Applied Tech

Expect a workmanlike campus culture focused more on skill-building than traditional college socializing. While niche programs like those at similar schools foster 'supportive and kind' environments, Applied Tech's vibe likely mirrors its vocational mission: collaborative but pragmatic. The school seeks students with 'strong interpersonal skills' and 'commitment to excellence,' hinting at a cohort of mature, goal-oriented peers. Don't count on Greek life or D1 sports—extracurriculars here probably align with professional development.

While hard data on Applied Tech's graduate earnings is scarce, comparable applied technology programs show 81% employment rates for diploma holders, with many grads landing in the $40,000–$50,000 salary range early-career. The nursing program's licensure track suggests stronger earnings potential, given national demand for LPNs. However, the school's focus on vocational credentials over degrees may limit upward mobility—this is a place for quick job placement, not academic prestige.

Applied Tech offers a net price calculator to estimate costs after aid, typical of schools serving non-traditional students. While exact figures aren't published, the trade college model generally keeps prices below four-year institutions—expect tuition focused on direct training costs rather than amenities. Financial aid likely includes federal grants and loans, with limited institutional scholarships. The ROI calculus here is straightforward: lower upfront cost for faster workforce entry.

Applied Tech occupies a unique niche between vocational school and selective college. Its 41% acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. is vanishingly rare among trade programs, suggesting it curates cohorts carefully—unlike the 'anyone can enroll' approach of many technical colleges. The Practical Nursing program's admissions requirements (diploma mandatory, no test-flexible cop-out) signal rigor, while flexible applied technology tracks accommodate career-changers. For students who want skills, not semesters of gen eds, this is a scrappy alternative to community college.