What Is It Known For?
Fort Hays Tech Northwest began operations in 1964 when the Kansas State Department of Education founded it as a Public Area Vocational Technical School. The institution has evolved through several name changes over the decades, from Northwest Kansas Area Vocational Technical School to its current identity.
Today, this school serves students throughout each semester with programs that consistently deliver results. Recent national rankings placed Fort Hays Tech Northwest at #12 nationwide for its graduation rates. And this was compared to more than 895 public two-year institutions. The school maintains some of Kansas’s highest completion and success percentages.
Degrees & Certifications
At Fort Hays Tech Northwest, students can earn associate of applied science degrees or technical certificates through programs approved by the Kansas Board of Regents. They include:
- Application Development & Emerging Technologies
- Medical Assistant
- Business Technology
- Plumbing
- Precision Agriculture Technology, and more.
Each program aligns with current employment demands while preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry.
Class Schedules
As a student at Fort Hays Tech Northwest, your learning options include both onsite and online formats. The specific timing will depend on your chosen program. The Occupational Work Experience and Internship Program connects classroom learning with real workplace applications. Health-focused programs also incorporate externship practicums in clinical settings where students can apply classroom theory through hands-on experience.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Fort Hays Tech Northwest is a good school as it holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Moreover, advisory councils from business and industry help keep its curriculum current with the demands of the workplace.
Several programs from the institution also receive additional specialized approval through the ASE Educational Foundation, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
Acceptance Rate
You can gain admission to Fort Hays Tech Northwest through its open enrollment approach. As a public institution, it welcomes any individual who satisfies basic admission requirements for full-time academic programs.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs approximately $9,000, while optional on-campus housing adds around $5,414 to your yearly expenses. Different programs will also require additional fees for specialized equipment and materials.
The school offers financial support through grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and flexible payment plans with no interest charges to make your education more affordable.
For more specific financial information, you can contact the school or use its net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Technology
Healthcare
- Medical Assistant
- Respiratory Care
Professional Services
- Computer Graphics Technology
- Cosmetology
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Technology
- Plumbing
- Welding
Campus Locations
Goodland 1209 Harrision Avenue Goodland, KS 67735
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest (also known as Northwest Kansas Technical College) has an exceptionally strong reputation defined by successful job placement, friendly staff, and strong departmental knowledge, particularly in the trades. The overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with few substantial criticisms.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
- Exceptional Career Outcome and Value: The most significant praise is the direct correlation between the college and successful job placement. One reviewer stated they “Got a great job before I actually graduated” and now use their degree daily, making a “good living with only two years of schooling. Great value.”
- Highly Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Reviewers consistently describe the environment as welcoming and supportive. They note that the staff is “very nice and polite” and “went out of their way to help us with all of our questions.” The overall culture is described as being “Just like a family!”
- Strong Departmental Instruction (Diesel/AgTech): The Diesel department is specifically highlighted, with students noting it is a “really good place to be” and that the instructors “are really nice and they have a lot of knowledge.” The college is also praised for providing a “Good AgTech VoTech education.”
- Good Facilities and Services: The college is praised for its “good quality education” and facilities. Specific services like the Cosmetology department are also positively reviewed for doing a “great job and very reasonable” work.
- Community and Educational Outreach: The college is recognized for its positive initiatives, such as doing a “great job” of exposing 6th graders to tech school opportunities.
Common Criticisms
Communication/Technical Issues: The single most notable criticism involved a technical issue regarding live streaming of a men’s basketball game. A user expressed frustration after waiting 30 minutes for a live stream to start after the game had already begun, despite being told they could watch.
Disciplinary/Liability Dispute: One reviewer from two years ago claims they were “kicked off” for supposedly being a “liability” to the property and students, despite believing this was unwarranted. The college owner responded by offering to discuss the matter, suggesting it was an isolated, disputed incident.
Momentum
The recent reviews (within the last year) remain highly positive, focusing on the good facilities, quality education, and the strong experience of exposing younger students to the opportunities at the tech school. The newest reviews with text (from a year ago) reinforce the belief that the college offers a “good quality education.” The overall momentum is sustained and overwhelmingly positive, with the very few criticisms being isolated incidents regarding specific technical functionality or a disciplinary matter. The college actively responds to both positive and negative feedback, demonstrating a strong commitment to engaging with its student base.