Trade Schools in Colorado

Trade schools in Colorado allow enthusiastic and passionate individuals to pursue successful careers in fields where they’ll have a chance to acquire skills that make them valuable to society and continue to grow and improve themselves.

Naturally, as with anywhere else, there are a few things to consider when choosing the right trade school in Colorado. These include the average cost, curriculum, and duration, among other things.

Candidates can make more informed decisions when they know what to expect, so we have provided the guide below. Here, candidates will discover the state’s most prominent training schools, the average cost of attending these programs, possible financial aid options, and more.

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Average Cost of Trade Schools in Colorado

The average cost of trade schools in Colorado depends on many factors. First, the state’s cost of private trade schools differs slightly from public ones.

Additionally, some programs require expensive books, materials, and resources, leading to higher costs.

Examining Unit Costs

Putting these factors aside, or at least bringing them all together, it is possible to estimate the average figures for trade school costs in Colorado thanks to data provided by schools in the area, the Colorado Association of Trade Schools, and the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

According to these sources, the estimated average tuition fees for public schools in the area are between $3,000 and $8,000 a year, while the average tuition fees for private schools are between $10,000 and $18,000.

Additional fees include $500 to $1,000 for books and materials, $500 to $5,000 for equipment, and $500 to $1,000 for student fees.

Inferring an Average Cost

From the above figures, the average cost of trade schools in Colorado is between $9,000 and $14,000 for public trade schools and between $16,000 and $25,000 for private trade schools.

More on Determining Factors

Other factors influencing the average cost of a trade school in Colorado include the variety of the program, its location within the state, available financial options, program length, specialization, and accreditation.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Colorado

Even though the average cost of attending a trade school for candidates in Colorado is relatively lower than most, candidates may ease the cost even further through several financial aid initiatives.

We take a look at some of the most prominent options below.

  • Daniels Scholarship - The Daniels Scholarship is available to Colorado residents with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship can be used to acquire an associate degree at any college.
  • Partner Colorado Foundation Scholarship - This scholarship is available to Colorado residents attending any postsecondary institution in the state. It is available to lower-income families and candidates in financial need.
  • NIADA Regional Scholarship - The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association offers regional scholarships of up to $3,500 to students in Colorado “who demonstrate leadership skills and achievements.”
  • William J. Blair Scholarship Fund - The William J. Blair Scholarship Fund awards up to $1000 every year to residents of Fort Collins. They must be enrolled in a vocational/trade school and demonstrate financial need.
  • Family of Bradley Gendron Scholarship - This scholarship helps students of accredited trade/technical colleges in Colorado who have type I diabetes with $1000 a year.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Colorado

Confirming a trade school’s accreditation status in Colorado is imperative before applying. Attending accredited schools offers several benefits, including easy credit transfer, professional certification requirements, and educational quality.

In Colorado, some of the most prominent accreditation organizations to be considered are the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is responsible for accrediting community colleges and universities in the area; the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), responsible for accrediting schools on a national level thanks to its recognition by the Department of Education; and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) responsible for accrediting online programs.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Colorado

The list below contains some of Colorado’s top trade/vocational schools.

#Colorado

Aims Community College

Greeley, CO Online + Campus

Aims Community College is one of the premier trade schools in Colorado. The school offers more than 90 programs, 44 being associate programs and 52 being certificate programs.

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Tuition
$2,762 - $10,418
Contact
  • admissions@aims.edu
  • (970) 330-8008
#Colorado

Lincoln College of Technology Denver

Denver, CO Online + Campus

Lincoln College of Technology is a popular trade school in Colorado offering various vocational and technical programs, including diesel mechanics, automotive technology, and HVAC-R. The school has 28 programs, 18 of which are associate programs, while 10 are certificate programs.

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Tuition
$2,762 - $10,418
Contact
  • (303) 722-5724
#Colorado

Community College of Aurora

Denver, CO Online + Campus

The Community College of Aurora has more than 120 programs for aspiring trade students in the area to enroll in. Of these programs, more than 70 are associate programs, while more than 50 are certificate programs.

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Tuition
$3,947 - $15,369
Contact
  • admissions@ccaurora.edu

  • (303) 360-4700

#Colorado

Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, CO Online + Campus

Red Rocks Community College offers more than 140 training programs. Candidates can enroll in more than 60 associate and more than 60 certificate programs.

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Tuition
$4,379 - $15,801
Contact
  • admissions@rrcc.edu
  • (303) 914-6348
#Colorado

Community College of Denver

Denver, CO Online + Campus

The Community College of Denver boasts high-quality programs overseen by experienced and qualified instructors. The school is also known to have many available programs thanks to more than 150 associate degree programs and more than 150 certificate programs on offer.

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Tuition
$4,745 - $16,167
Contact
  • admissions@ccd.edu
  • (303) 556-2497
#Colorado

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, CO Online + Campus

At Pikes Peak Community College, students can enroll in various programs, including construction, humanities, and electrical technology. Of these, 61 are certificate programs that can be completed in a few months, while 45 are associate programs that can be completed in two years.

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Tuition
$3,981 - $15,403
Contact
  • enrollment@ppcc.edu
  • (719) 502-2000
#Colorado

Front Range Community College

Westminster, CO Online + Campus

Front Range Community College, located in Westminster, offers students the opportunity to earn an associate degree in 35 programs. Those searching for a certificate also have the luxury of choosing among 61 programs.

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Tuition
$4,032 - $15,454
Contact
  • registrars@frontrange.edu

  • (303) 678-3722

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include Colorado University in Grand Junction, Pueblo Community College in Pueblo, Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs, National Beauty College in Denver, Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver, and Otero College in La Juanita.

Career Guides in Colorado

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