At $11,752/yr net price, Manhattan Area Technical College graduates earn $51,864/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,864/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,752 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,864/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,864/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,950/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,261/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,887/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,807/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,555/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $12,300 |
| 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 | $5,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $25,194 | $9,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $19,227 |
The Risk Factor
66.1% of students at Manhattan Area Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Manhattan Area Technical College delivers solid financial returns through its focus on high-demand technical trades. With a net price of $11,752 annually and median debt of just $9,500, you'll graduate with manageable costs and strong earning potential in Kansas's job market.
The college's strongest ROI comes from dental support services and electrical programs, where graduates earn $54,000-$55,000 annually. These programs tap directly into Kansas utility and healthcare sectors that consistently need skilled workers. The nursing program also pays off well at $51,750, though it carries higher debt at $12,300.
Computer technology administration shows weaker returns at $41,007, making it the riskiest choice financially. You should consider whether this aligns with your career goals given the lower earning potential.
The main financial risk lies in the 66% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you'll still carry debt without the credentials needed for higher-paying positions. The college works best for hands-on learners who thrive in technical environments and want to enter Kansas's workforce quickly.
Only 12% of students receive financial aid, which suggests limited need-based support. However, the low sticker price makes this less concerning than at expensive schools. Community college students should explore Kansas state grants and workforce development funding, which often targets technical programs like those offered here.
This school fits you best if you want practical skills training for stable careers without the debt load of four-year programs. Skip it if you prefer academic theory or plan to transfer to a bachelor's program later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manhattan Area Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $11,752 per year and median earnings of $51,864 after 10 years, Manhattan Area Technical College offers solid ROI for a technical school. The low median debt of $9,500 makes it a relatively safe investment compared to four-year schools.
What are the highest paying programs at Manhattan Area Technical College?
Dental support services ($55,036) and electrical/power transmission installation ($54,035) are the top earners at Manhattan Area Technical College. These programs significantly outperform the school's average and justify the tuition cost.
How much debt do Manhattan Area Technical College graduates have?
Manhattan Area Technical College graduates leave with a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable given the earning potential. This low debt load reduces financial risk compared to most colleges.
What is Manhattan Area Technical College's graduation rate?
Manhattan Area Technical College has a 66% graduation rate, meaning about one in three students don't finish their program. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially for lower-paying programs like IT management.