Trade Schools in Arkansas

Starting a trade career in Arkansas is usually a wonderful decision to make. Not only do professionals in the field enjoy a straightforward path to starting their careers, but they also get to receive training in a relatively shorter amount of time, focusing on practical skills and paying tuition fees that are relatively more affordable – especially compared to universities and traditional colleges.

In the sections below, we provide comprehensive resources dealing with some key considerations aspiring trade workers in Arkansas must make regarding their education. After providing an overview of the average fees involved, we examine the possible financial aid solutions that can alleviate part or all of the tuition cost.

Lastly, we provide a concise but detailed list containing some of the best and most prominent trade schools for interested candidates in Arkansas to consider.

Explore Trade Schools in Arkansas by City:

• Trade Schools in Little Rock

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Arkansas

As a prospective trade school student in Arkansas, you may look forward to paying a tuition fee between $5,000 and $15,000. This figure is still more affordable compared to college programs and universities.

Below are some of the major factors influencing the cost of a trade school program in Arkansas.

• Location - The location where a trade school is established within the state can influence its cost, as the cost of living tends to vary even within the same state.
• Materials and Equipment - Different trade programs require different materials and equipment, all of which vary in price. The programs requiring more expensive materials will cost more than those that require relatively affordable materials.
• Program Duration - Trade school programs in Arkansas that last longer tend to cost more.
• Program Specialisation - Highly specialized programs like aviation maintenance technology usually cost more than general programs.
• Financial Aid Availability - Some programs are inherently subsidized, costing less than others. Additionally, candidates may also enjoy access to various financial aid initiatives within the state.

We take a look at some possible alternatives in this regard below.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Arkansas

Trade schools in Arkansas have financial aid offices where students can inquire about possible grants and scholarships. The state itself also has an array of financial aid initiatives that trade school students in the area can take advantage of.

Additionally, the federal government offers financial aid for vocational students. To confirm whether or not they are eligible, candidates must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

Note that the initiative offers both grants and loans. While loans require a payback, grants are not expected to be repaid.

The following are some of the most prominent options to consider regarding financial aid for trade school programs in Arkansas:

Arkansas Department of Higher Education

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education lists all state grants and financial aid programs for students pursuing higher education on its website.

Arkansas Community Foundation

Candidates may also look to the Arkansas Community Foundation for various scholarships and grants. Individuals should regularly check the foundation website or contact relevant authorities for additional information.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Arkansas

When securing admission into trade schools in Arkansas, candidates must ensure that they enroll in schools that are accredited on an institutional level. Additionally, they may also want to look out for accreditation on a programmatic level.

Concerning institutional accreditation, trade schools in Arkansas typically look to the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges to secure their accreditation status. The commission oversees accreditation for over 650 trade and technical schools in the country.

For institutions in the state seeking regional accreditation, the Higher Learning Commission is the relevant organization.

As for accreditation on a programmatic level, this naturally varies depending on the program in question. Some popular program accreditation bodies include the Advanced Welding Institute for accrediting welding programs and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education for physical therapy programs.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Arkansas

The following are some of the top vocational trade schools in Arkansas.

Notable Mentions

Other notable trade colleges and universities to receive high-quality training in Arkansas include:

• National Park College in Hot Springs;
• Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas in Helena;
• South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado;
• Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas in De Queen and
• Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville.