Skip to main content
314Students
77%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,616Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Northwest Kansas Technical College

Northwest Kansas Technical College prepares students for hands-on careers in agriculture, automotive technology, and diesel mechanics. The school enrolls 314 students in a remote town setting where practical skills matter more than theory. Students learn to fix the machines that keep rural America running. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know every student by name and can spot when someone struggles with a complex repair.

Students pay an average net price of $12,222 after financial aid, which represents solid value for career training. Graduates earn a median of $38,616 ten years after graduation, easily covering the typical $12,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average just $127, manageable on a technician's salary. The 98.4% employment rate shows employers actively recruit these graduates.

The student body reflects the region's agricultural roots and growing diversity. Men make up 77% of enrollment, typical for technical programs in diesel and automotive repair. Hispanic students represent 26% of the campus, reflecting demographic changes in western Kansas. The school fields seven NJCAA sports teams with 117 total athletes competing on $540,625 in athletic scholarships. Students live in dorms with capacity for 223, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows the local mechanic shops by name.

Academics & Faculty

Northwest Kansas Technical College specializes in hands-on career training that gets students into the workforce fast. The school focuses on technical programs like diesel technology, automotive repair, welding, and agricultural mechanics that match the region's agricultural and transportation industries. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, students get direct attention from instructors who are often industry professionals. The 76.90% graduation rate reflects the college's practical approach to education. Most programs can be completed in two years or less. An impressive 98.4% employment rate shows employers value the school's graduates. The curriculum emphasizes real-world skills over theory, preparing students for immediate entry into skilled trades.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
44.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
76.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,616

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $45,696
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $35,518

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Northwest Kansas Technical College sits in Goodland, a farming town 350 miles from Denver and 200 miles from Wichita. With housing capacity for 223 students and total enrollment of 314, about 70% of students live on campus in this close-knit community. The campus feels like a small trade school where everyone knows each other's name.

Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so pack heavy coats for the long Kansas winters. The college's 117 athletes across seven NJCAA sports teams create much of the weekend social scene, with athletic scholarships totaling $540,625 supporting these programs. Men make up 77% of the student body, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades like diesel technology and automotive repair.

Students often drive to nearby Colby for shopping or entertainment since Goodland offers limited nightlife options. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know students personally and provide hands-on training in well-equipped labs. Campus life revolves around practical learning, with students spending more time in workshops than lecture halls preparing for immediate employment after graduation.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
223 beds

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
16°–42°F
July Avg
61°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
19.7"
Annual Snowfall
35.5"

Student Demographics

Northwest Kansas Technical College draws students from across the region for hands-on career training, with 55% coming from out-of-state. The student body is 77% male, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades like diesel technology and agriculture equipment. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking practical career preparation. The diverse mix includes 26% Hispanic and 11% Black students alongside a 53% white majority. These students come for direct pathways to well-paying technical careers without the debt load of four-year programs.
Men
77.4%
Women
22.6%
White
52.9%
Black
11.5%
Hispanic
26.1%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
44.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
22.6%

Location

Northwest Kansas Technical College sits in Goodland, a remote farming community about 340 miles west of Kansas City. The town has roughly 4,500 residents and serves as a center for the surrounding agricultural region. Goodland lies just 17 miles from the Colorado border in an area known for wheat farming and cattle ranching. The college draws 44.54% of its students from within Kansas, though many come from neighboring states seeking technical training. The remote prairie setting means limited entertainment options but strong community ties. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Northwest Kansas Technical College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Goodland, Kansas 67735
Fort Hays Tech Northwest Administration Building
Fort Hays Tech Northwest Administration Building

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,616
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,398
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,500
Loan Repayment Rate
49.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Northwest Kansas Technical College?

Northwest Kansas Technical College maintains open enrollment for most programs, welcoming students who are serious about hands-on career training. With only 314 students enrolled, the college provides personalized attention in a close-knit learning environment. The school focuses on practical skills development rather than traditional academic prerequisites.

How much does Northwest Kansas Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,222 annually after financial aid is applied. The median debt at graduation is just $12,000, lower than most colleges. Monthly loan payments average only $127, making this technical education remarkably affordable for career-focused training.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwest Kansas Technical College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 11:1, ensuring hands-on instruction in technical programs. This small class environment allows instructors to provide individual guidance on complex machinery and specialized equipment. The college emphasizes practical learning over large lecture halls typical at four-year institutions.

What job prospects do Northwest Kansas Technical College graduates have?

Graduates achieve an impressive 98.4% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technical workers. The median earnings reach $38,616 within ten years of graduation, demonstrating solid earning potential in trade careers. The college's 76.90% six-year completion rate shows students successfully finish their technical programs.

Does Northwest Kansas Technical College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for up to 223 students on campus, accommodating most of the 314-student enrollment. This residential option is valuable given Goodland's remote location in western Kansas. Living on campus helps students focus on intensive technical training programs without commuting concerns.

What sports programs does Northwest Kansas Technical College offer?

The college fields 7 varsity sports teams competing in NJCAA athletics with 117 total student-athletes participating. Athletic scholarships total $540,625, providing significant financial support for student-athletes. The sports programs serve the predominantly male student body, which comprises 77.39% of enrollment, while building school spirit in this small technical college community.