What Is It Known For?
Salina Area Technical College (often called Salina Tech) is a public technical college in Salina, Kansas. It has built a strong reputation for preparing students for in-demand careers through hands-on technical and workforce programs. The college is also recognised for its close ties with local industries, which help shape its curriculum and provide students with valuable real-world training opportunities.
Founded in 1965 on the former Schilling Air Force Base site, Salina Tech started with just 189 students across nine programs. Since then, it has grown into a thriving technical institution that continues expanding its facilities and program offerings. In Fall 2023, the college set an enrollment record with about 1,007 students, reflecting its steady growth and appeal as a career-focused college in Kansas.
Degrees & Certifications
Salina Area Technical College offers a range of credentials, including certificates, technical diplomas, and associate degrees. Program lengths vary. Some certificates can be completed in less than a year, while most associate degrees take about two years of full-time study.
Examples of program areas include:
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Dental
- Manufacturing
- Applied Technologies
- Business Administrative Technology
- Computer Applications
Class Schedules
Salina Tech offers classes during standard daytime hours, and some programs or courses in the evening or in hybrid. Their continuing education offerings are explicitly evening, short-term, hybrid, or specialized classes. Some courses (such as a dental scaling course) combine online instruction with clinical or lab components. Many technical programs include externships or clinical/hands-on experience in labs or the local industry as part of training.
Is It Legit?
Yes. Salina Area Technical College is a fully accredited institution. It holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), confirming that the college meets established academic quality and institutional integrity standards.
Acceptance Rate
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Salina Area Technical College has an open admission policy, meaning all students who apply are accepted.
How Much Does It Cost?
Tuition and fees at Salina Area Technical College are about $7,020 for Kansas residents and $7,128 for out-of-state students. Beyond tuition, students should plan for the cost of books and supplies, as well as expenses for off-campus housing and meals.
Many learners reduce these costs through financial aid and scholarships, which help lower the overall out-of-pocket price. More details, including a full breakdown of costs and available financial aid options, can be found on the college’s official website.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Administration Technology
Healthcare
- Allied Health
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygiene
- Pharmacy Technician
- Practical Nursing
Skilled Trades
- Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Construction Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Fire Science Technology
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Machining and Manufacturing Technology
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Computer Aided Drafting
Campus Locations
Salina 2562 Centennial Road Salina, KS 67401
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Salina Area Technical College (Salina Tech) has a split reputation with a core of strong academic program feedback countered by severe, recent criticisms concerning administrative process and communication. Students who successfully enroll praise the quality of instruction, but prospective students report a frustrating and unhelpful enrollment experience.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality Instruction and Faculty: Students praise the instructors for being caring, communicating clearly, and having high expectations. One specific instructor, an adult education teacher, is noted for being great.
Strong Academic Programs: The quality of education is a major positive. One user who took classes there in high school and later attended a four-year university stated that Salina Tech’s Accounting department was “much better” than the university’s. The college is described as “underrated.”
Supportive Environment and Mission: Reviewers from years past noted that the people at Salina Tech “really care about student learning.” Students in the high school nursing program found it “extremely convenient to get the job skills I need while still in high school.”
Clean Facility and Friendly Staff (Once Contacted): The facility is described as “Very clean and tidy” and easy to navigate. The staff is consistently noted as “friendly and helpful” once a person is on campus and able to interact with them directly.
Common Criticisms
Severe Administrative and Enrollment Failure (Most Recent): The most recent substantive review (a month ago) is a zero-star account of a prospective student’s inability to enroll. The user stated it was “Impossible to sign up,” with no one answering the phone or responding. When contact was made, they were told the school was “under staffed” and directed to a website that “never works,” resulting in little to no communication.
Unspecified Negative Recommendation: One reviewer simply stated, “Definitely wouldn’t recommend,” without providing a reason, suggesting an overall negative experience for at least one student.
Momentum
The momentum is alarmingly negative regarding the administrative and enrollment process. The newest substantive review (a month ago) details a severe breakdown in communication and accessibility, which could significantly impact future enrollment, even if the on-campus instruction is high-quality. All of the positive feedback about staff helpfulness, great instruction, and ease of navigation is at least two years old, while the core issue of being unable to sign up for classes is current and severe.