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At Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, ranked the No. 1 Two-Year Trade School, students like Jacob ... [+]
Greg Andersson

This fall, approximately 4 million high school students in the U.S. will enter their senior year. Some are already thinking about what comes next, discussing their college wish lists with friends and counselors, and planning out campus visits with parents. Most will undoubtedly be pushed toward attending four-year schools, where bachelor's degree will supposedly give each student the best chance at finding a fulfilling, high-paying career.

Four-year schools are good fits for many students, but the notion that they're the best one for all students is downright wrong. As high-tech machines continue to disrupt how things are made, and as workforces age in many technical fields, there are vital jobs opening up that academics just can't fill. Highly-skilled and well-trained workers are needed, and the country is home to top-notch technical schools ready to fill that need.

For the second year, Forbes is ranking the nation's Top Two-Year Trade Schools, a list of technical and career colleges with high-earning alumni, stand-out graduation and retention rates, and respectable debt repayment scores ( full methodology here). The 25 schools on the list cover a myriad of careers that need workers - and in high-paying, high-growth areas, such as aircraft maintenance, funeral services, dental hygiene and drafting.

"We are here for one purpose," says Shawn Strong, president State Technical College of Missouri, the No. 3 school on this ranking. "I wouldn't even say to get students jobs, but to start students' careers. That's all we do."

The high-ranking trade schools look a lot different than the members of the Forbes Top Colleges list. While 61% of the bachelor's list are private schools, 21 of the 25 trade schools are public. The Midwest makes up only a quarter of the four-year list, but 60% of the technical schools are from the region.

Three schools are in the Pittsburgh metro area, including No. 1 Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. PIA, a private aircraft maintenance school with ties to Orville Wright himself, plays ball in an industry where the jobs not only are high-paying, but are in desperate need. Thirty percent of aircraft maintenance technicians nationwide have reached or are nearing retirement age, and only 2% of the workforce is new.

"You would have to try to not have a job offer," PIA student Sam Karol says of his job prospects after graduation.

Despite the job opportunities that do exist at career schools- and the benefits of paying for two years of school rather than four - headcount numbers aren't exactly booming. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, the number of associate's degrees awarded nationwide has stalled since the 2011-12 school year, while the number of bachelor's degrees keeps climbing. Among the 25 schools that made the list total combined enrollment has floundered from almost 48,000 in 2010 to less than 41,000 in 2016, an approximate 15% dip.

It's an issue that's attracting bipartisan attention - and solutions are getting bipartisan support. On July 31, President Donald Trump signed into law a revamped extension of the Bush-era Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, reasserting the federal government's commitment to technical education. The new law, introduced by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) on May 4, bolted through both houses of Congress with widespread support.

"Whether you're a high school student or a late-career worker, there's never been a better time to learn a trade, hone a skill, or pursue your dream," the president said following the law-signing at a ceremony at Tampa Bay Technical High School. "Now more than 11 million students and workers will have greater access to better training and more jobs."

At No. 16 Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, students work with heavy machinery in precision ... [+]
Courtesy of NCTA

To make the investment worth it, many trade schools are adjusting their offerings and partnering with employers to strengthen the school-to-job pipeline. In response to the workforce needs in its local Kansas community, No. 9 Salina Area Technical College is expanding its police science offerings and starting a practical nursing program. PIA works with Delta, Embraer, Piedmont and other aerospace companies to raise awareness for the aircraft maintenance field and increase the job prospects for its students. State Tech partners with employers like Toyota, Caterpillar and International Trucks, and it recently started a utility industry technician program to address Missouri's workforce needs.

"We don't keep a program around unless there's a demand and unless there's a salary associated with it," says Strong.

Trade school isn't the best or most lucrative fit for everybody, but for students who prefer working with their hands, opportunities exist in diverse fields from health sciences to construction and beyond. Below is the list of the Top Two-Year Trade Schools:
1. Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Location: West Mifflin, PA

Private, non-profit

Median Mid-Career Salary ( Payscale): $70,700

Average Net Price ( IPEDS, in-state for public schools): $25,394

In-state population for first-time students (IPEDS): 40%
2. North Central Kansas Technical College
Beloit, KS

Public

Average Net Price: $11,961

In-state population for first-time students: 100%
3. State Technical College of Missouri
Linn, MO

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $58,400

Average Net Price: $7,918

In-state population for first-time students: 97%

4. Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, SD

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $56,900

Average Net Price: $11,216

In-state population for first-time students: 81%
5. Lancaster County Career and Technology Center
Willow Street, PA

Public

Average Net Price: $9,865

In-state population for first-time students: 98%
6. Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Charlotte, NC

Public

Average Net Price: $21,895

In-state population for first-time students: 100%
7. Mitchell Technical Institute
Mitchell, SD

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $58,300

Average Net Price: $11,003

In-state population for first-time students: 91%
8. Salina Area Technical College
Salina, KS

Public

Average Net Price: $5,917

In-state population for first-time students: 95%
9. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Lancaster, PA

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $63,000

Average Net Price: $5,341

In-state population for first-time students: 100%
10. Johnson College
Scranton, PA

Private, non-profit

Median Mid-Career Salary: $56,400

Average Net Price: $18,059

In-state population for first-time students: 97%
11. Rosedale Technical College
Pittsburgh, PA

Private, non-profit

Median Mid-Career Salary: $59,500

Average Net Price: $15,227

In-state population for first-time students: 90%
12. Northwest Iowa Community College
Sheldon, IA

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $65,800

Average Net Price: $10,089

In-state population for first-time students: 88%
13. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Fennimore, WI

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $57,400

Average Net Price: $8,820

In-state population for first-time students: 94%
14. North Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, ND

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $60,500

Average Net Price: $10,248

In-state population for first-time students: 57%
15. Frontier Community College
Fairfield, IL

Public

Average Net Price: $2,327

In-state population for first-time students: 96%
16. Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
Curtis, NE

Public

Average Net Price: $11,007

In-state population for first-time students: 85%
17. Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, WI

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $53,600

Average Net Price: $8,838

In-state population for first-time students: 99%
18. Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Minden, LA

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $53,100

Average Net Price: $10,322

In-state population for first-time students: 100%
19. Bates Technical College
Tacoma, WA

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $71,100

Average Net Price: $3,913

In-state population for first-time students: 100%
20. Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
Pittsburgh, PA

Private, non-profit

In-state population for first-time students: 52%
21. Moraine Park Technical College
Fond du Lac, WI

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $54,600

Average Net Price: $9,173

In-state population for first-time students: 100%
22. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Shell Lake, WI

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $53,900

Average Net Price: $9,250

In-state population for first-time students: 91%
23. Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan, KS

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $62,000

Average Net Price: $11,270

In-state population for first-time students: 96%
24. Asnuntuck Community College
Enfield, CT

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $64,300

Average Net Price: $7,690

In-state population for first-time students: 94%
25. Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount, MN

Public

Median Mid-Career Salary: $61,600

Average Net Price: $12,133

In-state population for first-time students: 94%

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The Top 25 Two-Year Trade Schools: Colleges That Can Solve The Skills Gap

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The 25 schools on the list cover a myriad of careers that need workers - and in high-paying, high-growth areas, such as aircraft maintenance, funeral services, dental hygiene and drafting.

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The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government's premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations-such as carpenters, teachers, and veterinarians. Revised annually, the latest version contains employment projections for the 2022-32 decade.

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Apprenticeship is a form of "on-the-job training" that combines paid work experience with classroom instruction. Apprentices learn new skills through their employer while also receiving classroom instruction. At the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice usually receives an industry-recognized credential. Formal apprenticeship programs usually last a few years, depending on the employer or occupation. Some can be completed in a matter of months.

Many apprenticeships take place as a "Registered Apprenticeship." Registered apprenticeships are formally approved by a state's apprenticeship agency. Registration ensures the apprenticeship meets certain criteria to protect apprentices (such as a wage progression) and to maintain quality.

Through a Registered Apprenticeship program workers can obtain paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employer's value. 90% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $80,000.

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What is Apprenticeship? Apprenticeship is a form of "on-the-job training" that combines paid work experience with classroom instruction. Apprentices learn new skills through their employer while also receiving classroom instruction. At the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice usually receives an industry-recognized credential.

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Credentials matter

Germanna Workforce Credentials programs offer flexible and accelerated pathways to the industry certifications and credentials needed in high-demand fields, including technology, healthcare, construction, and transportation.

Our programs deliver

High quality, hands-on training in growing industries and occupations

Degrees and credentials recognized by employers as having labor market value

Accelerated/flexible pathways providing quicker progress and greater success

Academic, financial and career coaching services to ensure program completion

Credential programs

Courses and programs are scheduled based on interest and demand. Check our online schedule for current class offerings.

Many in-demand, credential programs are approved for financial assistance for qualified applicants.

Many programs are also offered online, or through hybrid formats. Check current course listings.

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Germanna Workforce Credentials programs offer flexible and accelerated pathways to the industry certifications and credentials needed in high-demand fields, including technology, healthcare, construction, and transportation. High quality, hands-on training in growing industries and occupations Degrees and credentials recognized by employers as having labor market value Accelerated/flexible pathways providing quicker progress and greater success Academic, financial and career coaching services to ensure program completion Courses and programs are scheduled based on interest and demand.

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Best-Trade-Schools: Trade Schools & Vocational Schools

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Find a local trade school or program near you. Learn about training for career paths at nearby vocational schools, trade schools, colleges, or universities.

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The next FORWARD (uture pportunities eaching the orkforce pprentice eadiness and evelopment) Pre-Apprenticeship event will be held on , at 8:30 - 11:30 am. The event will include hands on demonstrations for students in our virtual simulation lab, Q & A information session and a short tour of The Apprentice School for parents.

Registration is open, please click to sign up for the FORWARD event.
A modest $5 fee is charged to protect us from no-shows after our investment in food and drinks.
Check- in time is 8:00 - 8:30 am. All visitors must be issued an escort badge that must be worn while in the building and must be escorted at all times by an NNS employee.

Two documents are required for ALL attendees:

Original US birth certificate (no copies) or valid U.S. Passport (unexpired) AND

A valid driver's license or any other unexpired identification card issued by federal, state, or local government.

If you are under the age of 18, the Model Release form and Liability Waiver for Minors form must be signed by a parent/guardian and submitted at check in.
Liability Waiver for Minors Form
If you are not able to attend the event after signing up, please contact us.

We look FORWARD to seeing you at our upcoming event!

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The Apprentice School is a four to eight-year apprenticeship vocational school founded in 1919 and operated by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in Newport News in the U.S. state of Virginia. The school trains students for careers in the shipbuilding industry.

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Trade schools in Virginia offer career-focused training in high-demand fields. These fields include healthcare, the skilled trades, personal care, and hospitality. Graduates can pursue jobs like medical assistant, dental hygienist, mechanic, and electrician.

Vocational students complete classroom and experiential learning requirements. For example, electrician students apply classroom learning during laboratories and practicums. This gives them hands-on experience in the field.

Vocational programs offer several benefits compared to four-year programs. Earning a vocational certificate or degree takes 1-2 years. This allows students to complete their training faster than students in four-year programs. Professionals with occupational credentials enjoy higher employment rates than those without such credentials.

Many vocational and tech schools in Virginia offer self-paced or accelerated options. Learners can also choose an online program to maximize flexibility.

We rank the best vocational schools in Virginia to help students find the right program. This page provides career and salary data for trade school jobs. It also introduces popular vocational programs. We cover scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Virginia as well.

FAQ

Q. What do trade schools offer?

Trade schools blend classroom and hands-on training to prepare graduates for the workforce. A vocational certificate or degree takes 1-2 years to complete.

Q. How much does a trade school cost?

The cost of trade school varies depending on the institution. In general, community colleges cost less than four-year institutions. Trade school students can pursue financial aid to help pay for their education.

Q. What is the difference between a trade school and a college?

Trade schools provide career-oriented training to prepare students for specific career paths. Colleges focus on providing academic training in diverse disciplines. Many colleges offer vocational programs.

Q. Can trade school credits transfer?

Yes, trade school credits often transfer to other institutions. Credits earned from regionally accredited institutions are most likely to transfer.

Vocational Trade Schools in Virginia

Trade schools in Virginia provide career-focused training for growing fields. These areas include healthcare, industrial technology, legal services, and the skilled trades. Top-ranked vocational programs help professionals advance their education and increase their earning potential. Plus, they only take 1-2 years to complete. This section introduces the best vocational schools in Virginia.

Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools

Prospective trade school students should research accreditation and licensing status before applying. Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students. Colleges and universities go through a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency. During this review, the accrediting agency evaluates student learning outcomes. It also assesses faculty qualifications and academic mission. Learn more about the accreditation process here.

Accreditation benefits students in several ways. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid. Many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications call for accredited degrees.

Schools may hold regional or national accreditation. Community colleges and four-year universities usually hold regional accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits schools in Virginia.

Trade and vocational schools in Virginia may hold national accreditation. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is one national accreditor. This agency accredits over 650 trade and technical schools nationwide. Other accrediting agencies include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which accredits online schools. Accrediting agencies should hold approval from the Department of Education.

Postsecondary institutions should also hold a state license to operate. The State Council of Education for Virginia lists the state's approved public and private institutions.

Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates

Many vocational careers enjoy strong demand. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong job growth for dental hygienists, HVAC technicians, and paralegals from 2019-2029.

Skilled trade salaries differ depending on experience and industry. Wages also vary by location. According to the BLS, paralegals in Virginia earn around $52,500 per year on average. Occupational therapy assistants make over $68,000. Dental hygienists earn over $79,000 per year, while electricians earn around $54,500 per year.

What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?

Trade school programs prepare graduates to work in healthcare and the skilled trades. This section introduces popular vocational programs, including salary data and licensing requirements. Prospective students can research vocational programs in other fields.

Dental Hygienist Schools

Dental hygienists work under dentists' supervision. They conduct oral examinations and cleaning teeth. They look for signs of oral disease and provide preventive treatments. They also educate patients about oral health. Dental hygienists must report their findings to dentists.

Most dental hygienists hold an associate degree. During an associate program, students complete coursework in anatomy, periodontics, and oral hygiene. Students also complete clinical training to build patient care skills. After completing the degree, dental hygienists must apply for a state license. After completing the degree, dental hygienists must apply for a state license to practice.

The Virginia Board of Dentistry licenses dental hygienists in Virginia. As of 2019, dental hygienists earned an annual median salary of $76,220, with much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2019 and 2029.

Mechanic Schools

Mechanics, also known as automotive service technicians, inspect and repair cars and trucks. They identify problems using diagnostic equipment. They also repair and replace parts and perform maintenance on vehicles. They must explain repairs to clients as well.

Automotive technology degree and certificate programs prepare graduates for mechanic jobs. Students may gain specialized training in engine repair, brake systems, or electronic systems. Many schools offer general automotive repair programs. Students also complete hands-on training through a laboratory or practicum.

Mechanics can earn certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The median annual pay for mechanics exceeded $42,000 in 2019.

Paralegal Schools

Paralegals assist lawyers by conducting legal research and drafting documents like contracts. They may also investigate the facts of a case. Paralegals take affidavits and formal statements and arrange evidence for attorney review. Many specialize in areas like corporate law or litigation.

Many vocational schools in Virginia offer paralegal studies degree or certificate programs. Paralegal studies students take classes in contract law, legal writing, and legal research. Paralegals do not need to hold a license to practice. But some pursue professional certification to show their skills.

The BLS reports that paralegals earned a median annual pay of over $51,000 in 2019. The bureau also projected faster-than-average projected job growth from 2018-2029.

Radiology Technician Schools

Radiology technicians capture diagnostic images using machines like X-rays. They maintain imaging equipment, prepare patients for procedures, and assess image quality. They also maintain patient records.

An associate degree is the required entry-level education for radiology technicians. Associate students take courses in areas like radiation physics, anatomy, and image evaluation. Students also complete clinical training to gain hands-on skills in the field.

Radiology technicians need a license from the Virginia Board of Medicine to practice. Many radiology technicians pursue certification from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The BLS reports that radiology technicians earned a median annual pay of over $62,000 in 2019. The bureau projected faster-than-average projected job growth between 2019-2029 as well.

Financial Aid for Trade School Students

Trade school students can offset the cost of their education through financial aid. Aid may include loans, grants, and scholarships. To qualify for federal financial aid, students must submit the FAFSA. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid. Scholarships and grants do not need repayment.

Trade school students can choose an affordable program to help lower education costs. Virginia public universities charge $13,413 per year in tuition and fees, on average. Private universities cost $23,380 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In contrast, Virginia community colleges charge $5,241 per year, on average.

Scholarship for Trade School Students

Many private foundations, government agencies, and professional organizations offer scholarships and grants for trade school students. In addition to the following opportunities, students can research scholarships based on factors like their school or field of study.

Who Can Apply: This grant supports Virginia residents attending eligible private schools as full-time students. Recipients can receive an automatic renewal.

Amount: $3,400

Who Can Apply: Students attending qualifying accredited schools in Virginia can apply for this scholarship. Applicants studying nursing and allied health fields receive preference.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: The John Randolph Foundation offers multiple scholarships for students living in Hopewell, Prince George, and other cities in central Virginia. Application requirements vary by scholarship.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Offered by the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association, this scholarship supports learners studying fields related to water resources. Applicants must attend an accredited college or university in Virginia.

Amount: $500-$3,000

Who Can Apply: This scholarship funds students enrolled in a career or technical program at an accredited postsecondary institution. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Up to $2,500

Additional Education and Career Resources

These publications suit those interested in doing business in Virginia Beach. They may help those who are entering the workforce in the area. This site helps educators in the vocational and career colleges system. It also offers information for students who are considering CTE training.
The perfect place for students to learn what to expect from their future careers.

More and more industries are calling for degrees or certificates. Our guide explores industry-specific vocational trainings and certificate programs.

As completing a degree or certificate program seems to become a requirement for more and more industries, check out our guide to trade and vocational schools to explore your options when it comes to industry-specific vocational trainings and certificate programs.

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In general, community colleges cost less than four-year institutions. Trade school students can pursue financial aid.