At $7,018/yr net price, Salina Area Technical College graduates earn $42,175/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,175/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,018 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,072 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,175/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,175/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,320/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,791/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,163/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,938/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,946/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
71.6% of students at Salina Area Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Salina Area Technical College gives you a low-cost, low-risk path with a solid payoff. You leave with a median debt around one year's net price, and the median graduate out-earns that debt many times over within a decade. For a public two-year school, a 71.6% graduation rate is strong, which means the money you spend is likely to buy an actual credential.
The programs here pay off through hands-on trades. Precision Metal Working leads on early earnings, followed by the associate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. The certificate version of that same auto program earns about $7,000 less per year than the associate, so the extra time in the full degree is worth it if you can commit to it. Dental Support Services sits at the bottom of the listed programs. it still clears the cost, but the return is thinner, and you should go in knowing that.
The main financial risk is that these are all sub-bachelor credentials tied to Salina's regional demand for skilled trades and dental support work. Your earnings depend on local employers hiring, and there's no four-year degree here to fall back on if the trade you train for softens.
The net price tiers hold a quirk worth watching. Families earning $75,000-$110,000 pay roughly $12,938, nearly double what families under $30,000 or over $110,000 pay. If you land in that middle-upper band, budget for the higher bill and confirm your aid package before enrolling.
This school fits you if you want a specific trade, a fast credential, and near-zero debt. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree, a white-collar career track, or program options beyond the trades and dental support listed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salina Area Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,018 per year and median debt of only $7,000, Salina Area Technical College offers decent value for technical training. Graduates earn $42,175 annually after 10 years, which provides a reasonable return on the low investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Salina Area Technical College?
Precision Metal Working leads with $37,208 in earnings, followed by Vehicle Maintenance programs at $35,988 and $28,960. Dental Support Services pays the least at $24,267, making it a weaker financial choice despite the healthcare field.
How much debt do Salina Area Technical College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $7,000, which is very manageable for a technical college. This low debt load reduces financial risk and makes the programs more viable even for lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at Salina Area Technical College?
The graduation rate is 72%, which is solid for a technical college. This means most students who enroll actually complete their programs, reducing the risk of paying for education without getting credentials.