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 delivers solid financial returns for a two-year technical school, with graduates earning a median of $42,175 annually while carrying minimal debt of just $7,000. Your total investment stays reasonable at $7,018 per year in net costs.
The precision metalworking program stands out as your best financial bet, leading to $37,208 in annual earnings. Vehicle maintenance programs also perform well, with top earners reaching nearly $36,000. However, dental support services lags significantly at $24,267, making it a weaker financial choice despite the healthcare industry's general stability in Kansas.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 71% graduation rate, meaning nearly three in ten students leave without completing their programs. The school's location in central Kansas limits your job market compared to Kansas City or Wichita, potentially capping long-term earnings growth.
This school works best if you want hands-on technical training without accumulating massive debt. Your low borrowing needs mean you can focus on program quality rather than hunting for financial aid. The school reports only 14% of students receive aid, suggesting most families can handle costs out of pocket or through minimal borrowing.
Skip Salina Tech if you need extensive financial support or want access to major metropolitan job markets immediately after graduation. The rural location and limited program variety also make it a poor fit if you're unsure about your career direction and want room to explore different fields.
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.