Salina Area Technical College: $7,020 Tuition

$7,020Tuition

352Students

72%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,175Earnings

#4 in KansasPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Salina Area Technical College

Salina Area Technical College prepares students for hands-on careers across Kansas through focused technical training programs. The college serves 352 students in a town-remote setting, emphasizing practical skills over traditional academics. Students can choose from programs designed to meet regional workforce demands, with instruction that prioritizes real-world application.

The financial picture looks manageable for most Kansas families. Students pay around $7,018 after aid, regardless of family income level. Graduates earn a median of $42,175 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $7,000 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average just $74, while 96.8% of graduates find employment. Only 11% of students need federal loans, suggesting many can afford the program without heavy borrowing.

The student body is entirely from Kansas, with women making up 61% of enrollment. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in technical labs and workshops. With a 72% graduation rate, most students complete their programs successfully. The college's focus on career readiness over campus life appeals to students who want direct pathways to employment rather than traditional college experiences.

Academics & Faculty

Salina Area Technical College focuses entirely on hands-on career training that gets students into the workforce quickly. The school's 96.8% employment rate reflects its strong connections with Kansas employers who need skilled technicians. Students work closely with instructors in small classes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The 71.6% six-year graduation rate shows that while technical programs can be challenging, most students who stick with their training complete their certificates or degrees. The college specializes in programs like automotive technology, welding, healthcare support, and industrial maintenance. Students graduate with practical skills that lead directly to jobs, with median earnings reaching $42,175 within ten years of graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 66.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 71.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,175

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$37,208
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$35,988
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$28,960
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$24,267

View all 30 programs →

Campus Life

Salina sits 90 miles north of Wichita in central Kansas, where winter temperatures drop below freezing and you'll need a heavy coat from December through February. The 352 students at this technical college focus intensely on career training rather than traditional campus life. With 100% in-state enrollment, most students commute from across Kansas rather than live on campus.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means hands-on learning in small labs and workshops where instructors know every student by name. Women make up 60.8% of enrollment, often pursuing healthcare and business programs while men gravitate toward manufacturing and automotive training. Students typically spend mornings in classroom theory and afternoons in practical labs. Weekends revolve around part-time jobs, family time, or catching up on coursework rather than campus events. The 96.8% employment rate reflects the school's laser focus on job placement over social activities. Most graduates start earning $35,820 within a year, making the $7,000 median debt manageable with monthly payments of just $74.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–41°F
July Avg: 69°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.5"
Annual Snowfall: 16.6"

Student Demographics

Students come from across Kansas to learn practical skills that lead directly to employment. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and business programs alongside traditional trades. The student body draws heavily from rural communities and smaller towns throughout the state. Nearly three-quarters of students are white, with a growing Hispanic population representing about 20% of enrollment. Most students work while attending classes. The college serves as a regional center for career training, attracting students who want to stay close to home while building marketable skills.

Men: 39.2%
Women: 60.8%
White: 72.2%
Black: 2.6%
Hispanic: 19.9%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.6%

Location

Salina sits in central Kansas, about 180 miles northwest of Wichita and 90 miles north of Hutchinson. The town of roughly 46,000 residents serves as a regional center for north-central Kansas farming communities. Students come entirely from in-state, with enrollment reaching 352 across technical programs. The campus operates on a semester calendar in this prairie town known for its agricultural economy and railroad history. Salina's location along Interstate 70 connects students to larger Kansas cities while maintaining a small-town atmosphere focused on hands-on learning. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the college's emphasis on personalized technical instruction. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Salina Area Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Salina, Kansas 67401

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,175
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,726
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 57.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $74/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,000

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Salina Area Technical College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 352 students enrolled. This small size allows for hands-on training in technical programs that prepare students for Kansas's growing skilled trades workforce.

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

The average net price at Salina Area Technical College is $7,018, with tuition set at $7,020 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Students graduate with a median debt of only $7,000, keeping monthly loan payments low at $74.

What are the graduation and employment rates at Salina Area Technical College?

Salina Area Technical College achieves a 71.6% six-year graduation rate and an impressive 96.8% employment rate. The college's career-focused technical training programs connect directly to job opportunities in central Kansas industries.

How much do Salina Area Technical College graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $42,175 ten years after enrollment, with first-year median earnings at $35,820. The college's technical programs in trades and healthcare provide direct pathways to middle-class careers without the debt burden of four-year degrees.

Where is Salina Area Technical College located and who attends?

The college sits in Salina, Kansas, serving a student body that is 100% in-state residents and 60.8% female. Students come from across Kansas to access specialized technical training in a small-town setting that keeps costs manageable.

Does Salina Area Technical College offer much financial aid?

Only 13.57% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's affordable tuition structure. The low percentage of Pell Grant recipients suggests many students can afford the modest $7,020 annual cost without significant federal assistance.