Best Trade Schools in Kansas for 2025

Planning to attend a trade school? Maybe you live in Kansas and are looking for a school that's close to home. If so, keep reading.

In this article, we'll talk about some of the top trade schools in Kansas, including where they are located and the programs they offer. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions you may have.

Featured Trade Schools in Kansas

Many of the trade schools in Kansas are either known as technical colleges or are associated with public two- or four-year schools. Let's take a closer look at some of these programs.

1. Northwest Kansas Technical College

Northwest Kansas Technical College is located in Goodland. This trade school has been around since 1964.

About 14 programs of study are available. Students can complete diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees in various industries, such as:

• welding
• electrical technology
• cosmetology
• medical assisting
• cloud and crypto computing

Most programs must be completed in person or in a hybrid format. Some classes are offered online for maximum flexibility.

2. North Central Kansas Technical College

North Central Kansas Technical College is located in Beloit. Also established in 1964, the school currently enrolls around 1,000 students.

The school offers a wide variety of programs in many different disciplines. Some of the options include:

• culinary arts
• information technology
• diesel technology
• certified nursing assistant
• heavy equipment operation

Many courses offered at the school can be completed online, allowing students to obtain their certificate, diploma, or associate degree in a hybrid format if desired.

3. Flint Hills Technical College

Flint Hills Technical College is a trade school located in Emporia. It currently has nearly 1,700 students. The school has been around since 1963.

The school offers certificates and associate degrees in healthcare, arts, information technology, and industry. Some of the specific programs available include:

• emergency medical technician
• multimedia design
• power plant technology
• dental assisting
• early childhood education

Some programs are offered fully or mostly online, while other programs can be completed in a blended format. A variety of individual courses can also be completed online.

4. Salina Area Technical College

Salina Area Technical College began accepting students in 1965. Located in Salina, the school enrolls around 1,000 students.

Associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs are available through the school. Programs include:

• computer aided drafting
• fire science technology
• pharmacy technician
• commercial truck driving
• HVAC

Some programs can be completed online, while others must be completed on campus or in a hybrid format.

5. Manhattan Area Technical College

Manhattan Area Technical College is located in Manhattan and serves around 1,000 students. The school began operations in 1965.

Some of the many degree and certificate programs available include:

• nursing
• business accounting
• phlebotomy
• industrial engineering technology
• business administrative assistant

Many individual courses can be completed online, allowing students a flexible study option.

6. Wichita Technical Institute

Wichita Technical Institute is headquartered in Wichita but has additional locations in Tulsa, OK, and Joplin, MO.

Several specialized training programs can be completed at this technical institute, including:

• computer technology and network administration
• medical insurance billing and coding
• HVAC training
• electronic systems technology
• medical assistant

These programs are typically completed through in-person classes. Programs lead to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees.

7. Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

This school, commonly known as WSU Tech, is affiliated with Wichita State University but is a community college. Located in Wichita, it enrolls more than 5,600 students.

More than 100 associate degree and certificate programs are available in fields such as:

• aviation
• law enforcement
• manufacturing
• design
• business

Most courses and programs are completed on campus, though select online courses may be available.

8. Washburn Institute of Technology

Washburn Institute of Technology is a vocational school affiliated with Washburn University. It is located in Topeka and enrolls about 1,200 students.

Associate degrees and certificates can be completed in various fields including:

• plumbing
• carpentry
• graphics technology
• certified medication aide
• practical nursing

Some courses are available in a flexible online format, but most programs must be completed on campus.

9. Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College is a public school located in Hutchinson. It enrolls around 5,000 students and was established in 1928.

This junior college offers associate degrees and certificates in both academic and technical fields. Some of the vocational training programs include:

• agricultural diesel mechanics
• farm and ranch management
• machine technology
• respiratory care
• paralegal

Some of these programs are available in an online or hybrid format, allowing students to complete their training entirely or partially remotely if desired.

10. Johnson County Community College

Johnson County Community College is the largest school on this list with more than 17,000 students. It was established in 1963 and is located in Overland Park.

As a junior college, the school offers various technical training programs alongside its academic options. Programs include:

• business office technology
• computer support
• neurodiagnostic technology
• chef apprenticeship
• metal fabrication/welding

Some programs can be completed online, while others must be carried out in person or at least in a hybrid format.

Common Trade Jobs in Kansas

Still wondering which trade you should enter? There are a wide variety of options in Kansas. Some of the most common trades in the state include:

• construction
• aviation
• electrical
• industrial machinery
• beef production

How Much Does Trade School Cost in Kansas?

The cost of attending trade school varies depending on the program and the school. Generally speaking, though, trade schools cost less than traditional college programs.

For most of the schools on this list, tuition ranges from $100 to $250 per credit hour. Most short-term training programs range between $7,000 and $12,000 total.

Are There Online Trade Schools in Kansas?

Yes, several of the schools outlined above offer some online courses or training programs in addition to their in-person programs. These online trade schools include:

• Flint Hills
• Hutchinson Community College
• Johnson County Community College

Explore Trade Schools Today

If you're ready to get started in a high-paying, high-demand industry, why not complete your training at a Kansas trade school? The schools discussed above provide a wide variety of training programs, so you're sure to find one that will align with your career interests.