bristol, Pennsylvania
Address
3815 Otter St, Bristol, PA 19007

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Certificate5190 international (0.0%)
Top 6 Certificate majors by graduates
Electrician
200
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician
123
Welding Technology/Welder
88
Plumbing Technology/Plumber
55
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
47
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Academic Graduation Trends in Automotive Mechanics Technology

The data from Pennco Tech-Bristol reveals a noteworthy trend in the field of Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology. In 2023, the program recorded a total of 28 graduates earning an associate degree, while there were no graduates at the bachelor, master, or doctorate levels, including international students. This clearly indicates a strong focus on vocational education, which is essential in the automotive sector.

The absence of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates suggests that the automotive mechanics program is tailored primarily for those seeking immediate employment in the industry rather than for those pursuing advanced academic qualifications. This aligns with the growing demand for skilled technicians in the automotive field, where hands-on experience and technical expertise are highly valued.

The lack of international students completing higher degrees in this domain may reflect broader trends in vocational training, where students often prioritize practical skills over theoretical knowledge. As the automotive industry evolves with advancements in technology and sustainability, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, there may be opportunities for these graduates to further their education in specialized areas, potentially leading to a higher number of bachelor and advanced degree graduates in the future.

Overall, the data highlights a significant commitment to technical education at the associate level, catering to an industry that is increasingly reliant on skilled tradespeople. As the automotive sector continues to grow and change, it will be interesting to see how educational institutions adapt their programs to meet these emerging demands.

Students

771 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 89:11 · Freshman retention 31.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (771)

White
354 · 45.9%
Hispanic
187 · 24.3%
Black
171 · 22.2%
Two or more races
33 · 4.3%
Asian
21 · 2.7%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Pennco Tech-Bristol in 2023

The student demographics at Pennco Tech-Bristol for the year 2023 reveal significant insights into the composition of the student body, particularly among the undergraduate freshmen and students. There are a total of 215 undergraduate freshmen, with an impressive 89.3% identifying as male, while only 10.7% are female. This gender disparity raises important questions about the inclusivity and appeal of technical education to diverse groups.

In terms of ethnic diversity, the freshmen cohort predominantly consists of white students, with 111 out of 215 students belonging to this group. This represents approximately 51.6% of the total freshman class. The underrepresented groups, including Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islanders, and African American students, indicate a need for targeted outreach and support to foster a more inclusive educational environment.

The undergraduate older students' segment comprises 300 individuals, with a male representation of 86.3%, while females make up 13.7%. The total number of older students includes a significant number of white students as well, suggesting a similar trend as seen in the freshmen group.

Overall, the data from Pennco Tech-Bristol highlights a clear gender imbalance and a predominance of white students in its population. As educational institutions increasingly emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, Pennco Tech-Bristol may benefit from initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining a more diverse student body. This could not only enhance the learning environment but also prepare students for working in an increasingly multicultural workforce.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Pennco Tech-Bristol in 2023

The age demographic data from Pennco Tech-Bristol for the year 2023 reveals interesting trends in student enrollment. The majority of undergraduate male students fall within the 18-19 age category, accounting for approximately 56.4% of the total male students. This suggests that the institution attracts a significant number of recent high school graduates, likely due to its vocational programs appealing to young adults seeking immediate employment.

In contrast, the representation of female undergraduate students is notably lower, with only 10.4% of the total female students in the 18-19 age group. This disparity highlights a potential gender gap in enrollment, which is a common issue in technical and vocational education. The trend continues into older age brackets, where there are minimal female students in higher age categories, suggesting that women may face barriers to entering or persisting in technical fields.

The data also indicates a sharp decline in enrollment for those aged 50-64 and above 65, with only 8 and 1 students respectively. This could reflect the nature of technical training programs, which typically attract younger individuals looking to build careers.

Overall, the age composition at Pennco Tech-Bristol underscores the importance of addressing gender disparities and encouraging diverse age participation in vocational education, aligning with broader discussions around inclusivity and workforce readiness in the current job market.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 44 private two-year technical schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

International Student Representation at Pennco Tech-Bristol

The data from 2008 highlights the presence of international students at Pennco Tech-Bristol, indicating a modest representation within the undergraduate community. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 445 students, only 3 were international, making up approximately 0.67% of the undergraduate population. This figure suggests that the institution had a very limited international reach at that time, which could be attributed to various factors such as the school's focus, outreach programs, or global reputation.

Moreover, the absence of data regarding graduate students raises questions about the institution's overall appeal to international scholars. While many technical colleges have been enhancing their global engagement strategies, it appears that Pennco Tech-Bristol may have had challenges attracting international graduate students in 2008.

In a broader context, as globalization continues to influence education, many institutions are striving to increase their international student enrollment, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences these students bring to the campus. The low percentage at Pennco Tech-Bristol could suggest potential areas for growth, particularly if the institution aims to enhance its global presence and foster a more diverse academic environment.

Overall, the data from 2008 serves as a snapshot into the international student landscape at Pennco Tech-Bristol, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges faced by the institution in promoting an inclusive educational experience. Moving forward, strategic initiatives could be developed to attract a more diverse student body, enriching the learning environment for all students.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$12.6M

Tuition and fees
$11.5M90.9%
Sales and services of educational activities
$818K6.5%
Investment return
$46K0.4%
Other
$281K2.2%

Expenses$13.7M

Institutional support
$7.3M53.4%
Academic support
$2.2M16.3%
Student services
$2.0M14.6%
Instruction
$1.8M13.5%
Public service
$2K0.0%
Other
$304K2.2%

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Pennco Tech-Bristol:

  1. University of Pennsylvania - Ranked 6th in the 2024 US News rankings, this Ivy League institution is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and prestigious faculty.

  2. Princeton University - Holding the 1st rank, Princeton is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and its vibrant campus life.

  3. Temple University - Ranked 89th, Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, offering a diverse range of programs and a dynamic urban environment.

  4. Drexel University - With a rank of 98, Drexel is known for its co-operative education program, providing students with valuable real-world experience while studying.

  5. Villanova University - Ranked 67th, Villanova is a private Catholic university recognized for its strong academic programs, especially in business, law, and engineering.

  6. Swarthmore College - This liberal arts college is ranked 4th and is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social responsibility.

  7. Haverford College - Ranked 21st, Haverford is a highly respected liberal arts college known for its strong community and emphasis on honor and integrity.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and unique campus experiences to complement the educational opportunities at Pennco Tech-Bristol.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 44 private two-year technical schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Statistics at Pennco Tech-Bristol

The crime statistics at Pennco Tech-Bristol reveal a relatively low incidence of criminal activities over the years. From 2013 to 2023, the data shows a total of only four reported incidents, with the majority of years indicating no recorded crime. The peak occurred in 2014 with a crime rate of 3.58 per 1,000 students, primarily due to a single gun-related arrest. This is a stark contrast to the subsequent years, where the crime rate dropped to zero, suggesting significant improvements in campus safety or possibly an effective implementation of preventive measures.

It is worth noting that the absence of reported incidents from 2015 onwards may reflect a positive trend in campus security and student behavior. However, it could also raise questions about the reporting practices or the student population's awareness of criminal activities. With most of the subcategories showing no incidents, including drug arrests, alcohol-related offenses, and violent crimes, the overall environment at the institution seems to be safe.

In the broader context of campus safety nationwide, such low crime rates can contribute positively to prospective students and their families' decision-making processes when choosing an institution. It is essential for universities to maintain transparency and continuously work towards ensuring a safe educational environment.

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

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.