Excel in CTE Initiative (SB155) Learning Opportunities for Career Technical Education
Thanks to the Excel in CTE Initiative (SB155), Kansas high school students can take specific career technical courses tuition-free. Courses on the Excel in CTE list are available to high school juniors and seniors at no cost except textbook and materials fees (if applicable).
The Excel in CTE list is set by the Kansas Board of Regents and is subject to change with little or no notice. The list and additional details about changes that apply to coursework taken beginning on or after July 1, 2026, is forthcoming.
Barton Community College does not decide which classes are tuition free.
Each Kansas college has a different list of approved classes, so please pay attention to what is covered at each separate college when enrolling.
Who is Eligible for Excel in CTE Funding?
As of Fall 2026, students must meet these requirements, which must be verified with a high school official, in order to recieve funding:
- Be a junior of senior at a Kansas high school,
- Have a 2.0 GPA or higher,
- Be on track to graduate (as defined by their USD),
- and have these details confirmed by their high school. (This process is in the works. Details forthcoming.)
Students must also declare a major/intended degree with Barton to qualify for funding. Students can do this while applying for admission or when discussing with an academic advisor.
Retakes and Funding Details, Effective July 1, 2026
New expectations for students taking coursework apply.
- If a student fails an Excel in CTE class, the student is not eligible for the class to be paid a second time to accommodate a retake of that course.
- If a student fails two Excel in CTE classes, the student is no longer eligible for Excel in CTE funding for any coursework.
Student eligibility and retake requirements only affect the funding element of Excel in CTE. If a student doesn't meet these requirements, or if their details cannot be verified, and a student chooses to enroll coursework, they will be subject to tuition and fees for those courses.
Additional Funding Details
Kansas high school student discounts are available for career and technical education classes not covered by Excel in CTE funding, or for students who do not meet the specified requirements for funding:
- $50 per credit hour Barton County Campus or at your school offered by a Barton faculty member
- $50 per credit hour Partnered Online
- $75 per credit hour Barton Online
Barton Community College's Excel in CTE (SB155) Courses
New Program Changes for CDL Program
Online offerings for Summer 2026 sessions - NEW!
Online offerings for Fall 2025 sessions - Fall 2026 listing is not yet available. Please check back this summer.
Online offerings for Spring 2026 sessions
Complete List of Excel in CTE Offerings, November 2024 Update - Changes coming for Fall 2026 semester! Check back this summer.