Quick Facts

• Location: Topeka, Kansas
• Address: 5724 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604
• School Type: Public Technical Institute affiliated with Washburn University
• Programs Offered: Welding, Electrical Technology, HVAC, Construction Technology, Plumbing, Automotive Technology, Auto Collision, Diesel Technology, Machining, Industrial Maintenance and more
• Training Style: Hands-on technical labs, certificates and AAS pathways
• Tuition Range: $171/credit + $27/credit materials/technology fee for 2026–27, plus program costs
• Program Length: Many certificates can be completed in about 1 year; AAS pathways generally require additional coursework
• Online Programs Available: Limited for core skilled trades
• Hybrid Learning: Program-dependent; most major trades are heavily campus-based
• Financial Aid: Pell Grants, federal loans, scholarships and other assistance for qualifying students/programs
• Class Options: Morning, afternoon and selected evening schedules
• Accreditation: Part of Washburn University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• FAFSA School Code: 010689
• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.5 (62 Reviews)
• Website: Official Washburn Tech website

Overview

Washburn Institute of Technology is one of Kansas’s most comprehensive career and technical schools. Its Topeka campus offers skilled-trade pathways across construction, manufacturing and transportation, including electrical, HVAC, welding, construction, plumbing, machining, automotive and diesel.

Its affiliation with Washburn University is particularly useful for students who want to start with a technical certificate and later continue toward an Associate of Applied Science or higher degree. Washburn Tech currently offers AAS options in areas including Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, HVAC, Welding, Industrial Machine/Maintenance Technology and several other career fields.

Programs Offered

Major skilled-trade choices include:

• Welding Technology
• Electrical Technology
• HVAC
• Construction Technology
• Plumbing Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Auto Collision & Refinishing
• Diesel Technology
• Heavy Diesel Construction Technology
• Machining & Manufacturing Technology
• Industrial Machine/Maintenance Technology

Welding Technology

Students begin with a 25-credit Certificate A, which can be completed in approximately two semesters when attending half-days. Students can continue through a 49-credit Certificate C and potentially into an AAS.

Training includes:

• SMAW / Stick
• GMAW / MIG
• FCAW
• GTAW / TIG
• Cutting processes
• Blueprint reading
• Quality control
• Workplace safety

Credential opportunities include AWS 1F, AWS 1G, AWS 2F and OSHA 10.

Electrical Technology

Electrical Technology is a 30-credit, two-semester certificate available to adults and high-school students. Students study electrical theory, blueprint reading, residential/commercial wiring, electrical construction and safety.

Students may earn:

• OSHA 30
• NCCER Core
• NCCER Electricity Level I
• Kansas Journeyman Exam preparation

Washburn Tech says qualifying graduates may also be eligible to enter an electrical union apprenticeship at the second level, though actual apprenticeship acceptance depends on the union and its requirements.

Morning and afternoon programs begin in August, while an evening electrical program at Washburn Tech East begins in January.

Construction Technology

Construction Technology is a 25-credit, one-year certificate taught exclusively at the Huntoon campus.

Training covers:

• Carpentry
• Roof framing
• Masonry
• Blueprint reading
• Foundations
• Construction materials
• Estimating

Students practice by constructing a structure inside the school’s carpentry lab and can pursue NCCER Core, Carpentry I and OSHA 30 Construction credentials.

HVAC, Plumbing & Manufacturing

Washburn Tech also maintains active programs in HVAC, plumbing, industrial maintenance and machining. The school provides separate instructors and dedicated training for each specialty.

Manufacturing options include welding, machining/manufacturing, advanced systems and industrial production technology.

Tuition & Financial Aid

For 2026–27, Washburn Tech charges postsecondary students:

• Tuition — $171 per credit hour
• Materials/technology fee — $27 per credit hour
• Certification/testing/program fees — vary
• Books, supplies and tools — vary by program

That makes base tuition plus the standard technology/material fee approximately $198 per credit, before trade-specific costs.

Eligible Kansas high-school students can receive free tuition for many tiered technical courses through Excel in CTE, although books, tools and other fees can remain.

Federal financial aid options include Pell Grants and federal Direct Loans. Washburn Tech’s FAFSA code is 010689.

Accreditation

Washburn Tech is affiliated with Washburn University. Washburn University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Individual career programs may also carry specialized approvals or industry certifications.

Why Students Choose This School

• Broad skilled-trades selection
• One-year certificate options
• $171-per-credit 2026–27 tuition
• Free technical-course tuition for many eligible Kansas high-school students
• Welding credentials through AWS-related testing
• Electrical apprenticeship potential
• Morning, afternoon and some evening schedules
• Ability to continue from a technical certificate into an AAS
• Direct connection to Washburn University

Career Opportunities

Depending on training, graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as:

• Welder/Fabricator
• Electrician Apprentice
• HVAC Technician
• Plumbing Apprentice
• Carpenter
• Automotive Technician
• Diesel Technician
• Machinist
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Collision Repair Technician

Additional licenses, apprenticeships or employer qualifications may be required.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied Google data:

⭐ Average Rating: 4.5 (62 Reviews)

Prospective students should focus on recent reviews that mention their intended department because Washburn Tech offers a wide range of programs.

Enrollment Tips

Students should compare both the certificate and AAS route. For example, welding students can start with a two-semester certificate and later continue toward a larger technical credential and AAS.

Also budget beyond tuition. Washburn Tech publishes separate tool, textbook, certification and supply requirements because total cost can vary substantially between electrical, diesel, welding and other programs.

Bottom Line

Washburn Institute of Technology should be another featured Kansas school. It offers nearly every major skilled-trade category your users are likely to search for, with especially strong options in welding, electrical, HVAC, construction, automotive, diesel and machining. Its Washburn University connection and relatively low 2026–27 tuition make it especially appealing for students who want a technical certificate with room to continue into an associate degree.