What Emerald Coast Technical College does

Emerald Coast Technical College (ECTC) is a public technical college operated by the Walton County School District in the Florida panhandle, delivering career and technical education (CTE) and adult education programs across two campuses: the Main Campus in DeFuniak Springs (761 N. 20th Street) and the Emerald Coast Technical College @ Magnet Innovation Center in Inlet Beach (133 S. Watersound Pkwy.). ECTC offers more than 18 CTE programs organized into six career clusters — Architecture & Construction (Electricity, HVAC/R 1 & 2, Plumbing), Health Science (Practical Nursing, Professional Nursing LPN-RN, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, Patient Care Technician), Information Technology (Applied Cybersecurity, Applied Information Technology, CSIT, Network Support Services), Manufacturing (Welding Technology and Welding Technology Advanced), Transportation/Distribution/Logistics (Master Automotive Service Technology 1 & 2), and Human Services (Cosmetology) — plus adult education offerings (GED, ESOL, IET, GATE) and the PACE postsecondary transition program for students with disabilities. Programs lead to industry-recognized certifications (ASE, AWS, NCCER, NCLEX, Florida Board of Nursing/Pharmacy, EPA 608, CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+) and use industry-standard equipment, including a state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab.

ECTC is governed by the Walton County School Board and holds Council on Occupational Education (COE) accreditation, reaffirmed in 2025, and Florida DOE approval. The college operates as part of a network of 17+ schools in the Walton County School District, with shared services and a dual-enrollment feeder pipeline from K-12 schools. Its underlying technology stack is standard educational administrative infrastructure: Canvas LMS for coursework, Focus School Software for SIS/enrollment, Microsoft 365 for student accounts, and integrations with Tungsten (VA Chapter 31 billing), IRS DDX (FAFSA tax data), and Employ Florida (placement verification). The GTM motion is a direct enrollment model via the district's online application portal, with twice-yearly starts (August and January), Student Services support, a Student Ambassador Program, and community/school-district outreach.

Revenue is generated through tuition and fees (in-state ranges roughly $1,308 to $9,876 by program), federal Pell Grants (School Code 041462), GI Bill benefits across chapters 30/31/33/35/1606, Florida state programs (FSAG-CE, FWEP, Open Door Grant, Bright Futures), WIOA funding via CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, Vocational Rehabilitation, and local scholarships (ECTC Opportunity Scholarship, Freeport Rotary Trade Scholarship at $1,500, CHELCO Scholarship). Six programs participate in Florida's Money-Back Guarantee, refunding tuition if graduates cannot obtain employment within six months. ECTC maintains business partnerships with Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast, Chautauqua Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Chelco, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Triangle Chevrolet-Buick, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, the Walton County Alliance, the Freeport Rotary Club, and the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation for clinical seats, scholarships, advisory input, and workforce pipelines. Financial oversight is provided through the Walton County School District Finance Director and School Board approval; there is no private equity, venture capital, or public-market ownership.

Name

Emerald Coast Technical College

Legal name

Emerald Coast Technical College

Website

https://ectc.edu

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Emerald Coast Technical College is a public technical college operated by the Walton County School District in the Florida panhandle, offering 18+ career and technical education programs in healthcare, IT, skilled trades, automotive, and cosmetology across two campuses, plus adult education and disability transition programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Career and Technical Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Community Colleges (Applied/CTE-Focused) (EDAHADAD)

Keywords

• Career technical education
• Adult education programs
• Skilled trades training
• Healthcare workforce training
• Industry certification programs

Headquarters

HQ city

DeFuniak Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Student Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees charged to students for CTE program enrollment. In-state tuition rates range from approximately $1,308 to $8,138 depending on program length and complexity. Additional costs include lab fees, assessment fees, books, uniforms, and supplies.
2. Federal Financial Aid: Federal Pell Grant funds received based on student FAFSA applications. ECTC Federal School Code: 041462. Pell Grants do not require repayment if students complete enrollment period.
3. State of Florida Programs: State-funded programs including Florida Student Assistance Grant - Career Education (FSAG-CE), Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP), Open Door Grant Program, and Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
4. Veteran Education Benefits: VA education benefits (GI Bill chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606) for eligible veterans, servicemembers, reservists, and dependents. ECTC serves as VA Certifying Official.
5. Workforce Programs: WIOA funding through CareerSource Okaloosa Walton and Vocational Rehabilitation programs for eligible students pursuing high-demand careers.
6. Local and Institutional Aid: ECTC Opportunity Scholarship and local scholarships from community businesses and organizations including Freeport Rotary Trade Scholarship ($1,500) and CHELCO Scholarship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Emerald Coast Technical College is a public technical college that delivers career and technical education (CTE) programs and adult education to adult learners and high school students across the Florida panhandle. Its core offering consists of clock-hour CTE programs spanning six career clusters—Architecture & Construction, Health Science, Human Services, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation/Distribution/Logistics—designed to lead students to industry certifications (ASE, AWS, CompTIA, NCCER, NCLEX, Florida state licensure). Enrollment is delivered at two campuses with twice-yearly start dates (August and January), supplemented by Adult Education programs (GED, ESOL, IET, GATE) and a PACE postsecondary transition program for students with disabilities.

Product overview

Emerald Coast Technical College is a technical college offering career and technical education (CTE) programs, adult education, and specialized support programs. The institution provides over 20 CTE programs across six career clusters: Architecture & Construction (Electricity, HVAC/R, Plumbing), Health Science (Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, Practical Nursing, Professional Nursing), Human Services (Cosmetology), Information Technology (Applied Cybersecurity, Applied Information Technology, CSIT, Network Support Services), Manufacturing (Welding Technology, Welding Technology-Advanced), and Transportation/Distribution/Logistics (Master Automotive Service Technology 1 & 2). Additional offerings include Specialized Career Education for students with disabilities, adult education (GED, ESOL, IET, GATE), and the PACE postsecondary transition program. The college operates two campuses and participates in Florida's Money-Back Guarantee and Open Door Grant programs. Programs lead to industry certifications including ASE, AWS, CompTIA, NCCER, NCLEX, and state licensure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Electricity Entry-level electrical skills program covering layout, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical wiring in residential and commercial applications. Prepares students for NCCER Electrical Certification and OSHA 10. 1200 clock hours / 45 weeks. Eligible for Florida's Money-Back Guarantee.
• Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) 1 Introduction to HVAC/R industry covering fundamentals, service practices, and EPA 608 certification preparation. 750 clock hours / 26 weeks.
• Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) 2 Advanced HVAC/R training covering intermediate and advanced service practices; builds on HVAC/R 1 competencies. 600 clock hours / 22 weeks. NCCER HVAC/R certification preparation.
• Plumbing Preparation for pipe trade occupations including reading construction documents, building codes, pipe cutting/joining, and plumbing layout/installation. NCCER Plumbing certification preparation. 1080 clock hours / 37 weeks.
• Patient Care Technician Cross-trained nursing assistant program preparing for CNA, Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), Certified EKG Technician (CET), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certifications through the National Health Career Association. 600 clock hours / 22 weeks. Financial aid eligible.
• Pharmacy Technician Program covering metric system, medical terminology, medicinal drugs, pharmaceutical compounding, sterile techniques, IV preparation, and pharmacy operations. Regulated by the Florida Board of Pharmacy (CPhT registration required after completion). 1050 clock hours / 36 weeks. Eligible for Florida's Money-Back Guarantee.
• Phlebotomy Blood collection training for hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. Prepares for NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam. 165 clock hours / 5 weeks. Includes textbook and one NHA test; eligible for Money-Back Guarantee.
• Professional Nursing (LPN-RN) Advanced nursing program for Licensed Practical Nurses to earn Registered Nurse credentials. Hybrid schedule with clinical and online coursework. 900 clock hours / 52 weeks. Main Campus only. Financial aid pending approval for 2026-2027. NCLEX-RN certification pathway.
• Practical Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse preparation with clinical experience in acute care, long term care, and community settings. Prepares for NCLEX-PN through the Florida Board of Nursing. 1350 clock hours / 45 weeks. Eligible for Money-Back Guarantee; VA benefits eligible.
• Cosmetology Hair, facial, and nail care training delivered in a full-service student salon. Prepares for Florida cosmetology state licensing exam through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. 1200 clock hours / 45 weeks. Eligible for Money-Back Guarantee.
• Applied Cybersecurity Security and networking technology program preparing for CompTIA Security+ certification. Prerequisites include CompTIA Network+ or equivalent. 750 clock hours / 26 weeks. Delivered at Main Campus and expanding to Magnet Innovation Center - Watersound in August 2026.
• Applied Information Technology IT program covering computer hardware, software applications, web development, programming, systems support, network concepts, and cybersecurity. CompTIA A+ preparation. 600 clock hours / 22 weeks.
• Computer Systems & Information Technology (CSIT) Help desk and support technician preparation covering communication, leadership, and employability skills, alongside technical content. Prepares for CompTIA A+ certification. 900 clock hours / 30 weeks.
• Network Support Services Network administrator and technician preparation covering network concepts and administration. Prerequisite: CompTIA A+ or equivalent experience. CompTIA Network+ preparation. 1050 clock hours / 36 weeks. Financial aid and VA benefits eligible.
• Welding Technology Entry-level welding program covering SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW techniques. AWS Certified Welder certification preparation. 1050 clock hours / 36 weeks. Eligible for Money-Back Guarantee.
• Welding Technology - Advanced Advanced welding techniques including pipe welding and stainless steel fabrication, building on basic welding skills. AWS Certified Welder certification. 750 clock hours / 26 weeks.
• Master Automotive Service Technology 1 Automotive service technology covering brake systems, suspension, electrical/electronic systems, and engine repair. ASE accredited program. 1050 clock hours / 36 weeks.
• Master Automotive Service Technology 2 Advanced automotive training covering engine performance, transmission, drivetrain, and HVAC. ASE accredited. Builds on Master Automotive Service Technology 1. 750 clock hours.
• Specialized Career Education, Comprehensive Modified CTE program for students with significant cognitive/learning disabilities requiring accommodations. Goal is integrated competitive employment. 900 clock hours.
• Specialized Career Education, Extended Extended modified CTE program for students with significant cognitive/learning disabilities needing additional support and modifications. Individualized plan of study. 1800 clock hours.
• GED Preparation Adult basic education and GED test preparation program aligned to Florida Adult Education Curriculum Frameworks.
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) English language learning program for adult learners covering grammar, writing, reading, speaking, and listening at ESOL Levels 1-6. Unit-based pricing ($45 tuition, $30 placement testing, $10 parking pass; total approx $85 to start).
• Integrated Education and Training (IET) Concurrent adult education and workforce training program allowing students to earn GED while working toward industry credentials, with contextualized Phlebotomy instruction.
• Graduation Alternative To Traditional Education (GATE) Program for 16-21 year-olds who left high school, allowing simultaneous enrollment in CTE and adult secondary education to earn both diploma and career credentials.
• PACE - Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program Inclusive postsecondary transition program for students with intellectual, developmental, or significant learning disabilities. Three pathways: Work & Transition Focus, Blended Career & Transition Skills, and Supported CTE Completion.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% completion rate for Electricity program, 95-100% for Practical Nursing
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CareerSource Okaloosa WaltoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development partner providing WIOA funding for eligible students. Located at 109 8th Ave., Shalimar, FL 32579. Assists with employment services and training funding for ECTC students pursuing high-demand careers.
• Chelco (Covington County Electric Cooperative)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal electric cooperative providing scholarship programs for ECTC students who are members or dependents of members. Awards based on CHELCO membership and attendance at CHELCO Annual Meeting. Contact: 1350 W. Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435.
• Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald CoastcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting nursing and allied health programs. Provides clinical training opportunities and workforce pipeline for healthcare graduates.
• Triangle Chevrolet-BuickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive business partner supporting Master Automotive Service Technology programs with potential for employment pipeline and industry input.
• O'Reilly Auto PartsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive parts supplier partner supporting automotive technology programs with potential for employment and industry connections.
• Chautauqua Rehabilitation & Nursing CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting healthcare programs with clinical training and employment opportunities.
• Walton County AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business alliance supporting workforce development and economic growth in Walton County.
• Freeport Rotary ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Rotary organization offering $1,500 Trade Scholarship for students pursuing skilled trade or technical programs. Application deadline April 30, 2027.
• Mike Rowe WORKS FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational foundation providing scholarship opportunities for students pursuing skilled trades including welding, HVAC/R, electricity, automotive, IT, and healthcare programs.
• Walton County School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization operating ECTC. ECTC is part of a network of 17+ schools in the district including high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and virtual school. District provides governance, finance, and operational support.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Atlantic Technical College: Atlantic Technical College is a public technical college in Broward County, FL with COE accreditation. It offers a comparable scope of CTE programs (healthcare, automotive, IT, trades) and serves similar adult learner and high school dual enrollment segments.
• Traviss Technical College: Traviss Technical College is a public technical college in Polk County, FL with a similar scope of CTE programs serving adult learners. Its healthcare, IT, and trades programs overlap directly with ECTC's offerings and structure.
• Fred K. Marchman Technical College: Marchman Technical College is a public technical institution in Pasco County, FL offering similar CTE programs in healthcare, IT, trades, and cosmetology. It shares ECTC's adult learner focus, COE accreditation, and reliance on Pell and state aid funding.
• Orange Technical College: Orange Technical College is a public technical college in Orlando, FL with multiple campuses operating under a school district model. It offers an analogous portfolio of CTE programs in healthcare, IT, trades, and cosmetology, serving the same target population of adult learners and dual enrollment students.
• Lorenzo Walker Technical College: Lorenzo Walker Technical College is a public technical college in Naples, FL with COE accreditation and a similar portfolio of programs including nursing, IT, automotive, and cosmetology. It mirrors ECTC's structure as a Florida public technical institution.
• Robert Morgan Educational Center: Robert Morgan Educational Center is a public technical college in Miami-Dade serving high school and adult students with CTE programs. It operates under a school district structure similar to ECTC and offers comparable healthcare, IT, and trades programs.

Regional players

• Okaloosa Technical College: Okaloosa Technical College is a public technical college in Okaloosa County, FL in the same Florida panhandle region as ECTC. It offers a directly comparable CTE program portfolio and competes for the same student population in adjacent counties.
• Florida Gateway College: Florida Gateway College is a public college in North Florida offering CTE and workforce programs alongside academic degrees. It serves a similar rural Florida population and competes for students in healthcare, trades, and IT programs.

Broad incumbents

• Gulf Coast State College: Gulf Coast State College is a broader public college in Bay County, FL with technical and vocational programs alongside academic degrees. It competes for workforce education students in the same Florida panhandle region as ECTC.
• Pensacola State College: Pensacola State College is a broader public postsecondary institution in the Florida panhandle that offers CTE programs alongside academic transfer degrees. It serves a similar geographic region as ECTC and competes for healthcare and trades students in the panhandle.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/EmeraldCoastTechnicalCollege
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wcsd-emerald-coast-technical-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/ectcfl

Compliance17 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Emerald Coast Technical College