About Ranken
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Directions/How do you get to Ranken?
A: Please see our directions page
Q: What programs does Ranken offer?
A: Ranken offers technical training in its five core divisions, Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology and Machining. See a list of degrees and certificates offered.
Q: How much does it cost to go to Ranken?
A: Current Ranken tuition & fee information can be found here.
Q: Does Ranken have financial aid available?
A: Yes, Ranken does have financial aid available. See our Financial Aid information page for details.
Q: Is Ranken accredited?
A: Yes, Ranken is accredited to offer both associate and bachelor degrees. Our credits and degrees transfer to many area colleges. You can learn more about our accreditation here.
Q: What type of scholarships does Ranken have to offer?
A: You can find information on some of the available scholarships here.
Q: What companies hire Ranken students? And what is the job placement rate for graduates?
A: Traditionally, 96-98% of Ranken graduates have jobs in their fields within 6 months of graduation. They are employed by a wide variety of local and regional businesses, including Anheuser-Busch, Emerson, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, various St. Louis area auto dealers, Trane, United Parcel Service and Siemens Manufacturing Co Inc. See a listing of companies that hire our graduates and a list of job opportunities per program.
Q: What is a typical class schedule? Will I have time to work a part-time job?
A: Hours can vary, in general you are here 6 hours a day, with 4 hours in your technical major daily and the rest in General Education Classes. Students do have time to have a part-time job, but we recommend no more than 20 hours per week.
Q: When should I apply to Ranken?
A: Ranken operates on an open admissions schedule, meaning that there is no application deadline, you can register for your program until the course is full. However, some of our courses can fill up to a year in advance, so it's best to apply and register as soon as you have determined what program you're interested in.
Q: How do I enroll? What do I need to do first to start the enrollment process?
A: Make an appointment to come in to tour the campus and talk to one of our admissions reps.
Q: How safe is the campus?
A: Ranken's campus has 24-hour security, including a gated, secure parking area.
Q: Do you have dorms for your students?
A: Yes. In 2009 Ranken opened it's first-ever student dormitory, Walker Hall. Read more about it here.
Q: What's the difference between full-time day school and continuing education?
A: Day school is full-time education, generally meeting Monday-Friday, 6 hours per day. It consists of 2 hours of general education courses and 4 hours of hands-on technical work. ACT/SAT scores, or a Ranken-administered placement test is required in order to be admitted. This 2 year commitment earns the student an associate degree. Continuing Education is part-time, 2 nights per week. (M/W or T/TH) Some areas require a math test for admission. Most majors are 2-year commitments, resulting in a certificate of completion. There are also options for students to achieve an associate degree in the evening, or a bachelor's degree.
Q: What's the difference between getting a certificate and an associate degree?
A: In obtaining an associate degree, students are required to take general education classes, and are here full-time. Their hands-on technical classes are more in-depth and they spend more time in the shop or lab. As 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 admissions, one exception being our Electrical division which requires math testing. In general we recommend our continuing education certificate program for working adults who wish to enhance their current skill-set or be trained for a new career.
Q: Does Ranken offer any bachelor's degrees?
A: Yes, at the present time Ranken offers two bachelors degrees. One is a bachelor's degree in Architectural Technology, (BSAT) which is a day-school continuation of our associate degree in Architectural Technology. The second is a bachelor's degree in Applied Management (BSAM) and is offered as an continuing education program after students obtain an associate degree.
