Kansas Trade Schools

Kansas offers diverse vocational training opportunities across healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and business fields. The state’s technical colleges and career schools provide accessible pathways to in-demand occupations, with programs ranging from short-term certificates to associate degrees.

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List of Top Trade Schools in Kansas

Best Kansas Trade Schools by Specialty

Healthcare Programs

Kansas excels in healthcare training, with multiple institutions offering comprehensive medical career preparation.

Manhattan Tech earned recognition as the #1 community college in the nation for 2024 by WalletHub, offering programs in Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Certified Nurse Aide training.

WSU Tech recently achieved record enrollment with 6,503 students (Spring 2025), providing Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Emergency Medical Technician, and Veterinary Nursing programs.

Salina Area Technical College serves approximately 1,007 students with healthcare programs including Associate Degree Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Practical Nursing.

Coffeyville Community College offers affordable healthcare training with tuition estimated at $3,828 for in-state students, including Associate Degree Nursing, Advanced Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Assistant, Paramedic, and Phlebotomy programs.

Highland Community College, Kansas’s first college founded in 1858, provides Allied Health, LPN to RN, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, and Practical Nursing programs serving approximately 4,000 students annually.

Skilled Trades Excellence

Kansas maintains strong skilled trades training infrastructure.

Fort Hays Tech Northwest ranks #12 nationwide for graduation rates among 895 public two-year institutions, offering Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Plumbing, and Welding programs at approximately $9,000 annual tuition.

Heartland Welding Academy opened in 2018 with monthly start dates and maintains a 16:1 student-to-instructor ratio, providing Practical Pipe & Structural Code Welding (24 weeks, $18,500) and Structural Code Welding (12 weeks, $9,450) programs with 90% hands-on training time.

Washburn Tech achieves a 94% job placement rate for over 1,000 enrolled students, offering more than 30 technical certificates in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and design technology fields. The institution charges $165 per credit hour for post-secondary students.

Johnson County Community College in Overland Park serves tens of thousands of students annually with comprehensive skilled trades programs including Automotive Technology, Construction Management, Electrical Technology, Fire Science, HVAC, Metal Fabrication/Welding, and Plumbing Technology at approximately $101 per credit hour for county residents.

Business and Professional Services

Central Christian College of Kansas offers Christ-centered education with a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio across 44 areas of study, including Business Administration, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, Management, and Marketing. Online participation costs $11,200 while residential attendance is $30,800 (2023-2024).

Grantham University provides flexible online programs with 8-week courses and monthly start dates, charging $295 per undergraduate credit hour and $350 per graduate credit hour, with military students paying $250 for all degree levels. The institution boasts 93% student satisfaction and 91% recommendation rates.

Upper Iowa University offers 80+ programs with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio at approximately $18,000 annual tuition, including Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing programs.

Rasmussen University features Empowered Learning® curriculum with 24/7 support, allowing students to transfer up to 67% of credits through Knowledge Credit programs, with undergraduate tuition averaging $11,241 annually.

Technology and IT Training

Kansas technology programs prepare students for cybersecurity, networking, and software development careers.

Peaslee Tech operates as Kansas’s largest apprenticeship program provider, serving over 2,000 enrolled students annually in a 78,000-square-foot facility with specialized HVAC, computer network applications, automotive technology, industrial maintenance, and construction training labs. Programs range from $275 for Lubrication & Tire Technician to $4,400 for Cisco Networking Academy.

WSU Tech offers Information Technology Systems programs with tuition ranging from $135 to $340 per credit hour depending on specialization.

Johnson County Community College provides Data Analytics, Computer-aided Drafting & Design Technology, Game Development, Networking/Cybersecurity/Cloud, Software Development, and Web Development & Digital Media programs.

Wichita Technical Institute serves around 900 undergraduates with Computer Technology and Network Administration programs at $18,400 total cost.

Criminal Justice and Law Programs

Kansas City Community College enrolls approximately 4,800 students annually with Homeland Security, Paralegal, and Criminal Justice programs at $107 per credit hour for Wyandotte County residents and $121 for other Kansas residents.

Upper Iowa University offers Criminal Justice programs with intimate 12:1 student-faculty ratios.

Grantham University provides online Criminal Justice programs with asynchronous 8-week courses and lifetime career services access.

WSU Tech includes Criminal Justice training in its comprehensive technical education offerings.

Most Affordable Programs

Kansas trade schools offer exceptional value, with several institutions providing in-state tuition under $4,000 annually.

• Coffeyville Community College leads affordability at $3,828 for full-time in-state students (18 credit hours per semester).
• Highland Community College charges $95 per credit hour for non-technical/online courses, $145 for technical programs, and $169 for nursing programs, totaling approximately $4,650 annually based on 30 credit hours including fees.
• Johnson County Community College offers county residents training at approximately $101 per credit hour.
• Kansas City Community College charges Wyandotte County residents $107 per credit hour and other Kansas residents $121 per credit hour, with average net price after financial aid at $13,563 annually.
• Manhattan Tech prices range from $125 per credit hour for General Education to $270 for Nursing-Practical and Electric Power & Distribution courses.

Cheapest Programs

Kansas offers exceptional value in quick-entry career training:

• Peaslee Tech Lubrication & Tire Technician – $275 total program cost
• Hutchinson Electrical Training Academy – Approximately $5,100 total in-state program cost for four-year apprenticeship
• Coffeyville Community College in-state tuition – $3,828 annually for full-time enrollment
• Highland Community College non-technical courses – $95 per credit hour
• Johnson County Community College county residents – $101 per credit hour
• Kansas City Community College Wyandotte County residents – $107 per credit hour
• WSU Tech general education courses – $135 per credit hour
• Public technical colleges statewide – Average $3,000-$7,000 per program

High School Students

Kansas provides exceptional opportunities for high school students to access technical training:

Free and Reduced-Cost Programs:

Washburn Tech offers free tuition for high school students in tiered courses through Kansas’s Excel in CTE program. Post-secondary students pay $165 per credit hour plus $27 materials and technology fees, but high school concurrent enrollment students receive tuition-free access to career and technical education coursework.

Peaslee Tech accepts students aged 16 or older through open enrollment with first-come, first-served rolling admissions throughout the year. The institution operates as Kansas’s largest apprenticeship program provider with 78,000-square-foot facility housing specialized training labs.

Highland Community College serves approximately 4,000 students through concurrent enrollment at 31 high schools throughout nine-county service area, providing early college credit opportunities alongside associate degree and certificate pathways.

Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults

Kansas trade schools recognize that many students balance education with work and family responsibilities.

Evening and Weekend Classes

Schools with Evening Programs:

• Coffeyville Community College – Morning, afternoon, and evening courses with online/hybrid availability
• Highland Community College – Regional centers in Atchison, Baileyville, and Wamego provide day, evening, and weekend class options based on student needs
• Johnson County Community College – Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend classes with hybrid formats
• Kansas City Community College – Daytime, evening, and accelerated eight-week sessions alongside standard 16-week semesters
• Heartland Welding Academy – Day classes (9 AM-3 PM) and evening classes (4 PM-10 PM), five days weekly
• Wichita Technical Institute – Morning, afternoon, and evening classes accommodating work and family commitments
• WSU Tech – Both online and in-person classes with flexible scheduling for working students
• Washburn Tech – Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions serving high school students, adult learners, and career changers
• Peaslee Tech – Multiple schedule options across 27 career paths with rolling admissions throughout the year

Online and Hybrid Learning

Fully Online Options:

• Grantham University – 100% online programs with 8-week courses, monthly start dates, and 24/7 resource availability. Students receive free laptops and can transfer up to 75% of undergraduate credits and 50% of graduate credits from other institutions. Undergraduate courses cost $295 per credit hour, graduate courses $350 per credit hour, military students $250 for all levels.
• Rasmussen University – Empowered Learning® provides project-based structure with 14-day attendance windows and no weekly deadlines within quarters. Online coursework with 24/7 technical support, career advising, and peer mentoring. Average undergraduate tuition $11,241 annually.
• Central Christian College of Kansas – School of Professional & Distance Education delivers complete online programs at $11,200 annually with 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio across 44 areas of study.
• Upper Iowa University – 80+ online programs with 12:1 student-faculty ratio at approximately $18,000 annual tuition, designed for working professional schedules.

Hybrid Programs:

• Fort Hays Tech Northwest – Onsite and online formats with Occupational Work Experience and Internship Programs connecting classroom learning with workplace applications
• Peaslee Tech – 27 different career paths on campus plus multiple online industrial applications and professional development courses through 78,000-square-foot facility
• Johnson County Community College – Traditional in-person courses, fully online options, and hybrid formats blending both approaches
• Kansas City Community College – In-person classes, fully online options, and blended models combining both
• Coffeyville Community College – Online and hybrid formats with courses offered morning, afternoon, and evening
• Highland Community College – Active online program with 8-week and 16-week sessions alongside hybrid classes mixing campus and online components

Part-Time Study Options

Most Kansas technical colleges allow part-time enrollment, enabling students to:

• Continue full-time employment while completing coursework
• Complete programs on extended timelines matching personal schedules
• Balance family responsibilities with educational advancement
• Take one or two classes per semester to manage workload
• Progress at comfortable pace without overwhelming commitments

Part-Time Friendly Institutions:

• Johnson County Community College offers self-paced courses in some programs for added flexibility
• Washburn Tech adapts programs with various session times serving adult learners and career changers
• WSU Tech provides flexible scheduling recognizing working student needs
• Highland Community College delivers courses across multiple regional centers enabling local access
• Coffeyville Community College structures scheduling for students balancing multiple responsibilities

Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeship Programs

Several Kansas institutions offer apprenticeship models where students earn wages while training:

Paid Apprenticeships:

• Hutchinson Electrical Training Academy – Four-year apprenticeship combining 8,000 hours of paid supervised on-the-job training with 720 hours classroom instruction. Classes meet once every two weeks from August through May while students work alongside journeyman electricians earning income. Total program cost approximately $5,100.
• Peaslee Tech – Operates as Kansas’s largest apprenticeship program provider with registered apprenticeships approved by Kansas Apprenticeship Commission. Programs include Robotics Technician, Residential Electrician and Plumber, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, and Early Childhood Educator. Instructors coordinate workplace placements where students earn wages while gaining experience.

Industry-Sponsored Training:

• Many Kansas employers sponsor technical training with tuition reimbursement or direct payment arrangements
• Manufacturing companies partner with technical colleges for customized training programs
• Healthcare facilities fund nursing and allied health student education in exchange for employment commitments
• Construction companies support apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry trades

Special Considerations

Military and Veteran Services

Many Kansas schools actively support military students:

• Rasmussen University – 10% tuition discount for active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserve, retired military, and veterans. Accepts VA and GI Bill benefits.
• Grantham University – Military students charged $250 per credit hour across all degree levels (compared to $295 undergraduate, $350 graduate for civilian students). Military Friendly College designation, ranked 6th most military-friendly school nationally.
• Central Christian College of Kansas – Accepts military benefits with dedicated support for service members
• Paul Mitchell Schools – My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program for military spouses pursuing high-demand careers
• Upper Iowa University – Dedicated veteran services with military-friendly policies
• Fort Hays Tech Northwest – Accepts military benefits and provides veteran support services
• WSU Tech – Comprehensive veteran services supporting military-connected students
• Most public technical colleges – Accept VA benefits and provide veteran support coordinators

High School Concurrent Enrollment

Programs for High School Students:

• Washburn Tech – Free tuition for high school students through Kansas Excel in CTE program, enabling career and technical education access grades 9-12
• Peaslee Tech – Open enrollment for students aged 16 or older with first-come, first-served admission throughout the year
• Highland Community College – Concurrent enrollment at 31 high schools throughout nine-county service area providing early college credit
• Public technical colleges statewide – Many offer reduced or free tuition for high school students pursuing career and technical education

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Most accredited Kansas institutions offer comprehensive financial assistance:

Federal Financial Aid:

• FAFSA-based grants and loans accepted at most institutions
• Pell Grants for eligible undergraduate students
• Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Work-Study programs at participating schools

State Grant Programs:

• Kansas programs supporting technical and vocational education
• Workforce development grants for in-demand occupations
• State-funded scholarships for Kansas residents

Institutional Scholarships:

• Merit-based scholarships for academic achievement
• Need-based aid for students demonstrating financial need
• Program-specific scholarships in healthcare, trades, technology
• Athletic scholarships at institutions offering NCAA athletics

Payment Plans:

• Fort Hays Tech Northwest offers interest-free payment plans
• Most institutions provide monthly payment options
• Deferred payment arrangements with employer partnerships

Employer Tuition Assistance:

• Many Kansas employers offer tuition reimbursement programs
• Industry partnerships with direct tuition payment
• Apprenticeship sponsorships covering educational costs

Notable Scholarship Opportunities:

• Central Christian College of Kansas ranks among most affordable Christian colleges nationally with extensive aid availability
• Rasmussen University offers institutional financial aid ensuring affordable education
• Grantham University accepts federal aid plus private loans and military benefits
• Paul Mitchell Schools provide field-specific scholarships for beauty industry careers
• Technical colleges offer various state-funded scholarship options

Making Your Choice

Kansas’s trade school landscape offers pathways for virtually every career goal, budget, and timeline. Whether seeking quick certification for immediate workforce entry, comprehensive associate degrees for career advancement, or flexible online programs accommodating work schedules, the state’s diverse institutions provide accessible, affordable, and quality career training preparing students for in-demand occupations across healthcare, skilled trades, technology, business, and specialized professional fields.