What is Perry Technical Institute?
Perry Technical Institute is a private, non-profit technical school in Yakima, Washington, which offers 11 specialized training programs. A technical school is a post-secondary school that trains students for specific trades or occupations.
How does a technical school differ from a college or university?
Technical schools offer fast-track programs that concentrate on specialized skills rather than a broad range of academic subjects. Many technical schools offer Certificates of Completion rather than Associate or Bachelor’s degrees. However, credits in some programs can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree at Yakima Valley Community College.
How do I go about scheduling a tour of the Perry campus?
You may schedule a tour online by clicking Schedule a Tour on the Prospective Students tab. Or call the Enrollment Office at 509.453.0374 or toll-free 800.528.8586.
Does Perry Tech offer night classes?
Perry Technical Institute offers evening sessions of the Automotive Technology Program and the Welding Technology Program. For details, contact the Admissions Office at 509.453.0374 or toll-free 800.528.8586.
How do I find out the next available start date for a program?
To determine the next available start date for a program, call the Enrollment Office at 509.453.0374 or toll-free 800.528.8586.
Is there housing on campus?
Perry Tech does not offer on-campus housing, but students may apply for housing in the dorm at Yakima Valley Community College, located 1.5 miles from the Perry campus. There are also a variety of reasonably priced apartments and homes for rent near the school. To access links to websites listing available housing, visit the Resources page on the Prospective Students tab.
How do I apply for grants and scholarships?
To apply for grants, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Grants are awarded based on income. Scholarships that come to Perry from outside sources are listed on the Available Scholarships page on the Students tab. You can ask questions and obtain applications from the Foundation Office, located across the hall from the Main Office. Twice a year, currently enrolled students who have completed at least one term may apply for scholarships from Perry Technical Foundation. Additional information on the Foundation Scholarships is available on the Foundation Scholarships page on the Students tab, by visiting the Foundation Office or by emailing the Foundation.
When should I complete the FAFSA and for which year should I apply?
You can apply online as early as January 1st, however, you should wait until you have completed your income tax return. FAFSA years are July 1st through June 30th, so if you need financial aid for any terms prior to July 1st always apply for the first year available. You will also want to apply for the second year as it will fund fall and after.
How many times do I have to fill out a FAFSA?
That depends on your start date and program length. Perry is not a traditional fall start school; we have year-round start dates. Keep in mind that the FAFSA year starts July 1st, so if you are starting June 11th and you are in a one-year program you will need to apply for the first year available for summer term, and the second year for the remainder of your year. If this is a two-year program, you’ll need to apply one more time the following year. A student in a fall start, one-year program would only have to fill out one FAFSA.
Can I be considered independent on the FAFSA if my parents don’t pay for my living expenses and/or they don’t claim me on their tax return?
Dependency for federal financial aid is determined by how you answer the dependency questions listed on the FAFSA and has nothing to do with how you are claimed on a tax return or whether or not you live with your parent(s). For more information, visit www.fafsa.gov.
What if my financial aid isn’t enough to cover my expenses? Can I get more loans?
You can request information about additional loans that you can apply for, some of which are based on credit, by emailing our Loan Coordinator.
Does Perry accept the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
Perry qualifies for all chapters of veteran’s aid including Chapter 33, the Post 9/11 GI Bill. For details and instructions, email Perry’s VA Representative.
I’ve heard there may be outside agencies that will provide me with financial help to attend school. How do I find out about those resources?
You may qualify for agency assistance if one or more of the following are true:
- I lost my job (layoff).
- The business I was working for closed.
- I am a single parent receiving medical coupons for my child(ren), food stamps, or subsidized housing.
- I am on unemployment.
- I have a physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult to find or keep a job.
- I am a veteran with a service-connected disability rating.
- I have been in foster care.
- I am an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.
- I am 14-21 years old and my family qualifies as low income.
If you think you may qualify or would like more information about these programs, contact our Program Liaison.