Green River College vs Clover Park Technical College (CPTC)

Green River College and Clover Park Technical College, both esteemed institutions in Washington, offer diverse educational opportunities to students with unique aspirations. Green River, known for its comprehensive academic programs, boasts a higher acceptance rate, attracting a larger and more diverse student body. Clover Park, on the other hand, focuses on career-oriented technical programs, resulting in a higher graduation rate and a greater emphasis on hands-on learning. While both colleges offer a range of popular majors, Green River excels in liberal arts and sciences, while Clover Park specializes in healthcare, business, and technology. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover the nuances that set these institutions apart and make an informed decision about your educational journey.

	Clover Park Technical College	Green River College
Overview
Location	Lakewood, Washington	Auburn, Washington
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$19,480	In state: $20,094 Out of state: $20,556
Average net price	$8,701	$9,324
Tuition	$5,040	In state: $3,826 Out of state: $4,288
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	66.0% Average amount $5,743	35.0% Average amount $6,502
Students receiving federal student loan	12.0% Average amount $5,379	6.0% Average amount $3,832
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $10,503	1.0% Average amount $9,104

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,846 Men 38.5% Women 61.5%	6,559 Men 48.3% Women 51.7%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	0.0%	3.6%
International students	0.7%	10.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Washington	Washington California Oregon Idaho Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Computer and Information Science Health Professions Automotive Technology Engineering Technologies Culinary and Personal Services	Liberal Arts Business Computer and Information Science Health Professions Transportation and Logistics
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	31.1%	38.0%
Dropout rate	50.0%	34.8%
Transferred out	15.8%	18.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $43,941 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $54,617 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $41,859 Year 2: $43,000 Year 3: $48,938 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $50,570 Year 2: $46,478 Year 3: $48,609 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $40,501 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $45,873 Engineering Technology, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,938 Year 3: $42,876 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $40,525 Year 2: $34,847 Year 3: $37,287 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $36,701 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $35,735 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $37,216 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $34,649 Culinary Arts and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $29,709	Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Green River College and Clover Park Technical College?

Green River College offers a broader range of academic programs, including university transfer degrees, bachelor's degrees, and professional-technical programs. Clover Park Technical College primarily focuses on technical and vocational training, offering certificates and associate degrees designed for direct entry into specific industries. Think of Green River as a more comprehensive college, while Clover Park is highly specialized.
Which college is better for students planning to transfer to a four-year university?

Green River College is generally a better choice for students planning to transfer to a four-year university. They have a robust university transfer program with articulation agreements with many universities. While Clover Park Technical College may offer some transfer options, their primary focus is on career training.
Which college is better for students seeking immediate job skills and career training?

Clover Park Technical College excels in providing immediate job skills and career training. Their programs are designed in close collaboration with industry partners, ensuring graduates have the skills employers need. Green River College also offers career training programs, but Clover Park's focus is more specialized and intensive in technical fields.
What types of programs are offered at Green River College?

Green River College offers a wide variety of programs, including Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees for university transfer, Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees in fields like Software Development and Marketing & Entrepreneurship, and professional-technical programs in areas such as nursing, automotive technology, and aviation technology.
What types of programs are offered at Clover Park Technical College?

Clover Park Technical College focuses on technical and vocational programs leading to certificates and associate degrees. Examples include programs in aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and service industries. Their programs are designed to provide students with the specific skills needed for immediate employment in these fields.
How do the campus environments compare?

Green River College has a larger, more traditional campus with a wider range of student activities and services. Clover Park Technical College has a more focused and career-oriented environment, with facilities designed to simulate real-world work settings. Green River offers a more comprehensive college experience, while Clover Park is more directly tied to specific career paths.
What is the cost of attendance at Green River College versus Clover Park Technical College?

Tuition and fees can vary depending on the specific program and residency status. Generally, community and technical colleges in Washington State have similar tuition rates. It's best to check the official websites of both Green River College and Clover Park Technical College for the most up-to-date and accurate cost information, including any program-specific fees.
What kind of student support services are available at each college?

Both Green River College and Clover Park Technical College offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability support services, and financial aid assistance. Green River College, being a larger institution, may have a more extensive range of services, while Clover Park Technical College may offer more specialized support tailored to their technical programs.
How do I decide which college is right for me?

Consider your academic and career goals. If you plan to transfer to a four-year university, Green River College is likely a better fit. If you're seeking specific job skills and immediate entry into a technical field, Clover Park Technical College may be more suitable. Research the specific programs offered at each college, visit the campuses if possible, and talk to advisors to make an informed decision.
Do either of these colleges offer online courses?

Yes, both Green River College and Clover Park Technical College offer online courses. The availability of online courses may vary depending on the program. Check each college's website for a current list of online course offerings.

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