Quick Facts

• Location: Manhattan, Kansas
• Address: 3136 Dickens Ave, Manhattan, KS 66503
• School Type: Public Technical College
• Programs Offered: Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, HVAC, Plumbing Technology, Construction Technology, Electric Power & Distribution, Industrial Maintenance Technology and more
• Training Style: Hands-on campus labs with certificate and AAS pathways
• Tuition Range: For 2026–27, most skilled-trade courses are $288 per credit, Electric Power & Distribution is $304 per credit, plus a $142-per-credit college fee and variable lab/course fees
• Program Length: Roughly 1 year for many certificates; about 2 years for AAS pathways
• Online Programs Available: Selected programs/courses
• Hybrid Learning: Limited for core trades; primary skilled-trade instruction is hands-on/on campus
• Financial Aid: Grants, loans, scholarships and work-study for qualifying students
• Class Options: Primarily on-campus technical training
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Average Rating: ⭐ 3.6 (28 Reviews)
• Website: Official Manhattan Tech website

Overview

Manhattan Area Technical College is one of the better all-around skilled-trades schools in central Kansas. Its construction, energy and manufacturing division includes welding, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, construction, electric power distribution and industrial maintenance, while Automotive Technology provides a separate transportation pathway.

Most of these programs are built around on-campus lab work rather than purely academic coursework. Manhattan Tech also publishes unusually useful 2026–27 estimated program costs, allowing students to compare the real expense of different trades before enrolling.

Programs Offered

Trade-focused programs include:

• Automotive Technology
• Welding Technology
• Electrical Technology
• Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
• Plumbing Technology
• Construction Technology
• Electric Power & Distribution
• Industrial Maintenance Technology

Welding Technology

Welding is available as Certificate A, Certificate B and AAS pathways. The curriculum covers cutting and joining metal, welding metallurgy, structural applications, safety and multiple welding processes.

For 2026–27, Manhattan Tech lists an approximate $29,103 total program cost for the AAS option. Financial aid is available to qualifying students.

Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology is offered as an AAS plus shorter certificate options. Training covers:

• Brakes
• Electrical/electronic systems
• Engine performance and repair
• Steering and suspension
• Automatic and manual transmissions
• Drivetrains
• Automotive HVAC

The current approximate 2026–27 AAS cost is $35,054, including tuition, fees, books and tools.

Electrical Technology

Electrical Technology provides Certificate B and AAS pathways. Students study residential, commercial and industrial wiring, AC/DC systems, motors, controls, distribution panels, electrical testing and applicable codes.

Current credentials/opportunities include OSHA 10 and preparation for a journey-worker licensing examination. Program completion does not itself eliminate experience or licensing requirements.

The current approximate AAS program cost is $24,994.

HVAC

Manhattan Tech’s HVAC program covers installation, repair and servicing of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, along with mechanics, electricity, electronics and diagnostic techniques.

For 2026–27, the approximate AAS program cost is $25,971. Required program tools supplied through the school’s tool arrangement are included in tuition and fees.

Plumbing Technology

Plumbing is available at three levels:

• Certificate A — 19 credits
• Certificate B — 38 credits
• AAS — 62 credits

Training covers pipe installation, system maintenance, system design, code compliance and residential, commercial and industrial plumbing.

The approximate 2026–27 AAS program cost is $26,078.

Electric Power & Distribution

This is one of Manhattan Tech’s most distinctive programs. It prepares students for electrical utility and linework careers involving construction, operation and maintenance of power-distribution systems.

The program begins in January, includes a required summer internship and is described by the college as one of relatively few open-admission public lineworker programs in the country.

For 2026–27, the approximate AAS program cost is $31,387.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Current 2026–27 technical-course rates include:

• Automotive — $288/credit
• Construction — $288/credit
• Electrical — $288/credit
• HVAC — $288/credit
• Industrial Maintenance — $288/credit
• Plumbing — $288/credit
• Welding — $288/credit
• Electric Power & Distribution — $304/credit
• General Education — $125/credit
• College fee — $142/credit
• Lab/course fees — variable

Students can apply for scholarships, grants, loans and work-study through the school’s financial-aid office.

Accreditation

Manhattan Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its accreditation continued after its October 2024 comprehensive review, with the next comprehensive visit scheduled for 2030–31.

Why Students Choose This School

• Excellent selection of traditional skilled trades
• Dedicated electrical lineworker pathway
• Welding, HVAC, plumbing and electrical under one institution
• Current 2026–27 cost estimates published online
• Multiple certificate-to-AAS pathways
• Hands-on technical labs
• Financial aid available in qualifying programs
• Industry tool kits included in costs for several programs

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as:

• Automotive Technician
• Welder/Fabricator
• Electrician Apprentice
• HVAC Technician
• Refrigeration Technician
• Plumbing Apprentice
• Carpenter
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Utility Lineworker Apprentice

Licensing, apprenticeship or employer requirements may apply after graduation.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied Google data:

⭐ Average Rating: 3.6 (28 Reviews)

That is noticeably lower than several other Kansas technical colleges in this batch, so prospective students should read recent program-specific reviews carefully rather than relying only on the overall number.

Enrollment Tips

Students should compare the certificate route against the AAS route before committing. For example, Plumbing has 19-, 38- and 62-credit options, while Electrical and Welding also have stackable credentials.

Several programs also require non-refundable deposits to secure a seat. Current examples include $500 for Electric Power & Distribution, $350 for Electrical and HVAC, and $250 for Plumbing and Welding.

Bottom Line

Manhattan Area Technical College should be a featured school on your Kansas page. It has a particularly strong lineup in electrical, linework, HVAC, plumbing, welding, construction and automotive technology, and its current cost transparency is better than many competing schools. For students focused specifically on electric utility linework, the Electric Power & Distribution program is one of its biggest differentiators.