25 Best Trade Schools

Trade school can be a much more affordable option for students looking to kick-start their careers and don’t want to spend the typical four years at a traditional college or university. But finding the right trade school that fits your career and financial goals can be a challenge.

To help you make a decision, we compiled a list of the best trade schools with a good return on investment (ROI). Keep reading to learn why you should consider trade school and steps to take before making any decisions about your education.

• 25 trade schools with excellent ROI
• Trade school vs. college
• 3 steps to take before choosing a school
• Methodology

25 trade schools with excellent ROI

Trade schools — also known as vocational schools or technical schools — provide training for a specific career that needs extensive knowledge but doesn’t require a four-year degree.

Trade schools exist all across the country, but choosing the right school can be a challenge, particularly when there are so many options.

Aside from factors such as price and location, you’ll also want to make sure you get the best deal for your dollar. Your return on investment (ROI) can play a big role in your ability to get a job after you graduate, but also to pay off your student loans.

Here are 25 trade schools with some of the best ROI, based on high graduation rates, but also taking into account typical earnings and student debt where that information was available.

1. FINE Mortuary College
2. The Landing School
3. Elyon College
4. Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service
5. Baton Rouge School of Computers
6. SABER College
7. ATA College
8. Colorado School of Healing Arts
9. American Academy of Dramatic Arts
10. Island Drafting and Technical Institute
11. Hacienda La Puente Adult Education
12. Central Coast College
13. Saint Michael College of Allied Health
14. School of Automotive Machinists & Technology
15. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
16. Great Lakes Institute of Technology
17. Carver Career Center
18. Allen School of Health Sciences
19. Houston International College Cardiotech Ultrasound School
20. CBT Technology Institute-Cutler Bay
21. Eastern Virginia Career College
22. Cortiva Institute
23. Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
24. Perry Technical Institute
25. Concorde Career College-Garden Grove

1. FINE Mortuary College

Graduation rate: 100%
Location: Norwood, Mass.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $30,505
Median debt: $30,932
Median earnings: Not available

2. The Landing School

Graduation rate: 97%
Location: Arundel, Maine
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $37,714
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: Not available

3. Elyon College

Graduation rate: 97%
Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $13,040
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: Not available

4. Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service

Graduation rate: 96%
Location: Decatur, Ga.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $17,255
Median debt: $16,042
Median earnings: $34,655

5. Baton Rouge School of Computers

Graduation rate: 95%
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $13,514
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: $32,080

6. SABER College

Graduation rate: 95%
Location: Miami, Fla.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: Not available
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: $29,934

7. ATA College

Graduation rate: 92%
Location: Tulsa, Okla.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $21,012
Median debt: $6,145
Median earnings: Not available

8. Colorado School of Healing Arts

Graduation rate: 91%
Location: Lakewood, Colo.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $39,651
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: $29,403

9. American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Graduation rate: 91%
Location: New York
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $46,941
Median debt: $12,000
Median earnings: $30,905

10. Island Drafting and Technical Institute

Graduation rate: 90%
Location: Amityville, N.Y.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $24,924
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: $59,663

11. Hacienda La Puente Adult Education

Graduation rate: 90%
Location: La Puente, Calif.
Public/private: Public
Net cost: $3,221
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: $30,697

12. Central Coast College

Graduation rate: 90%
Location: Salinas, Calif.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $19,780
Median debt: $5,771
Median earnings: $34,550

13. Saint Michael College of Allied Health

Graduation rate: 89%
Location: Washington, D.C.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $36,002
Median debt: $17,713
Median earnings: Not available

14. School of Automotive Machinists & Technology

Graduation rate: 87%
Location: Houston
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $26,596
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: $55,411

15. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

Graduation rate: 87%
Location: Broomfield, Colo.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $22,272
Median debt: $15,052
Median earnings: $56,402

16. Great Lakes Institute of Technology

Graduation rate: 87%
Location: Erie, Pa.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $17,159
Median debt: $11,133
Median earnings: $26,002

17. Carver Career Center

Graduation rate: 87%
Location: Charleston, W.Va.
Public/private: Public
Net cost: $3,286
Median debt: Not available
Median earnings: $29,336

18. Allen School of Health Sciences

Graduation rate: 84%
Location: Phoenix
Public/private: Private
Tuition: $14,718
Median debt: $9,500
Median earnings: $31,677

19. Houston International College Cardiotech Ultrasound School

Graduation rate: 86%
Location: Houston
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $21,052
Median debt: $20,000
Median earnings: Not available

20. CBT Technology Institute – Cutler Bay Campus

Graduation rate: 85%
Location: Cutler Bay, Fla.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $17,570
Median debt: $8,700
Median earnings: $27,469

21. Eastern Virginia Career College

Graduation rate: 84%
Location: Fredericksburg, Va.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: Not available
Median debt: $9,532
Median earnings: $32,388

22. Cortiva Institute

Graduation rate: 84%
Location: Linthicum, Md.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $20,519
Median debt: $7,600
Median earnings: $34,339

23. Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science

Graduation rate: 84%
Location: Pittsburgh
Public/private: Private
Net cost: Not available
Median debt: $18,250
Median earnings: $48,132

24. Perry Technical Institute

Graduation rate: 83%
Location: Yakima, Wash.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $18,800
Median debt: $13,364
Median earnings: $58,485

25. Concorde Career College-Garden Grove

Graduation rate: 83%
Location: Garden Grove, Calif.
Public/private: Private
Net cost: $20,011
Median debt: $11,898
Median earnings: $44,756

Trade school vs. college

When it comes to choosing a college, two of the most important factors are affordability and ROI. That’s why trade schools are worth your consideration.

For one thing, attending a trade school could mean you’ll graduate with less student loan debt. Overall, students who get their bachelor’s degree tend to finish with an average of $28,400 in federal and private student loans.

The average cost of a credit hour for students at various types of schools can be broken down like this:

• $158 for students at two-year community colleges and trade schools
• $448 for in-state students at four-year public colleges
• $1,148 for out-of-state students at four-year public colleges
• $1,586 for students at at private colleges

Attending a two-year trade school not only means you can continue your education for much less money, but most trade schools are two years or less. That means you’ll graduate and earn money sooner than you would with a four-year degree.

And because you’ll have skills that prepare you for a specific career, you’ll be less likely to float around and work random jobs while you figure out what you want to do post-graduation.

Lastly, the need for workers in skilled trades is growing, so there’s opportunities to earn financial aid if you need it and fill in gaps in the workforce.

3 steps to take before choosing a school

If you’re tempted by the idea of trade school, you will want to compare your options carefully.

Here are three steps you should take before saying yes to any school.

1. Gather information

Knowledge is power — especially when it comes to choosing a college. For each school you’re considering, find out everything you can.

Here are some action steps we recommend:

• Read rankings (and methodologies), such as the one in this article or via a search engine like College Scorecard.
• Talk to current students and alumni if you can.
• Research retention rates and average salaries of graduates.
• Ask about specifics that matter to you: student-faculty ratios, professional organizations, job placement services, etc.

2. Crunch the numbers

Once you receive your financial aid package, it’s time to break out the calculator.

If your package includes student loans, proceed with caution. You’ll have to pay back these funds in monthly increments while trying to enjoy your post-college life, so borrow as little as you can.

To estimate your monthly payment, use our monthly payment calculator. The results can be eye-opening: For example, if you took out $35,000 of loans at a 5.70% weighted interest rate, you’d be on the hook for $383 per month for 10 years after graduation.

3. Find ways to lower the cost

Whichever path you choose, look for ways to lower the cost.

You can negotiate with your financial aid office, work while you’re in school, and apply for scholarships (while being careful to avoid scholarship displacement).

Whether it’s a trade school, community college, four-year university or a gap year, don’t take your decision lightly. The repercussions of financing your education will last for far longer than your actual years of study.

Methodology

LendingTree examined more than 300 trade schools across the U.S. along with data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The above list of the top 25 trade schools were those that offered the best return on investment (ROI) based on graduation rates and other factors, including:

• Net cost
• Median debt
• Median earnings

Need a student loan?

Here are our top student loan lenders of 2022!

Lender	Variable APR	Eligibility
	2.49% – 13.85%1	Undergraduate Graduate	Visit College Ave
	2.55% – 11.44%2	Undergraduate Graduate	Visit Earnest
	3.25% – 13.59%3	Undergraduate Graduate	Visit SallieMae
	0.00% – 23.00%4	Undergraduate Graduate	Visit Edly
	3.25% – 9.69%6	Undergraduate Graduate	VISIT CITIZENS
	N/A6	Undergraduate Graduate	Visit FundingU
* The Sallie Mae partner referenced is not the creditor for these loans and is compensated by Sallie Mae for the referral of Smart Option Student Loan customers. 1 Important Disclosures for College Ave. CollegeAve Disclosures College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.   Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. Variable rates may increase after consummation.   This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 9/15/2022. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term. 2 Rate range above includes optional 0.25% Auto Pay discount. Important Disclosures for Earnest. Earnest Disclosures Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 3.47% APR to 13.03% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 2.80% APR to 11.69% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred. 3 Sallie Mae Disclaimer: Click here for important information. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. 4 Important Disclosures for Edly. Edly Disclosures 1. Loan Example: Loans from $5,000 – $20,000 Example: $10,000 IBR Loan with a 7% gross income payment percentage for a Senior student making $65,000 annually throughout the life of the loan. Payments deferred for the first 12 months during final year of education. After which, $270 Monthly payment for 12 months. Then $379 Monthly payment for 44 months. Followed by one final payment of $137 for a total of $20,610 paid over the life of the loan. About this example The initial payment schedule is set upon receiving final terms and upon confirmation by your school of the loan amount. You may repay this loan at any time by paying an effective APR of 23%. The maximum amount you will pay is $22,500 (not including Late Fees and Returned Check Fees, if any). The maximum number of regularly scheduled payments you will make is 60. You will not pay more than 23% APR. No payment is required if your gross earned income is below $30,000 annually or if you lose your job and cannot find employment. 2. Edly Student IBR Loans are unsecured personal student loans issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered commercial bank, member FDIC. All loans are subject to eligibility criteria and review of creditworthiness and history. Terms and conditions apply. 5 Important Disclosures for Citizens Bank. Citizens Bank Disclosures Variable Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates are based on the 30-day average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As of September 1, 2022, the 30-day average SOFR index is 2.23%. Variable interest rates will fluctuate over the term of the loan with changes in the SOFR index, and will vary based on applicable terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. The maximum variable interest rate is the greater of 21.00% or the prime rate plus 9.00%. Fixed Rate Disclosure: Fixed rate ranges are based on applicable terms, level of degree, and presence of a co-signer. Lowest Rate Disclosure: Lowest rates are only available for the most creditworthy applicants, require a 5-year repayment term, immediate repayment, a graduate or medical degree (where applicable), and include our Loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts of 0.25 percentage points each, as outlined in the Loyalty Discount and Automatic Payment Discount disclosures. Rates are subject to additional terms and conditions, and are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.   Undergraduate Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.25%-10.35% (3.25% – 9.69% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 4.24% – 10.59% (4.24% – 9.93% APR).  Graduate Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.75%-9.90% (3.75% – 9.68% APR). Fixed interest rates range from  5.22% – 10.14% (5.22% – 9.91% APR).  Business/Law Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.75%-9.35% (3.75% – 9.16% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 5.20% – 9.59% (5.20% – 9.39% APR). Medical/Dental Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.75%-9.02% (3.75% -8.98% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 5.18% – 9.26% (5.18% – 9.22% APR).  Parent Loan Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.25%-9.21% (3.25% – 9.21% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 3.96%-9.50% (3.96%-9.50% APR). Bar Study Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 6.58%-11.72% (6.58% – 11.62% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 7.39% – 12.94% (7.40% – 12.82% APR).  Medical Residency Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 5.67%-9.17% (5.67% – 8.76% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 6.99% – 10.49% (6.97% – 10.08% APR). 6 Important Disclosures for Funding U. Funding U Disclosures Offered terms are subject to change. Loans are made by Funding University which is a for-profit enterprise. Funding University is not affiliated with the school you are attending or any other learning institution. None of the information contained in Funding University’s website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by Funding University or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.