Career Colleges » Pennsylvania » City of Altoona
Looking for accredited career colleges, technical schools, and universities in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Each degree from a Altoona, Pennsylvania Career College, a post-secondary for-profit institution, offers an education with an in-demand career field.
At career colleges in Pennsylvania, you typically don't take general education classes in core subjects such as English and math. Instead, you focus on career-related courses.
Altoona, Pa., is known for more than just railroads and the headquarters of the popular convenience store, Sheetz, Inc. A town of more than 45,000 people, Altoona provides a fulfilling atmosphere for people in all walks of life: students, workers and those that are retired.
The largest college in Altoona is Penn State Altoona. A school of over 4,000 students, Penn State Altoona offers 21 bachelor's degree programs and six associate degree programs in subjects that include business and nursing. The school boasts more than 100 clubs and 16 varsity athletic teams. Tuition costs about $13,000 a year for in-state students and $20,000 for out-of-state students, during the 2011-12 year.
YTI Career Institute has a campus in Altoona. There, students can choose from eight associate degrees and diplomas in a number of subjects, ranging from business administration to dental assisting. Tuition costs just over $11,000 a year for the 2011-12 year. Altoona helps add to the intellectual environment of Pennsylvania, contributing to the average tuition and fees of the state for 2011-12: $12,079 for public four-year in-state colleges, $32,559 for private nonprofit four-year colleges, and $3,663 for public two-year in-state colleges.
The main industries in Altoona are educational services, health care and social assistance, which makes up over a quarter of the workforce. Some of the largest employers in town are Norfolk Southern, the Altoona School District and Penn State Altoona. Some of Altoona's smaller businesses do well also, such as Benzel's Pretzels and Cove Shoe. During 2011, Altoona thrived, with all non-government industries increasing in numbers. And so the town continues to expand beyond its railroad roots into a academic and business environment.