Ben Franklin Career Center : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Ben Franklin Career Center
Set near the Kanawha River in Dunbar, Ben Franklin Career Center is known for hands-on learning that feels like the workplace. Instruction leans into skilled trades, health sciences, information technology, and service industries, with a reputation for clear expectations and get-it-done training. Labs, shops, and simulation spaces carry the load, backed by advising, tutoring, and certification prep. It's a practical campus, tool-ready and focused on safety and quality.
Student life centers on professional clubs, skills competitions, and community projects rather than late-night lectures. The culture is friendly, no-nonsense, and team minded, welcoming recent grads and adult learners who want momentum. Career prep runs deep with employer visits, hiring events, and help with resumes and interviews, plus connections across the Charleston area. Off hours, students find riverfront parks, local trails, and a small but lively arts and food scene. What sets it apart is the tight loop between class, lab, and local industry. It just clicks.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Ben Franklin Career Center with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in West Virginia. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Mechanics (2)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0101
Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair Technology/Technician, General.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49-2092 | Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | $56,820 | $50,990 | -$5,830 (-10.3%) |
| 49-9099 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $53,270 | $50,280 | -$2,990 (-5.6%) |
47.0201
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49-9021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $62,690 | $46,130 | -$16,560 (-26.4%) |
Health (2)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.1009
Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist.
(AltPostBac)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $102,950 | -$34,950 (-25.3%) |
| 31-9097 | Phlebotomists | $44,390 | $35,730 | -$8,660 (-19.5%) |
51.3901
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-2061 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $64,150 | $52,190 | -$11,960 (-18.6%) |
Transportation (1)
Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems
49.0205
Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor.
(AltPostBac)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,710 | $62,640 | -$6,070 (-8.8%) |
| 53-3032 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $58,400 | $49,790 | -$8,610 (-14.7%) |
| 53-3033 | Light Truck Drivers | $47,950 | $43,540 | -$4,410 (-9.2%) |
| 53-3051 | Bus Drivers, School | $46,660 | $31,260 | -$15,400 (-33%) |
| 53-3052 | Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $58,390 | $39,390 | -$19,000 (-32.5%) |
| 53-3053 | Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $39,070 | $27,720 | -$11,350 (-29.1%) |
Production (1)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0508
Welding Technology/Welder.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51-4121 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $55,100 | $57,100 | +$2,000 (+3.6%) |
| 51-4122 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,270 | $62,050 | +$12,780 (+25.9%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ben Franklin Career Center
What academic programs and degree levels does Ben Franklin Career Center offer?
Ben Franklin Career Center offers 8 academic programs across 4 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (2 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (2 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (1 programs)
- Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Ben Franklin Career Center?
Ben Franklin Career Center provides financial aid to 42% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,118 and average loans of $0.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $6,102
- State/Local grants: $1,910
- Institutional grants: $831
The university supports 35 students with grants and 0 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Ben Franklin Career Center graduates?
Ben Franklin Career Center graduates earn a median salary of $28,611 after 6 years and $37,962 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $26,472 (25th percentile) to $55,046 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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