Best Trade Schools in Utah
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- About 38 trade schools offer dozens of certification programs in Utah.
- Trade schools teach in-demand skills for quick entry into the workforce.
- Earning a certificate often costs significantly less than earning a bachelor's degree.
- Some of the highest-employed trade jobs in Utah include medical assistants and electricians.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Utah has 38 trade schools. Also known as technical colleges or vocational schools, trade programs train students for in-demand skilled trades in healthcare, construction, business, personal care services, and transportation.
Many of these programs result in a certification, which validates your skills to potential employers. Trade programs can offer a much quicker and less costly route into a career than a four-year bachelor's degree. Many trade school graduates head into the workforce with less debt than college graduates.
Best Utah Trade Schools
Each program on the list will meet our criteria, being:
- Must offer less than one-year certifications
- Accredited
- Less than 18:1 faculty-to-student ratio
- Less than $35,000 in tuition costs
- Over 50% graduation rate
1. Acaydia School of Aesthetics
- Private, for-profit
- Cost: $15,467
- Location: Provo, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: High school graduates require a high school diploma, GED certificate, or equivalent. Non-high school graduates may take and pass an ability-to-benefit test. Candidates must be at least 16 and, if in high school, must submit approval from their high school and complete a pre-enrollment evaluation.
- Graduation requirements: Students must complete 600 program hours for the level I basic aesthetics and the level II master-medical aesthetics programs. The master-medical aesthetics requires 1200 hours.
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences
- About the program: This school offers several programs in aesthetics, from the beginner to the master level. Students can also take elective and continuing education courses, like advanced makeup and micro-needling. They provide a small student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1.
2. Evans Hairstyling College-St. George
- Private, for-profit
- Cost: $6,092
- Location: St. George, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate by the first day of enrollment or show proof upon graduation.
- Graduation requirements: Students must complete at least 1600 hours and pass a written and practical exam.
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences
- About the program: The cosmetology program consists of 2,000 hours. Classes take place on Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. The school offers a $2,500 scholarship with several requirements.
3. Fortis College-Salt Lake City
- Private, for-profit
- Cost: $24,238
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: Applicants must be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants interview with an admissions representative and take the Wonderlic scholastic level exam. Additional requirements vary by program.
- Graduation requirements: Varies by program
- Accreditations: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges; Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing for nursing associate degree programs; American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation for dental hygiene program.
- About the program: Fortis College offers over 20 programs in healthcare, skilled trades, commercial driving, and beauty and wellness. Some examples of their programs include dental hygienist, HVAC technician, commercial driving and massage therapy.
4. Healing Mountain Massage School
- Private, for-profit
- Cost: $15,737
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate. Must be 18 at the time of graduation and have no legal actions or convictions that would affect the license to touch others.
- Graduation requirements: Complete the 900-hour massage therapy program or the 1,200-hour holistic health practitioner program.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
- About the program: The school offers three programs: massage therapy certification, spa therapy certification, and holistic health practitioner diploma. The holistic health practitioner and massage programs prepare students for state licensing. The school pays for the MBLEx exam, one year of professional liability insurance, and $100 towards state licensure for students who graduate on time.
5. Medspa Academies
- Private, for-profit
- Cost: $14,319
- Location: South Jordan, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: High school diploma or its equivalent. The 750-hour program requires an active cosmetology or 600-hour basic aesthetician Utah license.
- Graduation requirements: Students must complete the required program hours and hold a minimum GPA of 75%.
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences
- About the program: The school offers a 750-hour and a 1,200-hour program in master aesthetics. Their online program allows students to complete 25% of the curriculum online and complete practical work and exams on campus. They also offer certification courses in advanced aesthetics procedures. They report a 95% graduation rate.
6. Myotherapy College of Utah
- Private, for-profit
- Cost: $23,195
- Location: Millcreek City, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: High school diploma or its equivalent. Prospective students must schedule an interview and tour of the facilities.
- Graduation requirements: Participants must complete 696 hours of required courses and 100 hours of electives. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- About the program: The massage therapy program consists of 796 hours. Students may meet with businesses hiring massage therapists and learn how to build a massage therapy practice.
7. Ogden-Weber Technical College
- Public
- Cost: $6,168
- Location: Ogden, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: Program admission requirements vary. Students may meet these requirements through the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or Accuplacer assessments at the school's testing center or by providing outside documentation.
- Graduation requirements: Varies by program
- Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education; Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing for practical nursing programs.
- About the program: Ogden-Weber Technical College offers about 30 programs in business and computer technology, construction, health, manufacturing, and service. A few examples of their programs include computer programming, plumbing, practical nursing, manufacturing technician, and culinary arts.
8. Taylor Andrews Academy-St. George
- Private, for-profit
- Cost: $8,361
- Location: St. George, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: High school diploma or its equivalent. The school also accepts the ability-to-benefit test for those without a high school diploma.
- Graduation requirements: Graduates must complete 1,600 hours of training for the cosmetology/barber program and score at least 80% on tests, grids, and finals
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences
- About the program: This school offers programs in cosmetology/barber, esthetics, and makeup artistry. Programs may include optional trips to work with professionals in the field and guest speakers.
9. Tooele Technical College
- Public
- Cost: $6,795
- Location: Tooele, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: Applicants must set up an appointment with an academic advisor and complete an application. Advisors determine if an assessment test for math and reading is required.
- Graduation requirements: Varies by program
- Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education
- About the program: This competency-based technical college offers over 15 programs in business and technology, healthcare, service, public safety, transportation, construction, and manufacturing. Programs include IT and security technician, clinical medical assistant, heavy-duty diesel technician, and electrical apprenticeship.
10. Uintah Basin Technical College
- Public
- Cost: $2,051
- Location: Roosevelt, Utah
- Admission/application requirements: Prospective students meet with a student success center officer to complete any needed testing and admissions tasks. Admissions testing uses the TABE assessment to place students in the appropriate course.
- Graduation requirements: Varies by program. For example, graduation requirements for the pharmacy technician program include earning 80% or higher on all coursework and clinical experience.
- Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education; Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing for practical nursing programs
- About the program: Uintah Basin Technical College offers about 28 certificate programs in business, energy services, health professions, and trades. Pathways include automotive technician, security technician, well-control supervisor, and surgical technician. UBTech has an 84% graduation rate.
Other Notable Utah Trade Schools
- American Beauty Academy
- Avalon Institute-Layton
- Aveda Institute-Provo
- Bonnie Joseph Academy of Cosmetology and Barbering
- Cameo College of Essential Beauty
- Collectiv Academy
- Evans Hairstyling College-Cedar City
- Paul Mitchell the School-Logan
- Paul Mitchell the School-Ogden
- Paul Mitchell the School-Salt Lake City
- Paul Mitchell the School-St. George
- Renaissance Academie
- Skin Science Institute
- Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare
- Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Provo
- Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-West Jordan
- The Barber School
Trade Jobs and Salaries in Utah
High demand and pay draw students to trade school programs. Some schools work with local businesses to determine workforce needs and teach students the required skills. A few of the highest-employed trade jobs in Utah only require training or a certificate after high school. These jobs include CDL drivers, electricians, and medical assistants.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- Projected national employment growth (2020-2030): 6%
- Average annual salary in Utah (May 2021): $50,340
These drivers require a commercial driver's license (CDL). In Utah, applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a regular driver's license for at least one year, and obtain a Department of Transportation medical certificate.
Many prospective truck drivers learn the required skills at a professional truck driving school, which can take as little as three weeks. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) projects a 17% job growth for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in Utah from 2018-2028, well above the national average.
Electrician
- Projected national employment growth (2020-2030): 9%
- Average annual salary in Utah (May 2021): $63,310
Electricians in Utah experience great demand, with the DOL projecting 28% employment growth from 2018-2028. The NCES reports that those with a bachelor's degree in 2020 earned a median salary of $59,600, a comparable salary to an electrician's.
To obtain a full journeyman electrician license in Utah, you must complete a trade school program and 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience. Applicants may also qualify by gaining 16,000 hours of work experience.
Medical Assistant
- Projected national employment growth (2020-2030): 18%
- Average annual salary in Utah (May 2021): $38,190
- Medical assistants have a significant role on healthcare teams, assisting with administrative tasks and patient care. Many employers require that these assistants hold certificates. Students may complete medical assistant programs in about 8-16 months, much faster than a four-year bachelor's degree.
Trade Schools in Utah
Utah's 38 trade schools and 13 community colleges offer numerous programs leading to certifications and associate degrees. These credentials can lead to increased earnings and in-demand careers. Additionally, trade skills usually come at a much lower cost than a bachelor's degree and take less time to complete.
The programs offered at the best trade schools in Utah lead to careers in healthcare, plumbing, electrical, information technology, and more. Many trade jobs pay above the national median annual wage for all workers, which was $45,760 as of May 2021, reports the BLS. For example, plumbers in Utah earn an average wage of $63,350.
While the BLS projects a nationwide 5% job growth for these professionals from 2020-2030, the DOL projects 33% employment growth for plumbers in Utah from 2018-2028.
Average Cost of Trade School in Utah
The average cost of trade schools in Utah ranges from $2,050-$24,200. This is the net price, or the price students pay after receiving grants, scholarships, or other financial aid. In comparison, NCES reports that in-state students attending Utah's public colleges paid an average of $6,700 in annual tuition and fees in 2019-2020. This figure rose to $21,273 for out-of-state students.
Students should also consider their student loan amount and the interest they will pay over the life of the loan. According to the Education Data Initiative, federal student loan debt in Utah averages $32,835 per student. This does not account for any private loans. While students ideally pay back their loans within 10 years, the average borrower takes 20 years to pay off their student debt.
Utah trade schools also offer shorter completion times than bachelor's degree programs. Students may complete trade programs in about 10-24 months, depending on the school, program, and full-time or part-time enrollment.
Calculating your return on investment (ROI) considers the cost of education, average salary, the potential for advancement, student loan amount, and the time required to complete a program and enter the labor market.
Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Utah
Students attending accredited trade schools may be eligible for federal student aid. This may include need-based federal grants, low-interest student loans, and the direct loan program. If the trade school qualifies for federal financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Many schools and companies offer scholarships for varying trade programs. Employers may also offer tuition reimbursement or assistance. The following lists a few of the many available scholarships.
Scholarships for Vocational Programs
Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship
- Who qualifies for the scholarship: High school seniors enrolled in a Utah public secondary school. Students must be eligible for graduation before September 1. They should verify their school offers the CTE program they want to enroll in.
- What/how much it covers: Varies
- Deadline: January 28
- Other important information: Participating technical colleges provide these scholarships. The number of scholarships and the amount awarded varies by school, with some offering $500 and others providing full tuition.
Utah Technical College Scholarships
- Who qualifies for the scholarship: Applicants must hold or be in the process of earning a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must also be enrolled or planning to enroll in an in-demand program at a technical college.
- What/how much it covers: Funds may cover tuition, fees, and textbooks for up to 12 months after a student's high school graduation date.
- Other important information: For the deadline and how to apply information, students should contact the financial aid office at their technical college.
Utah Office of Energy Development Energy Pathways Scholarship
- Who qualifies for the scholarship: A Utah high school student or first-year student at a trade school or technical college pursuing a STEM-related trade degree or certification.
- What/how much it covers: $2,000
- Deadline: April 1
- Other important information: The Utah Office of Energy Development and Chevron offers five scholarships to students pursuing an energy-related trade certification.
For more information on paying for trade school, click here: Vocational Education Financial Aid.
Accreditations in Utah
Accreditation ensures that a school meets acceptable quality educational standards. Independent accrediting bodies perform these reviews, accrediting schools and programs. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education oversee and approve accrediting agencies.
Accreditation affects federal financial aid eligibility. Additionally, students may need to graduate from an accredited program or institution to qualify for certification exams or state licensure.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredits trade schools in the U.S. The Council on Occupational Education accredits postsecondary institutions that offer certificates, diplomas, or applied associate degree programs.
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences accredits cosmetology and beauty schools. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools accredits health education disciplines, like massage therapy programs.
Apprenticeships in Utah
In 2021, the state launched the Apprenticeship Utah initiative. It includes a comprehensive website connecting employers and apprentices. Apprentices learn an in-demand skill while receiving pay and on-the-job training. This approach offers trade school graduates additional training and career opportunities. According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, over 4,400 active apprentices are in Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Technical Schools in Utah
How many trade schools are in Utah?
According to the NCES, there are about 38 trade schools in Utah. These institutions offer numerous programs, preparing students for roles in high-demand fields, such as allied health, skilled trades, the personal care industry, and technology. The trade schools also include over 20 aesthetics, skincare, and cosmetology schools and two massage therapy institutions.
Students may also attend one of the eight technical colleges. Utah also hosts 13 community colleges that lead to certifications or associate degrees. For example, the Salt Lake Community College offers certification programs in lineworker apprenticeship, medical billing and coding, and solar photovoltaic installation.
What are the 8 technical colleges in Utah?
The eight technical colleges in Utah are the following: Bridgerland Technical College, Davis Technical College, Dixie Technical College, Mountainland Technical College, Ogden-Weber Technical College, Southwest Technical College, Tooele Technical College, and Uintah Basin Technical College.
These colleges offer many programs. For example, Bridgerland Technical College offers programs in over 10 industries, including construction, business, public services, transportation, and health. Ogden-Weber Technical College offers hands-on business and computer technology, construction, health, and manufacturing training.
What is the difference between a technical school and a normal school?
Students usually attend a traditional college to earn a bachelor's or graduate degree. Many students earn their bachelor's degree in four years, devoting the first two years to general education requirements. A technical school teaches students job-ready skills focusing on a specific trade or career.
While program length varies at technical schools, most students can graduate within two years or less. Many technical schools prepare students to sit for exams that lead to certifications in their field. Most technical schools also offer smaller class sizes. Trade school graduates can pursue in-demand careers as dental hygienists, welders, and medical coding specialists.
