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Hands-On Training at Trade Schools Near You

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Choosing the right vocational or trade school near you can be tough. That's why we made it easy to search for schools and colleges offering vocational programs you're interested in. Our user-friendly search tool can provide a list of nearby and online schools offering the training you want.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Schools

Learn about trade schools and why people increasingly choose career training programs over a four-year college degree below.

What is a trade school?

"Trade school" is also known as any combination of the terms trade/vocational/career/technical and school/college/institute.

Fundamentally, a trade or technical school is an educational institution that teaches marketable skills for particular careers.

Trade schools are excellent alternatives to traditional colleges or universities and offer streamlined training opportunities and benefits like:

  • Less time between enrollment and graduation
  • Flexible class schedules, including evening and weekend classes
  • Personalized attention due to small class sizes
  • The chance to learn by doing through hands-on training

Trade schools often maintain close connections with local employers seeking to hire new people with job-ready skills. Depending on your program, a real-world externship may be available. Most technical or trade schools offer access to career services so that their students and graduates have the opportunity to transition from school to career more easily.

Trade school is a terrific option for working adults, people with family commitments, or anyone who needs greater flexibility and convenience in their education. Trade schools provide the chance to learn in-demand practical skills for a specific career and enter the workforce more quickly than would be possible without the practical, hands-on experience provided by specialized training focused on a single career path.

Online programs are often available, so students can learn or take additional training at the places and times that best accommodate their lifestyles.

What kinds of programs can you take at a trade school?

You can go to a trade school for a variety of careers, including reliable vocations that are great for various kinds of people. Trade school programs exist across America and in almost all career sectors.

Some trade schools specialize in educating people for just one career sector (like health care or skilled trades). In contrast, others offer a mix of programs in multiple, often unrelated areas. Within each area, a trade school may offer a variety of programs for specific occupations. But what all trade or technical schools tend to have in common is helping people like you develop the skills you need to fulfill the job duties of a good vocation.

How long is trade school?

In most cases, it takes just two years or less to graduate from a trade school with a marketable credential. However, some trade schools offer the chance to earn more advanced credentials that take a little longer. But even then, the programs are often more streamlined than at traditional four-year colleges and universities. In fact, for the same types of programs, some trade schools make it possible to graduate sooner than at traditional schools. Plus, unlike community colleges, private trade schools rarely have waitlists.

Here's how long it typically takes to earn various types of credentials at a trade school:

  • Continuing education certificate: As little as 2 weeks to 12 months
  • Pre-apprenticeship certificate: 3 months to slightly over a year
  • Career diploma or certificate: 3 to 15 months
  • Associate degree: 18 months to 2 years
  • Bachelor's degree: About 3 to 4 years

Some career colleges also offer master's degree programs, which typically take an additional 18 to 24 months after you've earned a bachelor's degree.

Do you need a high school diploma to attend a trade school?

You do not necessarily need a high school diploma to attend a trade or technical school. It depends on the school you want to attend and the program you want to take. Having a high school diploma is certainly preferable to not having one. However, you can apply to almost any school if you have a GED.

Some schools will enroll you without a high school diploma or GED if you can pass a simple test of basic math and verbal skills. You may need to pass the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test to qualify for admission or financial aid if you don't have a high school diploma or GED. The ATB test ensures you have the basic skills to succeed in a college-level program.

How much does it cost to go to a trade school?

According to 2022-2023 figures from the Department of Education's College Affordability and Transparency Center, on average, it costs between $3,973 and $16,878 per year, on average, to go to a trade school for a two-year program. The cost varies depending on whether you attend a public school, private non-profit school, or private for-profit school. Also, those numbers only represent tuition and fees. Depending on your program, you may have additional costs for books and supplies (though some schools include everything as part of the tuition).

Public trade schools are typically the least expensive option. However, they often have waitlists, and aren't as abundantly available as private trade schools. Private schools also tend to offer greater convenience for busy adults. Their facilities are often more consistent with modern industry standards, with more up-to-date equipment and tools.

Here's what the average yearly tuition and fees are for private post-secondary schools:

  • Less-than-2-year schools: $16,049 (for-profit) or $16,739 (non-profit)
  • 2-year schools: $16,169 (for-profit) or $16,878 (non-profit)
  • 4-year schools: $18,670 (for-profit) or $30,497 (non-profit)

You may not have to pay the full cost of attending a trade school. Most students qualify for financial aid, making it possible to get their education even if they don't have much money. Many low-income students qualify for federal grants, which don't have to be repaid. Some students receive scholarships, which are essentially financial gifts. And the vast majority of students in America are eligible for federal student loans.

Nearly all vocational schools have people on staff dedicated to helping prospective students find and apply for financial aid.