Best Trade and Vocational Schools

A college degree is one of many ways to get the skills you need to succeed in today’s economy. The best trade schools can offer great postsecondary educational options, providing specialized training for a lucrative career in the skilled trades.

This guide describes popular trade school degrees, what to expect from a trade school education, and potential trade careers.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Trade school can be a great alternative to a traditional four-year university experience. Explore some of the programs top trade schools commonly offer.

What is trade school? Trade schools offer career-specific training. Without many general education courses, you will focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in your industry.

Trade schools go by various names, including career colleges, technical colleges, and vocational schools. You may find trade programs offered by community colleges, especially in areas of healthcare or manufacturing.

Some trade schools offer industry certifications, while others may offer associate degrees in applied science.

Trade school careers include construction, manufacturing, personal services, healthcare support, or administrative training. The best trade schools may offer a variety of career-focused programs or focus on a specific industry, such as aviation technology or beauty schools.

Often, the local industry impacts what career tracks trade schools offer. The schools work closely with area employers to determine the need for new programs. Industry advisors and partners ensure their curriculum reflects current practices.

Yes, you can find some online trade school programs. Courses include interactive classes, videos, and online learning labs. The best online trade schools combine lectures and classroom projects with real-world learning, such as hands-on labs, apprenticeships, or externships.

Online trade schools can offer greater flexibility to pursue training for a new career. Schools offer a variety of online trade school programs, depending on your interests. Some schools also offer articulation agreements with traditional colleges, making it easier to return to school later.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The percentage of students considering college has fallen in recent years. A May 2022 survey found that 51% of high school students considered college after graduation, dropping 20% from 2020 to 2022. Half of the students were interested in postsecondary training, however.

When choosing between a trade school and college, consider your career goals, finances, and time commitment. The best trade schools offer you value for their time and money and can offer advantages over a four-year college.

As a college student, you can pay an average of $35,551 in college costs each year. Multiply that by four. In a trade school, you can pay an average of $33,000 for the total career-focused program, which may take at least two years.

By going to trade school, you can often avoid burdensome student loan debt. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average college student borrows about $30,000 to finance their education.

Despite the lower cost of trade school vs. college, you may still need help financing your education. Many programs qualify for federal financial aid. National, state, and community organizations can support you through trade school with targeted scholarship opportunities. Some companies may also offer training and educational support.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Both scholarships and grants offer educational funding that you do not have to repay. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to confirm eligibility for federal, state, and local financial aid programs. Programs must meet a 15-week minimum to qualify for the Pell Grant.

The best trade schools train you to enter a well-paying and fast-growing career. According to the BLS, many trade school careers need thousands of new employees each year.

Workers with some postsecondary training earned a median annual salary of $46,750 as of 2021. However, many skilled workers earn more. Some of the top-earning and fastest-growing skilled trades include:

The best trade schools offer students career-focused training and the path to a rewarding career. When considering trade school vs. college, consider the time required, the cost of attendance, and the jobs available for graduates.

The average trade school charges $33,000 for an entire program, though many programs charge less. You can often graduate in less than a year and begin working in their field immediately.

The quick entry into the skilled workforce could be an advantage. Trade school careers include fast-growing healthcare, trucking, and automotive service jobs. Top-paying trade school careers include electricians and aircraft mechanics.

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians report a median salary of $65,550. These technicians ensure aircraft operate safely by performing preventative maintenance, repairing defective parts, and diagnosing mechanical programs.

These specialized mechanics train at schools approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition to the training program, which can require up to two years to complete, aircraft mechanics must pass FAA certifications.

The scheduled air transportation industry reports the highest pay for aircraft mechanics, with a median salary of $96,320 as of May 2021, according to the BLS. Avionics technicians working in aerospace product and parts manufacturing earned a median salary of $78,700 the same year.

Trade schools use various terms to describe a trade school degree. Some schools refer to their programs as certificate programs. Others may refer to diplomas. The document’s name matters less than the industry skills gained during the program and any recognized industry certifications included in the course.

The best trade schools help you achieve industry certification, such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Industry certifications validate your expertise and knowledge in your career field.

Other careers require state licensing before you can begin work. Trade schools prepare you for licensing exams, including building contractors, licensed practical nurses, and cosmetologists.