Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Gordon Cooper Technology Center
Named for astronaut Gordon Cooper, this Shawnee campus is known for hands-on learning that feels close to the real thing. Students dive into technical, healthcare, business, and service fields with labs and shops that mirror workplaces. Academic support is easy to find, from advising and tutoring to career services and quiet study spots. Instructors bring practical experience and a steady, no-nonsense approach to quality.
Student life leans collaborative. You'll see clubs, skills challenges, guest speakers, and service projects that connect classroom work to the community. Common areas make it easy to swap ideas, and the town's coffee shops and local parks add low-key downtime. The culture is friendly, focused, and proud of hard work. Career prep has a strong reputation here, with employer visits, work-based learning, and résumé help that actually gets used. It's grounded, forward looking, and built for momentum.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) offers 30 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 434 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (6 programs, 155 graduates), Mechanics (7 programs, 95 graduates), Production (2 programs, 41 graduates), Construction (2 programs, 29 graduates) and Education (2 programs, 27 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (6 programs, 155 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing and Patient Care Assistant | 84 |
|
Other Award
|
51.3902 |
| Health Unit Coordination | 23 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0703 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 20 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0904 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 19 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
| Rehabilitation Aide | 6 |
|
Other Award
|
51.2604 |
| Medical Insurance Billing | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0714 |
Mechanics (7 programs, 95 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology | 27 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
47.0607 |
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 19 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
47.0604 |
| Medium and Heavy Vehicle Technology | 19 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
47.0613 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology | 14 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
47.0201 |
| Computer Installation and Repair Technology | 11 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
47.0104 |
| Security System Installation and Repair Technology | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
47.0110 |
| Autobody and Collision Repair Technology | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
47.0603 |
Production (2 programs, 41 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machinist Technology | 23 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
48.0510 |
| Welding Technology | 18 |
|
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
Construction (2 programs, 29 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 16 |
|
Other Award
|
46.0302 |
| Carpentry | 13 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
46.0201 |
Education (2 programs, 27 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 22 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13.1210 |
| Teacher Assistant and Aide | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
13.1501 |
Arts (1 programs, 24 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 24 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
50.0409 |
Engineering (1 programs, 20 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Engineering | 20 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14.0101 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 16 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12.0401 |
Business (3 programs, 12 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 6 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0701 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 5 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0401 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
43.0107 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC)
What academic programs and degree levels does Gordon Cooper Technology Center offer?
Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) offers 30 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (7 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (2 programs)
- Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (2 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Gordon Cooper Technology Center?
Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) provides financial aid to 12% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,555 and average loans of $0.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $7,078
- State/Local grants: $1,532
- Institutional grants: $1,733
The university supports 72 students with grants and 0 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Gordon Cooper Technology Center graduates?
Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) graduates earn a median salary of $34,450 after 6 years and $42,021 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $16,976 (25th percentile) to $67,203 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.