Trade schools can set a person up for life. There are various trades someone can learn to make money both online and offline. There are trade schools for the culinary arts, carpentry and automotive industries. Students can learn to cook, fix a computer and fix an automobile through trade schools. Some trade schools are accredited while others just have a certificate program. On-The-Job training is sometimes offered through certain trade schools. Other trade schools offer job placement services. Learning a trade is a good alternative to going to college.
 
When it comes to choosing the trade school that specifically suits your needs, there are a number of factors to consider. With the field of studies being the obvious distinction, there are some vocational schools that cater to the automotive and aviation industry, there are others that provide stellar education in plumbing, electricity and technology. Among those factors, admission rates, student ratio, retention rates and enrollment size are some of the attributes to consider when narrowing your search for the top vocational school.
For those who are graduating from college, attending a four-year university seems like the obvious choice. Society often reinforce the belief that the highest paying jobs are reserved for those who obtain a bachelor degree. However, trade schools offer concentrated training and hands on experience. Students searching for a fast track towards a degree and career are looking for a program with a system in place that makes them a competent and confident when they enter the workforce and compete with seasoned professionals for jobs.
High school graduates are not the only ones looking for vocational education. Adults who are looking to transition into a new career often cannot afford to spend four years acquiring their education. They are searching for an education that will teach them the advanced skills and award them the necessary accreditation so that they qualify for more prestigious jobs or switch careers and enter an entirely new industry. Regardless of whether you are continuing your education or transitioning in life, the best trade schools equip their students with education, skills and hands-on experience that best prepares them for the challenges ahead.
These seven trade schools have been found to be ranked the highest in quality of education and success rates of graduates among other things. By comparing the attributes of each one, you will find that attaining specific jobs skills is not only possible, but more accessible and just as valuable as a bachelor’s degree.
Kaplan College-Indianapolis
Ranked 55th best school in Indiana, and 1247th of the top 2,000 vocational schools overall, Kaplan College has made its mark as a prominent trade school. The ratio of students to faculty is 6:1, which means students have increased access to their professors for assistance. Kaplan has a 72% retention rate, so it is safe to say most students are satisfied with the education they receive, and are successful in keeping up with the curriculum.
Kaplan College offers academic programs in the following fields:

  • Allied health
  • Business
  • Criminal Justice and Legal Studies
  • Continuing Educations
  • Information Technology
  • Nursing
  • Various Trades (Computer Numerical Control Technology, electrical Technician, heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration disciplines)

The average cost of tuition to attend Kaplan College as a full time student is $14,987, which does not include the cost of books, supplies and other expenses. Financial aid is available, and students are encouraged to apply for government grants for tuition assistance.
ATS Institute of Technology
Ranked 130th best school in Ohio, and 1160th of the top 2,000 vocational schools overall, ATS Institute of Technology has earned the reputation as one of our nation’s top vocational schools. The ratio of students to faculty is 10:1, which means students have moderate sized class settings, but intimate enough to interact with the professors adequately. ATS Institute of Technology has an 81% retention rate, with students expressing their satisfaction with both the education and experience provided in the curriculum.
ATS Institute of Technology offers academic programs approved by the ACICS and the Ohio Board of Career Colleges in the following fields:

  • Practical Nursing
  • Accounting and Business Management
  • Marketing

The average cost of tuition to attend ATS Institute of Technology as a full time student costs about $35,122, with some reports showing the average price that was actually paid is $29,737. This estimate does not include the cost of books, supplies and other expenses. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, and the school accepts government grants used for tuition assistance.
Central Nursing College
Ranked 284th best school in California, and 1127th of the top 2,000 vocational schools overall, Central Nursing College has earned positive reinforcement about their value in education. The ratio of students to faculty is 7:1, which means students learn in intimate environment. Central Nursing College has an 86% retention rate, so most students that start at this school, stay committed to this school in order to finish their education.
Central Nursing College offers academic programs in the nursing field exclusively, using the state of the art medical technology and advanced training techniques.
The average cost of tuition to attend Central Nursing College as a full time student is $28,200, which does not include the $1,250 cost of books and supplies. Several local and national financial aid programs are available to help cover the costs.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
Ranked 59th best school in Arizona, and 1144th of the top 2,000 vocational schools overall, Southwest Institute of Healing Art is a solid option for those considering a career in the healing arts. The ratio of students to faculty is 18:1. While this may means the classrooms are larger, that does not mean students have limited access to their professors. The faculty at this school are truly committed to being involved in your academic studies and play a vital role in your success.
Southwest Institute of Healing Art has an 87% retention rate, so most students are successful in keeping up with the curriculum and find the schools education and support comforting and rewarding.
Southwest Institute of Healing Art offers academic programs in the following fields:

  • Holistic Wellness and Nutrition
  • Massage Therapy
  • Yoga Teacher Training
  • Natural Aesthetics
  • Mind-Body Transformational Psychology
  • Western Herbalism
  • Aromatherapy
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Life Coaching
  • Reflexology
  • Polarity

The average cost of tuition to attend Southwest Institute of Healing Art as a full time student approximately $20,000. The cost of books, supplies and other expenses is in addition to this price, but grants and scholarships are available to qualifying applicants.
Pennco Tech-Bristol
Ranked 138th best school in Pennsylvania, and 1245th of the top 2,000 vocational schools overall, Pennco Tech-Bristol is a great choice when it comes to attending a trade school. The ratio of students to faculty is 14:1, which encourages a very productive learning environment.
Pennco Tech-Bristol has an 83% retention rate, most likely attributed to the fact that the faculty and staff use innovative teaching techniques that distinguishes them from other vocational schools.
Pennco Tech-Bristol offers academic programs in the following fields:

  • Heating, air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician
  • Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
  • Electrician
  • Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician
  • Plumbing Technology/Plumber

The average cost of tuition to attend Pennco Tech-Bristol as a full time student ranges from $16,527 to $31,950, depending on the program you are enrolled in. The cost of books and supplies are roughly $1,150 for all students, plus other expenses. Financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships and institutional grant aids are available, and students find there is no shortage of aid available.
International Business College – El Paso
Ranked 190th best school in Texas, and 1023rd of the top 2,000 vocational schools overall, International Business College- El Paso has made its mark as a prominent trade school. The ratio of students to faculty is 7:1, which means students have increased access to their professors for assistance.
International Business College- El Paso has a 77% retention rate, which may seem low when compared to the other schools on this list, but is high when compared to the national averages of Universities, and is mostly attributed to the high standards set to ensure that students graduate at the top of their game.
International Business College- El Paso offers academic programs in the following fields:

  • Business Administration and Management
  • Business Operations and Support Services Technician
  • Computer and Information Systems Security Management
  • Construction Technology with a Specialty in Solar Power
  • Criminal Justice
  • Medical and Allied Health Support Technician
  • Nursing Assistant and Allied Health
  • Paralegal-Legal Support Technician

The average cost of tuition to attend International Business College- El Paso as a full time student is $28,569, which includes the cost of books, supplies and other expenses. Financial aid is available; in fact, about 87% of the students at International Business College- El Paso utilize financial aid to pay for their education.
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie is ranked 170st best school in Texas, and 1331th of the top 2,000 vocational schools overall. The ratio of students to faculty is 17:1, which means students have adequate access to their professors for assistance. Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie has an 82% retention rate, with an annual enrollment of about 867 students.
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie offers academic programs in the career preparation in the Automotive and industries of skilled trades such as:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Health Sciences
  • Spa & Cosmetology
  • HVAC
  • Welding
  • CNC Machining
  • Electronics/Electricians

The average cost of tuition to attend Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie as a full time student is $19,341. When including the cost of books, supplies and other expenses, students spend about $21,300 on average per year. Specialized financial aid packages are available, and the school accepts government grants and scholarships for tuition assistance.