Greater Lowell Technical School

Greater Lowell Tech blends AP courses, dual enrollment, and honors tracks with 22 vocational programs—from engineering to cosmetology. The school’s mission explicitly ties technical skills to college readiness, with standout students like an engineering major pulling a 4.40 GPA while taking AP English. Early College (EC) options let students earn credits through partnerships with local colleges, though the Facebook community emphasizes pride in career preparedness as much as academics.

• Notable program: The School of Practical Nursing reports an 84% first-time pass rate for licensure exams, with graduates earning $36.73/hour.

Student life revolves around applied learning and leadership. The school’s core values—like 'respect' and 'responsibility'—are visibly operationalized in shop floors and labs. A viral Facebook post captured students leading their own tours, defying stereotypes by showcasing welding projects and HVAC systems. Freshmen get a detailed survival guide, including how to navigate the sprawling vocational campus. News highlights include monthly student awards and competitive skills-based events (e.g., auto tech competitions).

• Vibe: More 'hard hats' than 'homecoming'—think practical camaraderie over pep rallies.

Outcomes are the school’s trump card: a 97% graduation rate (above the state median) and 84% completion rate for certificate programs. Median earnings hit $69,121—nearly double the national average for vocational schools. Nursing grads outpace peers with $76,400 starting wages. The U.S. News ranking notes strong post-grad employment in trades, while College Scorecard data underscores ROI for in-state students.

• Standout stat: 63 nursing graduates in one cohort all landed jobs averaging $36.73/hour.

As a public vocational school, costs are far below college tuition—$25,984 per student annually (district-funded). Families can tap FAFSA-eligible aid, local scholarships (e.g., the College Club of Greater Lowell award for residents), and trade-specific grants. The nursing program offers dedicated financial aid guidance, though Niche notes net prices?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. vary by household income.

• Pro tip: The school’s counseling office provides cost-comparison tools for post-grad options.

Greater Lowell Tech redefines vocational ed by merging shop-floor rigor with college-prep academics. Its 97% graduation rate and $69K+ median earnings silence skeptics, while student-led tours showcase unpretentious pride. The nursing program’s 84% licensure pass rate and engineering students’ 4.4 GPAs prove technical doesn’t mean lesser. For families in Lowell’s suburbs, it’s a rare hybrid: a trade school that delivers both immediate paychecks and college credits.