Frequently Asked Questions

Technical colleges teach students the practical applications of the principles they are learning through hands-on training. The training centers around authentic problem solving in the form of collaboration, troubleshooting, and brainstorming, using up-to-date equipment; these skills cannot be effectively taught virtually.

Ranken is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, so credits will typically transfer for any institution that shares the same accreditation. Credits are transferrable for students who meet the accreditation standards and course outcomes. Further, the college aligns its curriculum to standards set forth by national certifying agencies.

As partners on the project, Southern Boone School District, Ranken Technical College 

and the City of Ashland secured the $4.5 million Federal Economic Development Administration grant that makes the school possible. Our central Missouri communities are raising the balance of funds needed for site development; construction; and fixtures, furniture and equipment for the facility. Once the school opens – projected start date of January 2023 semester – Ranken will assume responsibility for all operating expenses. 

As with all nonprofit educational institutions, Ranken’s primary source of income is tuition. Ranken invests 100% of its resources to serve its students. In its first five years of operating the Wentzville facility, Ranken invested almost $15 million – a substantial return on investment for 

the community.

Initially, Southern Boone County R-1 School District will own the property. Once the project proves financially viable, Ranken will assume its debt and ownership long term. This start-up process ensures that all partners are investing in the ongoing success of the school.

Yes. The school has the option to purchase an additional 5-acre tract for expansion.

As is the norm in college settings, regardless of where they are from, students share classroom space based on the discipline they choose. All qualified students will have equal opportunity to enroll in the classes they choose to take.

Our intent is to address the ongoing gaps between trades and other vocations that require technical training. Programs offered may overlap among institutions where there are significant unmet needs identified by industry partners in the region.

High school students enrolled in the technical school will not be participating in on-the-job training; rather, will have access to career exploration field trips to employer sites. Adult students typically receive internships with employers and are then fully insured through workmen’s compensation.

Ranken is a private nonprofit college founded in 1907 by David Ranken, Jr to provide comprehensive educational programs and

the skills training necessary for its students to obtain rewarding technical careers. As a nonprofit institution, Ranken’s goal is to prepare students for success, not to make a profit. It invests any money it makes back in the school, facilities, and students.

Ranken appoints curriculum advisory boards at its satellite facilities.

Ranken accepts A+ funding, Pell grants, the GI bill and a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. 

Ranken partners with schools to offer a range of dual enrollment programs for adult and high school students. High school students can begin attending classes at Ranken for college credit during their senior year.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Ranken’s credits will typically transfer for any institution that shares the same accreditation. Credits are transferrable for students who meet the accreditation standards and course outcomes. Further, the college aligns its curriculum to standards set forth by national certifying agencies.

Ranken works with all employers, focusing on training students for successful, well-paying careers.

Community colleges usually offer a broader range of programs and academic subjects, offer certifications and twoyear degrees, and aim to prepare students to transfer to fouryear colleges.

Ranken Technical College focuses on hands-on training to prepare students for rapid entry into technical careers. Ranken offers certificates, two-year and four-year degrees, giving students a range of options to help them reach their

career goals.

In addition to serving adults already in the workforce, Ranken’s educational model integrates into the elementary school curriculum, with a range of STEM pipeline and industry experiences from sixth through twelfth grade. Students can earn up to $10,000 in scholarships by participating in these activities. 

“Ranken believes it is never too soon to encourage students to design, create, think and work together on projectbased activities that inspire them to pursue an exciting STEMfocused career.”

Ranken students have a 97% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The college offers lifetime job placement services to its former students.