Key Takeaways
- Trade school tuition costs range from $3,973 to $16,877.
- The total cost of attendance depends on the type of program, school, length, and more.
- You can complete the FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and request tuition reimbursement to lower the price further.
Trade schools, with tuition ranging from $3,973 to $16,877 on average, are typically much more affordable than 4-year colleges. Some vocational programs’ total cost of attendance (COA) are as low as a few hundred dollars, while others are more than $150,000. In this article, we’ve highlighted trade school prices, how they stack up against college costs, and financial aid options to help make your education more affordable.
What Is Trade School?
Trade schools offer educational programs that prepare students for skilled trades. They focus on hands-on training, skills, and certifications needed for the student’s desired field. Some also provide courses on business operations.
You might see “trade school” used interchangeably with “vocational school,” “technical school,” or “career school,” but there can be some small differences:
- Vocational schools are career-focused, with programs in cosmetology, car repair, and more.
- Trade schools focus on skilled trades, including plumbing and HVAC.
- Technical schools offer programs on information technology, programming, and similar.
For this article, we used the phrases interchangeably for easier reference and comparisons.
Depending on the trade, students can finish the program within a few months to two years with a diploma, certification, or associate’s degree. This allows them to enter the workforce much faster than those seeking a bachelor’s. Vocational schools also often partner with local employers and unions to connect their graduates with apprenticeships or jobs.
How Much Does Trade School Cost?
Trade school tuition often costs between $3,863 and $15,636, but the exact price depends on the school, program, and the length of the program. Some cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while others cost more than a 4-year degree. Here is the average tuition costs for 2-year and less than 2-year programs:
| Sector name | 2022-23 tuition and fees median | 2022-23 tuition and fees average |
| 2-year, public | $4,226 | $3,973 |
| 2-year, private not-for-profit | $15,313 | $16,877 |
| 2-year, private for-profit | $15,727 | $16,169 |
| Less than 2-year, public | $8,060 | $9,617 |
| Less than 2-year, private not-for-profit | $16,736 | $16,738 |
| Less than 2-year, private for-profit | $14,799 | $16,048 |
We used data from the U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency List* to give some specific examples, including 2023-24 average tuition rates and 2022-23 net prices. The net price accounts for the total COA minus average financial aid.
*Not all institutions participated in this data.
Cosmetology
- Average tuition: $15,283
- Average net price: $16,237
- Tuition range: $1,000 – $28,650
- Total net price range: $1,111 – $40,133
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services focuses on the practice of beauty treatment. Programs can cover everything from general cosmetology to barbering and nail care to skin care. On average, programs last about 10 months, but some can be as little as four weeks.
Culinary Arts
- Average tuition: $34,089
- Average net price: $19,722
- Tuition range: $1,320 – $157,200
- Total net price range: $6,903 – $36,293
Culinary Arts and Related Services institutions offer courses on general cooking skills, baking, seasoning, nutrition, flavor development, and more. Some schools call their programs “Chef Training” or “Cooking and Related Culinary Arts,” and they can last anywhere from 8 to 26 months.
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- Average tuition: $30,617
- Average net price: $21,344
- Tuition range: $2,850 – $54,950
- Total net price range: $4,730 – 38,826
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs teach students to repair airplanes, motorcycles, engines, boats, cars, and more. They usually take 5 to 20 months to complete.
HVAC Maintenance
- Average tuition: $15,929
- Average net price: $20,502
- Tuition range: $2,100 – $40,392
- Total net price range: $11,308 – $32,072
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Maintenance Technology/Technician schools offer courses on repair, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of everything related to HVACR systems. Programs last between 8 and 20 months, but students should also expect 3- to 4-year apprenticeships after graduation.
Cost: Trade School Vs. College
The average net price of a 4-year postsecondary college in the United States is $38,270. Tuition means are $9,750 for in-state schools and $28,386 for out-of-state colleges. If vocational institutions meet your goals, there are a few financial benefits to attending one over college:
- Lower cost: One of the biggest benefits is the fact that attending trade school is typically much less than going to college. You also save on room and board when you’re commuting from home.
- Lower student debt: Student borrowers have around $37,853 in federal student loan debt, not including private loans. Since trade school is less expensive and shorter, you don’t have to borrow as much, reducing your debt.
- Paid apprenticeships: In some programs, you can participate in a paid apprenticeship while you’re still learning. In this case, on-the-job training can net you money and the necessary experience.
- Start earning money faster: Some vocational school programs last only a few weeks, while most are completed in 2 years or less. If you’re earning a bachelor’s degree, you’re in college for four years.
Financial Aid Options for Trade School
Even though trade school is typically much less expensive than a 2- or 4-year degree, it can still be costly – and some vocational institutions are more expensive. Thankfully, there are several financial aid options:
FAFSA
Yep! You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for accredited trade schools. You can borrow federal student loans, just like you would for college, and potentially receive the Pell Grant or sign up for work study if you have demonstrated need. States and schools then use the FAFSA to determine if you’re eligible for state or institutional grants.
Apply for Scholarships
And just like college, there are scholarships specifically for trade schools. There are even awards that are open to all those who are seeking a higher education, whether it’s a certificate or a degree. Use a scholarship database to find awards you qualify for.
Payment Plans
Some trade institutions offer payment plans to their students. Instead of paying the tuition out as a lump sum at the start of the academic year, the total cost is broken up into more manageable monthly payments.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Employers sometimes offer tuition reimbursement programs, where they cover the cost of your education. For example, a cook’s employer might pay the tuition for a culinary arts degree as long as the cook works there. An HVAC company could send a new hire to a trade school to earn certifications while they also learn on the job. These can open the door to advancement opportunities and higher pay, without having to go into debt.
Whether you go to trade school or college, consider your goals. What education will help you meet them? If trade school meets your needs, you stand to save tens of thousands of dollars. And just like colleges – compare your options to find the best school for you.
Want to start finding scholarships that help you lower the cost of higher education even further? Discover awards you qualify for through our Scholarship Search Tool.
