Quick Facts

• Location: Salina, Kansas
• Address: 2562 S Centennial Rd, Salina, KS 67401
• School Type: Public Technical College
• Programs Offered: Welding, Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Electrical Technology, HVAC, Construction Technology, Industrial Maintenance & Automation, Machining & Manufacturing, Auto Collision, Commercial Truck Driving and more
• Training Style: Hands-on technical labs, certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees
• Tuition Range: Program-dependent; Salina Tech uses different tuition rates by discipline, plus institutional and program fees
• Program Length: Short workforce programs through certificates and approximately 2-year AAS programs
• Online Programs Available: Selected general-education/academic offerings
• Hybrid Learning: Program-dependent; core mechanical and construction trades are primarily hands-on
• Financial Aid: FAFSA and federal/state aid for qualifying programs; Kansas Promise Scholarship may apply to eligible programs/students
• Class Options: Full-time postsecondary training plus dual/concurrent enrollment for high-school students
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.3 (21 Reviews)
• Website: Official website

Overview

Salina Area Technical College is one of the strongest pure technical-college listings in Kansas. Rather than offering only one or two trades, Salina Tech has a broad portfolio spanning welding, electrical, HVAC, automotive, diesel, construction, machining and industrial automation. Its 2026–27 program guides confirm that these programs remain part of the college’s current lineup.

The college is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and combines classroom instruction with substantial hands-on work.

Programs Offered

Major trade programs include:

• Welding Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Diesel Technology
• Electrical Technology
• HVAC
• Construction Technology
• Industrial Maintenance & Automation Technology
• Machining & Manufacturing Technology
• Auto Collision & Refinishing Technology
• Commercial Truck Driving

Welding Technology

Salina Tech’s Welding Technology program teaches:

• SMAW / Stick
• GTAW / TIG
• GMAW / MIG
• Core-wire welding
• Fabrication
• Cutting
• Welding safety and theory

Students have opportunities to complete AWS SMAW weld tests in 1G, 2G and 3G positions, along with OSHA 10 and Kansas Work Ready testing.

This is a strong choice for students interested in fabrication, manufacturing, construction and maintenance welding.

Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology is a two-year program taught by ASE-certified Master Technicians.

Training includes:

• Steering and suspension
• Transmissions
• Drivetrains
• Brakes
• Electrical/electronic systems
• Engine performance
• Engine repair
• Hands-on customer service jobs

The program carries automotive industry accreditation through the ASE Education Foundation/NATEF framework and prepares students for ASE student certifications across major automotive systems.

Diesel Technology

Diesel Technology is another two-year pathway covering agricultural, construction and over-the-road equipment.

Students study:

• Diesel engines
• Transmissions
• Electrical systems
• Hydraulics
• Heavy-equipment brakes
• Steering and suspension
• Fuel injection systems
• Engine overhaul
• HVAC systems

The program is ASE/NATEF aligned and includes opportunities for diesel-specific ASE student credentials, OSHA 10 and Kansas Work Ready certification.

Electrical Technology

Electrical Technology trains students for entry into residential, commercial and industrial electrical work.

Training covers:

• Blueprint reading
• Residential wiring
• Commercial wiring
• Industrial electrical systems
• Motor controls
• Automation
• Electrical circuits
• Troubleshooting

Salina Tech says graduates are prepared academically for the Journeyman’s Exam, but students still need to satisfy Kansas/local work-experience and licensing requirements.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Salina Tech’s tuition varies significantly by program, so a single per-credit number can be misleading. The college’s 2025–26 published schedule, for example, used different rates for standard technical courses, automotive/diesel/HVAC, general education and other specialized disciplines. Because the college now has 2026–27 program guides, students should use the current guide for their exact program rather than rely on an older general cost sheet.

For TradeSchoolScout, I recommend:

Tuition Range: Varies by program; contact Salina Tech or review the current 2026–27 program guide for exact tuition, institutional fees, program fees, books, tools and supplies.

High-school technical students have an especially attractive option: Salina Tech currently states that qualifying concurrent/dual technical education tuition is free for eligible students.

Federal and state financial aid may be available to eligible postsecondary students, and many Kansas technical programs may also qualify for Kansas Promise assistance depending on current rules and student eligibility.

Why Students Choose This School

• Strong selection of traditional skilled trades
• Welding, automotive and diesel under one roof
• Electrical and HVAC training
• CNC/machining and industrial automation
• ASE-aligned automotive and diesel education
• Industry credentials built into several programs
• Public technical-college setting
• Free technical tuition for eligible high-school students
• Certificates and AAS pathways

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue entry-level careers such as:

• Welder/Fabricator
• Automotive Technician
• Diesel Technician
• Heavy Equipment Technician
• Electrical Technician
• Electrician Apprentice
• HVAC Technician
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• CNC Machinist
• Construction Technician
• Collision Repair Technician

Licensure, apprenticeship and certification requirements still apply where required.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied Google data:

⭐ Average Rating: 4.3 (21 Reviews)

The review sample is relatively small, so prospective students should weigh program-specific facilities, credentials and current costs more heavily than the overall rating alone.

Enrollment Tips

Salina Tech advises prospective students to apply early because technical programs can fill. Its 2026 National Technical Signing Day information specifically warned that participation did not guarantee program acceptance and encouraged early applications for Fall 2026.

High-school students should also investigate concurrent and dual enrollment before paying for technical training after graduation. Qualifying technical courses can currently be tuition-free while students are still in high school.

Bottom Line

Salina Area Technical College should be a featured school on your Kansas page. Few Kansas schools offer such a complete combination of welding, electrical, HVAC, automotive, diesel, construction, machining and industrial automation in one technical-college environment. It is particularly attractive for students who want hands-on training and multiple credential levels without relying on a private career-school model.