Trade Schools in Topeka, KS

3 schools · 40 programs · Avg earnings $41,106/yr

Topeka's economy is anchored by state government, healthcare, and insurance industries, creating consistent demand for skilled professionals. Washburn Institute of Technology is a primary local provider, offering programs directly relevant to these sectors. The city's healthcare network, including Stormont Vail Health and Topeka VA Medical Center, drives a need for nursing and allied health professionals, reflected in strong earnings for graduates in Registered Nursing and various Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.

Beyond healthcare, Topeka’s commercial and industrial base, supported by companies like Frito-Lay and BNSF Railway, requires diverse technical skills. Programs in areas like Computer Engineering also show significant earning potential, aligning with the growing need for IT infrastructure and support across all major employers in the region.

Schools
3
Programs
40
Avg Grad Earnings
$41,106/yr
Avg Score
58/100

Topeka Trade Schools Map

3 trade schools in Topeka, KS.

Rasmussen University-Kansas Washburn University Washburn Institute of Technology

All Trade Schools in Topeka

3 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Rasmussen University-Kansas 19 $41,033/yr 56
Washburn University 9 $42,097/yr 60
Washburn Institute of Technology 6 $39,749/yr 62

Top Programs in Topeka

Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Topeka.

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing Rasmussen University-Kansas $68,119/yr 71
Allied Health Professions Washburn Institute of Technology $59,779/yr 70
Allied Health Professions Washburn University $59,779/yr 70
Allied Health Professions Washburn University $55,221/yr 60
Allied Health Professions Rasmussen University-Kansas $51,036/yr 56
Computer Engineering Rasmussen University-Kansas $48,263/yr 59
Accounting Rasmussen University-Kansas $47,506/yr 67
Criminal Justice Rasmussen University-Kansas $47,447/yr 66
Management Information Systems Rasmussen University-Kansas $46,337/yr 47
Human Resources Rasmussen University-Kansas $45,969/yr 60

Programs by Category

Skilled Trades (6 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Electrical Installation Washburn Institute of Technology 67 $37,254/yr
Electrical Installation Washburn University 66 $37,254/yr
Vehicle Repair Technology Washburn Institute of Technology 62 $35,875/yr
Vehicle Repair Technology Washburn University 61 $35,875/yr
Precision Metalworking Washburn Institute of Technology 58 $39,720/yr
Precision Metalworking Washburn University 57 $39,720/yr

Healthcare (15 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Practical Nursing Washburn Institute of Technology 72 $43,321/yr
Nursing Rasmussen University-Kansas 71 $68,119/yr
Practical Nursing Washburn University 71 $43,321/yr
Allied Health Professions Washburn Institute of Technology 70 $59,779/yr
Allied Health Professions Washburn University 70 $59,779/yr
Practical Nursing Rasmussen University-Kansas 67 $45,271/yr
Mental Health Services Washburn University 65 $42,402/yr
Medical Assisting Washburn University 62 $45,386/yr
Health Administration Rasmussen University-Kansas 62 $39,372/yr
Health Administration Rasmussen University-Kansas 61 $33,372/yr
Allied Health Professions Washburn University 60 $55,221/yr
Allied Health Professions Rasmussen University-Kansas 56 $51,036/yr
Medical Assisting Rasmussen University-Kansas 53 $35,350/yr
Medical Assisting Rasmussen University-Kansas 52 $29,532/yr
Clinical Laboratory Science Rasmussen University-Kansas 51 $43,637/yr

Engineering & Technology (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
IT Management Rasmussen University-Kansas 61 $42,043/yr

Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Criminal Justice Rasmussen University-Kansas 66 $47,447/yr

Personal Services (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology Washburn Institute of Technology 43 $22,547/yr
Cosmetology Washburn University 43 $22,547/yr

Business & Office (7 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Administration Rasmussen University-Kansas 68 $43,736/yr
Accounting Rasmussen University-Kansas 67 $47,506/yr
Accounting Rasmussen University-Kansas 61 $43,765/yr
Human Resources Rasmussen University-Kansas 60 $45,969/yr
Business Operations Support Rasmussen University-Kansas 57 $32,345/yr
Marketing Rasmussen University-Kansas 55 $44,293/yr
Management Information Systems Rasmussen University-Kansas 47 $46,337/yr

Education (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Teacher Education Rasmussen University-Kansas 55 $28,038/yr
Teacher Education Rasmussen University-Kansas 52 $28,337/yr

Arts & Design (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Design Rasmussen University-Kansas 42 $32,246/yr

Other Programs (5 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Computer Engineering Rasmussen University-Kansas 59 $48,263/yr
Legal Support Services Rasmussen University-Kansas 48 $40,492/yr
Liberal Arts & Humanities Washburn University 46 $39,468/yr
Human Services Rasmussen University-Kansas 44 $33,870/yr
Legal Support Services Rasmussen University-Kansas 40 $34,421/yr

More Trade Schools in Kansas

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Topeka?
There are 3 accredited trade and vocational schools in Topeka, KS, offering a total of 40 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Topeka?
The highest-earning programs in Topeka include Nursing, Allied Health Professions, Allied Health Professions, with graduates earning $68,119 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Topeka worth it?
Trade school programs in Topeka average $41,106 in first-year graduate earnings, with many programs offering positive ROI within the first year. Most trade careers offer strong job security due to hands-on work requirements.

About This Data

This page analyzes 40 trade and vocational programs at 3 schools in Topeka, KS using earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024–2034).

School locations shown on the map are based on official institutional addresses. Graduate earnings represent median first-year earnings for certificate and associate degree completers.

Data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034. Last updated 2026.