Scholarships for Trade Schools

• The average trade school program costs $33,000.
• Scholarships for technical schools and government grants help learners avoid debt.
• Many private organizations offer scholarships for trade schools.
• Workers may qualify for employee-sponsored trade school scholarships.

The best trade schools provide you with educational opportunities aligning with in-demand careers. They have many benefits, such as lower tuition than four-year colleges. However, be sure to research scholarships to reduce student debt.

Fortunately, many scholarships for trade schools exist. You may also qualify for a private or institutional grant. This financial aid may eliminate some of your out-of-pocket expenses.

Read on to find scholarships for trade schools and other financial aid opportunities.

How Much Does Trade School Cost?

A trade school program costs $33,000 on average. Public and private school programs' costs make up this figure. Private trade schools typically charge more, while public schools offer the lowest tuition rate to residents.

Your local community or junior college may offer affordable trade programs. These schools may also award associate degrees, an advantage if your academic or professional interests change. Community colleges charged residents about $3,500 per year on average in the 2019-20 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

While comparing tuition, make sure that the trade school is accredited. Accredited trade schools provide students with a career-focused educational experience and federal financial aid.

Trade School Scholarships

American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarships

• Who Is Eligible: Students who want to pursue a trade school education or four-year degree
• Application Deadline: September 1, 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000 (Second chance), $2,000 (High school)

American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Vocational Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible: Dependents of a current or former APWU member; high school seniors and undergraduates majoring in the trades; minimum B average
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
• Scholarship Amount: Up to $3,000

American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) Alfred Steele Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible: ASPE members and dependents; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2023
• Scholarship Amount: Up to $3,000

American Welding Society Samuel Gentry Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible: Women enrolled in a two-year welding program
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2022
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarships

• Who Is Eligible: Trade school or undergraduate students working towards a career in the automotive industry
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2023
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

DEWALT Trades Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible: High school seniors and undergraduates preparing for a career in the trades
• Application Deadline: February 8, 2023
• Scholarship Amount: $10,000

Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible: Vocational or trade school associate program students majoring in one of five approved fields of study
• Application Deadline: April 11, 2023
• Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000

The National Association of Women in Construction Founders' Scholarship Foundation

• Who Is Eligible: Women in a construction-related program
• Application Deadline: February 28, 2023
• Scholarship Amount: $500-$2,500

Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Scholarships

• Who Is Eligible: Students enrolled in a manufacturing program
• Application Deadlines: September 30, 2022 and March 31, 2023
• Scholarship Amount: Up to $3,500

Porch Skilled Trade and Technology Scholarships

• Who Is Eligible: High school seniors and college students enrolled in a trade program; minimum 3.4 GPA
• Application Deadline: October 14, 2022; January 15, 2023; April 16, 2023; July 17, 2023
• Scholarship Amount: $2,000

Trade School Grants

Cal Grant

• Who Is Eligible: California high school graduates with financial need attending an in-state school
• Application Deadline: March 2, 2023
• Grant Amount: Up to $1,090 per year

Federal Pell Grants

• Who Is Eligible?: College students with financial need
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2023
• Grant Amount: Up to $6,900 per year

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

• Who Is Eligible: College students with financial need attending a participating school

• Application Deadline: Varies by school
• Grant Amount: $100-$4,000 per year

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

• Who Is Eligible: Students whose parent or guardian died serving in Iraq or Afghanistan
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2023
• Grant Amount: Up to $6,500 per year

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program

• Who Is Eligible: New York state residents with high school diplomas (or equivalent) enrolled in an in-state school
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2023
• Grant Amount: $10,000-$80,000

Additional Resources for Trade School Students

APPRENTICESHIP.GOV

Apprenticeship.Gov lets you explore registered apprenticeship programs in every state. These programs provide trade school graduates with many years of paid hands-on training. Resources include an in-depth apprenticeship pathway for different careers.

Explore the Trades

This website helps clear up common misconceptions about trade school education. Resources include career path infographics for different jobs. The blog features the latest news and money-saving tips.

Federal Student Aid

All students should submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid. The federal government provides students with grants and low-interest loans if their trade school's cost of attendance exceeds their ability to pay.

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice

This federal government resource offers advice on how to choose a trade school. The website contains in-depth information and links to outside resources to help you decide whether trade school aligns with your academic and professional goals.

Scholarships360

Scholarships360 features the latest scholarships for technical schools. You can explore trade school scholarships using the website's extensive database. Other Scholarship360 resources include a financial aid comparison tool.

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute professional financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should contact a professional advisor before making decisions about financial issues.