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$9,276Tuition
328Students
66%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$51,864Earnings
#2 in KansasPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Manhattan Area Technical College

Manhattan Area Technical College prepares students for hands-on careers in Kansas's agricultural heartland. With just 328 students, this technical college focuses on practical skills training rather than traditional academics. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention in programs that directly connect to regional job markets. Students here aren't pursuing four-year degrees but instead learning trades and technical skills that employers actively seek.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about return on investment. Students pay an average net price of $11,752 annually, regardless of whether they're from Kansas or elsewhere. Graduates typically earn $51,864 ten years after starting school, making the median debt load of $9,500 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $101 for those who borrow. The employment rate of 97.6% demonstrates strong job placement success in fields where skilled technicians command solid wages.

The student body reflects Kansas demographics, with 68% White students and growing Hispanic representation at 16%. Men slightly outnumber women at 57%. Nearly 99% of students come from Kansas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures students get direct mentorship as they develop marketable technical skills.

Academics & Faculty

Manhattan Area Technical College trains students for immediate entry into Kansas's workforce through hands-on career programs. The school specializes in technical fields like automotive technology, welding, healthcare support, and construction trades. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in lab-intensive courses that mirror real workplace conditions. The 66.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of technical training programs. Nearly 98% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. Students earn median salaries of $42,277 within one year of graduation, jumping to $51,864 after ten years. The college draws almost exclusively from Kansas, with 98.78% of the 328 students coming from in-state.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
66.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,864

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $55,036
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Associate $54,035
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $51,750
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Certificate $47,260
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Associate $41,007
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $34,526
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $29,141
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $25,194
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $19,227

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

Manhattan Area Technical College sits in a college town of 55,000 anchored by Kansas State University. The 328 students at MATC focus intensely on hands-on training rather than traditional campus life. With 98.78% of students coming from Kansas, most commute from nearby towns or live off-campus in Manhattan's affordable rental market.

The technical college operates more like a trade school than a social center. Students spend their days in labs and workshops mastering welding, automotive repair, and healthcare skills. Kansas winters require heavy coats and boots, while summers hit the 90s regularly. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know every student personally. Weekends often involve part-time work or internships since the 97.6% employment rate reflects strong industry connections. Students grab lunch at local spots on Poyntz Avenue or study at the nearby public library. The Bison may lack traditional college sports, but students bond over shared career goals and the satisfaction of building real skills with their hands.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
16°–40°F
July Avg
67°–91°F
Annual Precipitation
32.6"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Manhattan Area Technical College draws students primarily from Kansas, with nearly 99% coming from in-state. The student body tilts male at 57%, reflecting the school's focus on technical trades and industrial programs. About 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves a mix of working-class families seeking practical career training. The school attracts a diverse population, with students of color making up about 32% of enrollment. Most students choose MATC for its strong local reputation in preparing graduates for Kansas's manufacturing and technical industries.
Men
57.0%
Women
43.0%
White
68.3%
Black
9.2%
Hispanic
16.5%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
98.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
12.0%

Location

Manhattan sits in the heart of Kansas, about 125 miles west of Kansas City. This college town of 54,000 residents hosts Kansas State University, creating a active student atmosphere in the Flint Hills region. The rolling prairie landscape and limestone hills define this part of central Kansas. With 98.78% of MATC students coming from in-state, the college serves primarily local Kansas residents who stay close to home for technical training. The small city setting provides affordable living costs, reflected in the school's net price of $7,950 for families earning under $30,000. Manhattan's economy revolves around education, agriculture, and the nearby Fort Riley military installation. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Manhattan Area Technical College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Manhattan, Kansas 66503-2499

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,864
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,518
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$41,900
Loan Repayment Rate
48.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Manhattan Area Technical College?

Manhattan Area Technical College maintains an open enrollment policy for most programs, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 328 students in a small-city setting, making it an accessible option for hands-on career training. With 98.78% of students coming from Kansas, the school primarily serves local residents seeking technical skills.

How much does Manhattan Area Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,752 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,950 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $15,555. Monthly loan payments average only $101, reflecting the school's focus on affordable career preparation.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Manhattan Area Technical College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 17:1, providing decent access to instructors in technical programs. Classes emphasize hands-on learning in fields like automotive technology, welding, and healthcare. The college operates on a semester calendar system, allowing students to complete certificate and associate degree programs efficiently.

What are the job prospects for Manhattan Area Technical College graduates?

Graduates achieve an impressive 97.6% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technicians. Median earnings reach $51,864 ten years after graduation, demonstrating solid career advancement potential. The 66.10% six-year graduation rate shows that most students successfully complete their technical training programs.

Where is Manhattan Area Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Manhattan, Kansas, a small city that's also home to Kansas State University. With 57.01% male and 42.99% female students, the college reflects the gender composition typical of technical schools. The student body is 68.29% white, 16.46% Hispanic, and 9.15% Black, serving a diverse community in the region.

Does Manhattan Area Technical College offer good financial aid options?

Only 11.99% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating most come from middle-income families who can afford the relatively low tuition. Institutional grants averaging $6,445 go to 13.11% of students. The low federal loan rate of 14.52% suggests most students can complete their programs without taking on significant debt.