State School Rankings

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Kansas Ranked For 2026

Explore 16 automotive schools in Kansas, with certificate and degree options, tuition, and facts about automotive training.

Kansas geographic illustration for the best auto mechanic schools in Kansas guide
Kansas · Geographic Illustration
Schools Compared
16
Across The State
Annual Tuition From
$1,440
Institution-Wide · 2024–25
Kansas Median Pay
$47,790
Automotive Mechanics · May 2025
Kansas Employment
6,240
Occupation-Wide · BLS OEWS

The best auto mechanic schools in Kansas include 16 schools and 32 automotive certificate and degree options. The state figures report 389 awards in 2023-24. Kansas's May 2025 BLS OEWS median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $47,790.

Fort Hays Tech North Central in Beloit reports a 78% schoolwide graduation rate, $5,530 annual in-state tuition, and 13 awards in an associate's program. Manhattan Area Technical College reports a 74% schoolwide rate, $6,544 tuition, and 39 awards across certificates and associate degrees. Flint Hills Technical College reports a 68% rate and $5,024 tuition.

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Kansas

Ranked schools receive a comparison score from automotive credential awards (50%), annual institution-wide tuition (30%), and schoolwide graduation rate (20%). These measures help compare reported scale, cost, and institutional completion. Read The Full Ranking Method.

SchoolLocationAnnual In-State TuitionAutomotive Awards
Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeKansas City, KS$2,67469
Flint Hills Technical CollegeEmporia, KS$5,02448
Hutchinson Community CollegeHutchinson, KS$2,97027
Cowley County Community CollegeArkansas City, KS$2,40020
Garden City Community CollegeGarden City, KS$1,89016
Manhattan Area Technical CollegeManhattan, KS$6,54439
Coffeyville Community CollegeCoffeyville, KS$1,44018
Johnson County Community CollegeOverland Park, KS$2,52024
Pratt Community CollegePratt, KS$2,33613
Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeGoodland, KS15
Washburn Institute of TechnologyTopeka, KS$7,58428
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and TechnologyWichita, KS$7,23741
Fort Hays Tech North CentralBeloit, KS$5,53013
Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg, KS$6,3429
Salina Area Technical CollegeSalina, KS$5,7606
Butler Community CollegeEl Dorado, KS$3,0903

Tuition is the institution’s annual undergraduate figure for 2024–25, excluding fees, tools, housing, and other expenses. Awards are credentials reported in 2023–24, not a count of unique graduates. Blank cells indicate an omitted measure.

01

Kansas City, KS

Kansas City Kansas Community College

69.6Score

CertificatePublic

Customer-Vehicle Lab Training

This program suits a student who wants hands-on work on real customer vehicles with classroom support and instructors who have spent their careers in automotive service.

Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Automotive Technology program combines classroom instruction, laboratory activity, and live demonstrations on customer vehicles. The curriculum covers brakes, electrical systems, engines, steering, suspension, transmissions, drivetrains, and climate systems, while instructors bring service and management experience from the automotive industry.

Annual In-State Tuition
$2,674
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
69
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
42%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Instruction Format

KCKCC combines classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and live demonstrations to develop the knowledge and hands-on skills used in professional automotive shops.

Service Curriculum

The program description includes brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions, drivetrains, and heating and air conditioning.

Live Customer Work

KCKCC says most hands-on lab time focuses on real cars from real customers, with the goal of simulating the complete shop environment graduates will encounter in the field.

Industry Faculty

The college says its instructors have worked throughout the automotive industry, with most bringing significant service-technician and management experience to the classroom.

Career Paths

KCKCC lists entry-level paths including automotive service technician, diagnostic technician, and lubrication technician, with some graduates moving into repair-facility management or shop ownership.

02

Emporia, KS

Flint Hills Technical College

60.5Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Lab-Heavy Multi-System Training

This program fits a student who wants most instructional time in a shop setting, multiple credential options, and broad systems coverage taught by ASE-certified instructors.

Flint Hills Technical College’s Automotive Technology program pairs an 80% lab format with ASE-certified instruction in diagnostics and service repair. Students can pursue an associate degree or one-year certificate while working through electrical, engine, brake, transmission, suspension, alternative-fuel, and service-management topics at the Emporia, La Harpe, or Garnett locations.

Annual In-State Tuition
$5,024
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
48
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
68%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Credential Options

Flint Hills Technical College offers Automotive Technology as an Associate of Applied Science and as a one-year technical certificate.

Lab Emphasis

The college says 80% of the Automotive Technology program is lab based. Students practice diagnostic and service repair techniques instead of relying only on classroom instruction.

Service Systems

Published training areas include electrical systems, engines, brakes, transmissions, suspension, diagnostics, and alternative-fuel systems.

Instructor Credentials

Flint Hills identifies the program as led by ASE-certified instructors who teach automotive diagnostic and service repair techniques.

Campus Locations

Automotive Technology is offered at Flint Hills locations in Emporia, La Harpe, and Garnett, giving students three listed sites for the program.

03

Hutchinson, KS

Hutchinson Community College

60.2Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Broad Certificate Curriculum

This certificate suits a student who wants a concentrated technician curriculum covering the major vehicle systems in a community college technical division.

Hutchinson Community College’s Automotive Technology Certificate A teaches service and repair across brakes, electrical systems, engine performance and repair, steering, suspension, transmissions, drivetrains, and climate systems. The program combines classroom and hands-on work and gives students a direct technical certificate route through the college’s agriculture, business, computers, and technology division.

Annual In-State Tuition
$2,970
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
27
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
53%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Certificate Program

Hutchinson lists Automotive Technology as a Certificate A program. Its curriculum prepares students to apply technical knowledge to repair, service, and maintain automobiles.

Mechanical Systems

The published description includes engine performance, engine repair, automatic and manual transmissions, and drivetrains among the technical areas addressed.

Chassis And Brakes

Students study brake systems, steering, and suspension as part of the service and repair sequence for passenger vehicles.

Electrical And Climate

Electrical systems and heating and air conditioning are included in the automotive technology curriculum alongside engine and drivetrain work.

04

Arkansas City, KS

Cowley County Community College

56.0Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Certificate-To-AAS Route

This pathway fits a student who wants hands-on automotive training with a technical certificate entry point and an associate degree option.

Cowley College’s Automotive Technology program offers a technical certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree. The current program page describes instruction from basic engine repair through advanced diagnostics, hands-on shop experience, NATEF standards, and digital badges covering major service systems.

Annual In-State Tuition
$2,400
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
20
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
45%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Credential Options

Cowley gives Automotive Technology students the opportunity to earn a technical certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Diagnostic Range

The current program page describes coursework ranging from basic engine repairs to advanced diagnostics.

Hands-On Shop

Cowley says students gain hands-on experience in its automotive shop while developing technician skills.

NATEF Standards

The Automotive Service Technology program follows NATEF teaching standards for secondary and post-secondary students and is an educational member of ASE.

Digital Badges

Listed digital badges cover automatic transmission, electrical systems, manual transmission and driveline, brakes, gas engine performance, steering and suspension, climate controls, and gas engine repair.

05

Garden City, KS

Garden City Community College

55.9Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Scenario-Based AAS

This program fits a student who wants small-class shop training, a defined certificate or AAS, apprenticeship exposure, and a performance-testing tool uncommon in basic introductory programs.

Garden City Community College’s Automotive Technology program uses daily scenario-based training and small classes to build entry-level technician skills. The 68-credit AAS and 50-credit certificate include shop practice, a Mustang chassis dynamometer, apprenticeship experience, and transfer agreements for students who want to continue after the technical award.

Annual In-State Tuition
$1,890
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
16
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
50%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Credential Options

Garden City lists a 68-credit Associate of Applied Science and a 50-credit Automotive Technology certificate. Both options are built around the same technical field with different completion scopes.

Scenario-Based Learning

Daily scenario-based learning mirrors automotive field situations, while small class sizes give students a setting for repeated practice and instructor feedback.

Chassis Dynamometer

The program identifies a Mustang chassis dynamometer among its automotive resources. That equipment lets students work with vehicle performance testing in the training environment.

Apprenticeship Experience

Garden City describes apprenticeship opportunities as part of the program, connecting technical instruction with supervised experience in automotive workplaces.

Transfer Agreements

The program page lists transfer agreements for students who want to continue their education after completing Garden City’s Automotive Technology coursework.

06

Manhattan, KS

Manhattan Area Technical College

54.3Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Three-Level Automotive Pathway

This pathway fits students who want to choose among a full AAS, broad certificate, or short ASE-oriented certificate while training on current diagnostic and repair systems.

Manhattan Area Technical College offers Automotive Technology as a 66-credit AAS, a 51-credit Certificate C, or a 19-credit Certificate A. Students train on wheel alignment, engine performance, electrical and electronic diagnosis, brakes, climate systems, and drivetrains, then can pursue ASE certifications and transfer into selected bachelor’s programs.

Annual In-State Tuition
$6,544
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
39
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
74%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Three Credential Options

Manhattan Tech lists a 66-credit Associate of Applied Science, a 51-credit Certificate C, and a 19-credit Certificate A in Automotive Technology.

Diagnostic Training

The AAS includes wheel alignment, engine performance, electrical and electronic diagnosis, brakes, heating and air conditioning, service work, and drivetrain repair on the latest equipment.

ASE Certifications

The program lists ASE certifications in automatic transmissions and transaxles, engine repair, brakes, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, manual drivetrains, engine performance, and suspension and steering.

Applied Outcomes

Graduates are expected to develop entry-level diagnosis and repair skills, complete the ASE certification examination, communicate effectively, and follow automotive repair workflow and quality expectations.

Transfer Options

Manhattan Tech lists transfer guides to Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University, and Kansas State University for students continuing into selected bachelor’s programs.

07

Coffeyville, KS

Coffeyville Community College

53.5Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

ASE-Focused Service Training

This route fits a student who wants a focused certificate, an optional AAS, and practical training across the eight major service areas used by entry-level automotive technicians.

Coffeyville Community College’s Automotive Service program combines classroom instruction with hands-on shop training in electrical systems, brakes, engine performance and repair, steering, transmissions, drivetrains, and climate systems. A full-time student can complete the certificate in one year, while the college also offers an AAS path and prepares students for ASE testing.

Annual In-State Tuition
$1,440
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
18
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
38%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Credential Timeline

Coffeyville describes a one-year certificate for full-time students and a two-year completion estimate for part-time students. Students may also add general education coursework toward an Associate of Applied Science.

Eight Service Areas

The program covers automotive electrical systems, suspension and steering, brakes, engine performance, engine repair, manual transmissions and drivetrains, automatic transmissions, and heating and air conditioning.

Diagnostic Equipment

Students train with lab scopes, diagnostic scanners, digital volt-ohm testers, brake lathes, and alignment equipment in a modern facility designed to resemble a professional shop.

Program Goals

Published goals include diagnosing and servicing brakes, steering and suspension, electrical systems, engine performance, heating and air conditioning, and automatic transmissions with correct tools and procedures.

ASE Preparation

Coffeyville says training prepares students for ASE certification tests and requires completion of at least four of the eight emphasis areas for its certificate of completion.

08

Overland Park, KS

Johnson County Community College

51.3Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Accredited Two-Year AAS

This AAS fits a student who wants a comprehensive, accredited technician curriculum with a defined two-year degree and Kansas Board of Regents transfer approval.

Johnson County Community College’s Automotive Technology AAS is a two-year, ASE Education Foundation-accredited program covering the major systems used in modern service work. The sequence includes engine performance, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and electronic systems, climate control, automatic and manual transmissions, engines, and drivelines, with Kansas transfer approval.

Annual In-State Tuition
$2,520
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
24
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
31%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Two-Year Degree

JCCC identifies Automotive Technology as a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. The catalog also lists one-year and two-year certificate options in the same field.

ASE Accreditation

The Automotive Technology AAS is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation, according to JCCC’s current catalog description.

Core Systems

The AAS encompasses engine performance, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, automatic transmissions, engines, manual transmissions, and drivelines.

Transfer Approval

JCCC states that its Automotive Technology course is approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for guaranteed transfer among Kansas Regents public postsecondary institutions.

09

Pratt, KS

Pratt Community College

49.9Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Master-Accredited Shop Program

This program fits a student who wants a customer-vehicle shop, extensive ASE exam preparation, and a short certificate or associate degree taught by master-certified instructors.

Pratt Community College’s Automotive Technology program offers an AAS and Certificate A with Master Automobile Service Technology accreditation. Students work on live vehicles in a customer-service shop, use current diagnostic equipment, and prepare for ASE tests A1 through A8, G1, and EPA 609 with guidance from ASE Master-certified faculty.

Annual In-State Tuition
$2,336
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
13
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
45%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Credential Options

Pratt Community College offers Automotive Technology as an Associate of Applied Science and Certificate A program, giving students two credential lengths in the same technical field.

Master Accreditation

The program identifies Master Automobile Service Technology accreditation through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, now the ASE Education Foundation.

Live Shop Work

Students work on live vehicles in a customer-service shop, using current equipment and procedures to connect classroom instruction with automotive repair tasks.

ASE Test Preparation

The listed ASE preparation areas include A1 through A8 and G1, covering engines, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, transmissions, climate control, and general maintenance.

EPA 609

Pratt includes EPA 609 preparation among the program credentials, addressing the handling requirements associated with automotive air-conditioning refrigerants.

10

Goodland, KS

Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College

49.7Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Full Week Of Shop Training In Goodland

Fort Hays Tech | Northwest suits students who can commit to daytime classes and want practice handling both repairs and customer jobs. Its degree adds personal finance and general education to the technical sequence.

Fort Hays Tech | Northwest gives automotive students a weekday shop schedule and customer repair work in Goodland. The curriculum extends beyond fixing vehicles: students look up parts, prepare job sheets, and deal with customers. Three technical certificates and a 68-credit AAS offer different amounts of coursework within the program.

Automotive Awards
15
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
73%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Three Certificates And An AAS

The catalog lists Technical Certificate A at 22 credits, Certificate B at 33, Certificate C at 59, and the associate degree at 68.

Weekday Class And Lab Schedule

Automotive students attend class and lab from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Customer Repair Jobs

The shop schedules customer work in repair bays modeled on a dealership. Students troubleshoot vehicles, locate parts, figure job sheets, and interact with customers.

Finance And Workplace Coursework

The AAS includes three-credit Principles of Personal Finance and three-credit Technical Math, with an approved math alternative. Its final semester includes Workplace Ethics or an approved general education elective.

11

Topeka, KS

Washburn Institute of Technology

47.3Score

CertificatePublic

Two-Semester Certificate

This route fits a student who wants a fast technical certificate, a clear AAS continuation, and hands-on work with late-model vehicles and modern diagnostic equipment.

Washburn Tech’s Automotive Technology program can be completed full time in two semesters and awards a 52-credit technical certificate, with an AAS continuation available. Students train on late-model vehicles in a remodeled lab, use high-tech diagnostic tools, and prepare for ASE exams across engines, brakes, electrical systems, steering, transmissions, drivetrains, climate control, and safety.

Annual In-State Tuition
$7,584
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
28
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
68%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Certificate And AAS

Washburn Tech awards a 52-credit technical certificate in Automotive Technology. Graduates can continue into an Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science degree through Washburn Tech and Washburn University.

Completion Time

Full-time students can complete the technical certificate in two semesters; Washburn says part-time and high school students can finish in four semesters.

Late-Model Vehicles

The remodeled automotive lab uses high-tech diagnostic and repair tools on a fleet of late-model vehicles, pairing classroom theory with hands-on service practice.

ASE Preparation

The program lists ASE preparation in brakes, engine performance, electrical and electronic systems, suspension and steering, automatic transmissions, manual drivetrains, engine repair, and heating and air.

Additional Credentials

Washburn Tech lists Auto Technology Certification, SP/2 safety and pollution prevention, MACS 609, Snap-on multimeter and Verus diagnostic credentials, and OSHA 10 among the program certifications.

12

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

46.5Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

OEM-Credentialed Automotive Training

This program suits a student who wants a Kansas Promise-eligible associate or certificate route with national accreditation, OEM training, and broad shop-based systems instruction.

WSU Tech’s Automotive Technology program teaches vehicle diagnosis, repair, and service through classroom and lab instruction. The AAS and technical certificate cover safety, electrical and electronic systems, suspension, engine performance and repair, drivetrains, climate control, and brakes, with National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation accreditation and MOPAR CAP LOCAL credentials.

Annual In-State Tuition
$7,237
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
41
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
43%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Credential Options

WSU Tech lists Automotive Technology as an Associate of Applied Science and a Technical Certificate, with both options identified as Kansas Promise eligible.

Systems Curriculum

Automotive Technology instruction includes safety, electrical and electronic systems, suspension and steering, engine performance, manual drivetrains and axles, heating and air conditioning, engine repair, and brakes.

NATEF Accreditation

WSU Tech identifies the Automotive Technology program as accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation at secondary and postsecondary levels.

MOPAR Credentials

The program is a certified MOPAR CAP LOCAL technical training program. Students can earn OEM credentials for servicing Fiat Chrysler automobiles after graduation.

Alternative Fuel Option

WSU Tech separately offers Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance and Advanced Electronics, with instruction in electric, LPG, CNG, and hybrid fuel technology alongside diagnosis and repair.

13

Beloit, KS

Fort Hays Tech North Central

41.2Score

Associate DegreePublic

68-Credit AAS

This route fits a student who wants a full automotive associate degree with a defined technical sequence, advanced electronics, and an internship option.

Fort Hays Tech North Central’s 2025–26 catalog lists a 68-credit Automotive Technology AAS at the Beloit and Hays campuses. The program covers brakes, electrical and fuel systems, drivability, transmissions, engine repair, advanced computer systems, alternative fuels, and a possible internship, with outcomes aligned to ASE testing and NATEF MAST standards.

Annual In-State Tuition
$5,530
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
13
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
78%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Associate Degree

The 2025–26 catalog lists Automotive Technology as a 68-credit Associate of Applied Science degree offered at the Beloit and Hays campuses.

Systems Curriculum

Program outcomes cover electrical systems, drivability, brakes, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning, engines, automatic transmissions, and manual drivetrains.

Advanced Coursework

The technical sequence includes Advanced Electricity, Advanced Automotive Computer Systems, Advanced Fuels, Advanced Fuel Management Systems, Advanced Electronics and Networks, and Light Duty Diesel Systems.

Internship Option

The fourth semester includes Alternative Fuels or an Internship option, and the catalog says employer internships are available.

ASE Preparation

The program is correlated to NATEF MAST standards and prepares students for Automotive Service Excellence exams.

14

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University

30.7Score

Associate DegreePublic

MAST-Accredited Two-Year AAS

This degree fits a student who wants a short university AAS with high-level automotive accreditation, extensive lab space, and practical preparation for diagnostic service work.

Pittsburg State University’s two-year Automotive Service Technology AAS combines 64 credits of technical and general education study with hands-on work in 32,000 square feet of automotive laboratories. The MAST-accredited program covers engines, electrical systems, brakes, steering, suspension, air conditioning, diagnostics, and customer service, with internship and work-experience options.

Annual In-State Tuition
$6,342
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
9
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
57%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree Structure

Pittsburg State lists a two-year Automotive Service Technology AAS totaling 64 credit hours, including 50 hours of automotive service technology coursework and 14 hours of general education.

MAST Accreditation

The program is accredited at the Master Automotive Service Technology level through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, according to Pitt State’s program page.

Technical Curriculum

Students study engine repair, electrical systems, brakes, suspension and steering, air conditioning, diagnostic tools, safety procedures, and customer service.

Laboratory Training

The program describes hands-on learning in 32,000 square feet of automotive laboratories equipped with more than 40 donated vehicles, modern tools, and current technology.

Work Experience

Pitt State says students can gain practical experience through internships or work-experience programs and are encouraged to take ASE tests after relevant coursework.

15

Salina, KS

Salina Area Technical College

29.4Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Master-Tech Service Training

This program suits a student who wants instruction from experienced ASE master technicians, broad systems coverage, and a technical certificate or associate option grounded in shop work.

Salina Area Technical College’s Automotive Technology program is taught by ASE-certified master technicians and uses real automotive service work to develop diagnostic and repair skills. Students can choose a two-year technical certificate or an associate route, with curriculum spanning engines, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, drivetrains, transmissions, climate control, and alignment.

Annual In-State Tuition
$5,760
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
6
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
68%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Credential Timelines

Salina Tech lists a two-year Automotive Technology technical certificate and an associate option that typically takes two and a half years.

Instructor Experience

The program is taught by ASE-certified master technicians with more than 30 years of experience in the automotive service industry.

Systems Curriculum

Coursework covers engine performance, electrical and electronic systems, suspension and steering, brakes, automatic and manual transmissions, drivetrains, heating and air conditioning, and wheel alignment.

ASE Accreditation

Salina Tech identifies its Automotive Technology program as accredited through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and includes seven ASE areas in its training.

Hands-On Repair

The program describes students working with real vehicles and service problems, using the same kinds of repair and diagnostic procedures found in automotive shops.

16

El Dorado, KS

Butler Community College

26.4Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Paid-Internship AAS

This program suits a student who wants an associate or certificate route with dealership internships, current diagnostic tools, and credential preparation across core automotive service areas.

Butler Community College offers an Automotive Technology AAS and certificate built around diagnosis and repair with modern shop equipment. Students cover major service systems, work through paid internships with area dealerships, and can prepare for ASE and MACS credentials while learning in a program connected to Ford and local automotive employers.

Annual In-State Tuition
$3,090
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
3
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
32%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree And Certificate

Butler lists Automotive Technology as both an Associate of Applied Science and a certificate. The current program page describes the certificate as a nine-month option and the AAS as a two-year degree.

Diagnostic Equipment

Training uses Snap-on tools, an Apollo D3 scanner, and a multimeter. Butler presents the equipment as part of realistic practice diagnosing and repairing vehicles for shop work.

Service Areas

The program prepares students across heating and air, electrical and electronic systems, brakes, suspension and steering, engine performance, transmissions, manual drivetrains, and engine repair.

Paid Internships

Butler places students in paid internships with partner dealerships in Wichita and nearby communities. The rotations add workplace experience alongside classroom and lab training.

Industry Credentials

Butler says the curriculum and internships prepare students for ASE certification and also lists Mobile Air Climate System certification, including proper recovery and disposal under the EPA Clean Air Act.

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Kansas

Kansas's options also include Salina Area Technical College at $5,760 annual tuition and 6 awards, plus Washburn Institute of Technology at $7,584 and 28 awards. Those reports show why a schoolwide rate alone is not enough. Credential, campus distance, hands-on work, and total fees separate the associate degree and certificate routes.

Fort Hays Tech North Central is an associate's example with 13 awards. Manhattan Area Technical College combines associate's and certificates and reports 39 awards. Flint Hills Technical College and Salina Area Technical College each report a 68% schoolwide rate, with annual in-state tuition of $5,024 and $5,760. Those figures provide context without turning a schoolwide measure into an automotive-program result.

Credential choice comes before the final price comparison. The cost guide gives you a worksheet for tools, fees, books, and travel.

The figures distinguish tuition, award level, tools, and hands-on coursework across the options.

Auto Mechanic Pay In Kansas

The May 2025 BLS survey reports a $47,790 median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Kansas, across 6,240 jobs. The median is the midpoint for the occupation, not an offer to new graduates.

10th Percentile
$31,970
Median
$47,790
90th Percentile
$77,340

Experience, employer, and the work you do affect where you fall in that spread. Explore Auto Mechanic Salaries.

School Credentials And ASE Certification

A college certificate is an academic credential; professional ASE certification requires passing the relevant ASE test and satisfying its work experience rule. For the A1–A9 automobile tests, that rule is two years of qualifying repair experience. You can take most tests before completing the experience requirement, but passing alone does not make you certified.

Completing an ASE-accredited automotive program can count for one year of that experience. An eligible ASE-accredited manufacturer co-op program can count for the full two years when it includes the required hands-on work. These substitutions cannot be combined. Source: ASE Work Experience Rules.

Our certificate and associate degree comparison explains the academic routes, while the ASE certification guide covers professional credentials. The school cost guide separates tuition, fees, and tools.

Kansas Auto Mechanic School Questions

What Is The May 2025 Kansas Wage Median?
The May 2025 BLS OEWS median for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Kansas is $47,790. The middle figure is a statewide occupation measure, with the 10th percentile at $31,970 and the 90th percentile at $77,340.
Where Does Kansas Report Associate Degree Awards?
Flint Hills Technical College (certificate and associate degree, 48 awards), Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (certificate and associate degree, 41 awards), Manhattan Area Technical College (certificate and associate degree, 39 awards), Hutchinson Community College (certificate and associate degree, 27 awards) show associate degree credentials among the published school figures.
How Many Automotive Awards Are Reported In Kansas?
The Kansas schools span certificate and associate degree credentials across 32 automotive options and 389 awards in 2023-24. Kansas City Kansas Community College has the largest listed award count at 69. Coffeyville Community College lists $1,440 in annual in-state institution tuition.

Sources For These School Comparisons

School records and program sources checked September 8, 2026. Federal figures retain their original reporting years; program details cite the school’s published requirements and costs. Send A Correction.

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