Trade Schools in Idaho
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a significant increase in demand for trade workers, with some fields set to experience more than 20% growth. Pursuing a trade career in Idaho and anywhere else has never been a better decision.
We have provided the comprehensive resource below as a starting point to help candidates become familiar with what to expect and make the best decisions regarding their training destination.
Here, interested candidates will find, among other things, the top trade schools in Idaho, popular accreditation bodies to look out for, average education costs, and a few financial aid initiatives and scholarships to help with all or a bit of the total training costs.
Explore Trade Schools in Idaho by City:
Average Cost of Trade Schools in Idaho
A few factors ultimately decide how much a trade school will cost in Idaho. These include the location, the program variety, profit status, and sometimes even the accreditation status.
Naturally, schools in urban areas near industries and potential employers tend to have a higher average tuition cost. Those offering lots of programs are also often more expensive.
Whether or not a school is for profit will also influence its cost.
On an individual programmatic level, a program’s complexity, degree of specialization, and duration also play key roles in determining a student’s education costs. Complex programs with high degrees of specialization, as do longer programs, cost more.
Average Cost Estimation
Calculating from data provided by relevant sources such as the Idaho Department of Education and the Idaho Association of Career and Technical Education and considering the above-determining factors, it is possible to deduce the annual average cost of attending a trade school in Idaho.
From our findings, we surmised that the annual average cost of attending a public trade school in Idaho is between $11,000 and $16,00, while the annual average cost of attending a private trade school in the state is between $18,500 and $26,500.
These figures include the cost of books and materials ($500 - $1,500), equipment cost ($500 - $5,000), student fees ($500 - $1,000; and tuition costs ($5,000 - $10,000 for public schools and $12,000 - $20,000 for private schools).
Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Idaho
Financial aid initiatives in Idaho are organized by state departments, private parties, and national associations to alleviate the above costs of attending vocational schools in the state. Some of the most prominent initiatives for students to consider include the entries below:
- Idaho Opportunity Scholarships - is offered by the state of Idaho and gives up to $3,500 to students with at least a 2.7 GPA. Candidates must show that they are in financial need and must be enrolled in an approved college or university.
- Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship - applies to students participating in technical programs. Applicants must be residents of the state and have a GPA of at least 2.8. It offers up to $3,000 per individual.
- Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners - offered to adult learners attending a trade school or university in the state. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship issues up to $3,500 for a candidate.
- Pride Foundation Scholarships - are available to LGBTQ+ students in the Pacific Northwest. The amount offered varies.
- Idaho Community Foundation Scholarship - Lastly, candidates may also consider the scholarship issued by the Idaho Community Foundation Scholarship. It is available to 70 state residents, including trade and technical school students.
Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Idaho
There are many reasons for students attending trade schools in Idaho to consider attending only accredited schools and programs. These include certificate and degree validity, access to grants and scholarships, and ease of securing employment.
These factors are positive for accredited schools and programs and negative for non-accredited ones. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is responsible for the national accreditation of trade schools in Idaho.
However, most schools are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, while online schools receive their accreditation status from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
The Idaho State Board of Education oversees and registers public and private trade schools in Idaho.
Top Vocational Trade Schools in Idaho
The following are some of the most prominent vocational schools for candidates in Idaho to consider.
College of Western Idaho
Nampa, ID Online + Campus
College of Western Idaho boasts numerous programs known for incredibly flexible scheduling and affordable tuition. The school has an open-door admissions policy and is perfect for students seeking comprehensive training and a cozy community atmosphere.
Tuition
$4,336 - $7,344Contact
- onestop@cwi.edu
- (208) 562-3000
Eastern Idaho Technical College
Idaho Falls, ID Online + Campus
Eastern Idaho Technical College is another wonderful post-secondary institution with strong trade and technical programs in Idaho. One of the highlights here is the customized training programs available for local businesses and industries.
Tuition
$4,126 - $6,222Contact
- help.desk@cei.edu
- (208) 535-5345
North Idaho College
Coeur d'Alene, ID Online + Campus
Located in Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai County, North Idaho College has around 50 associate degree and 25 certificate programs. Students will enjoy optimal class sizes and unique academic programs such as culinary arts and aviation.
Tuition
$ 4,960 - $8,736Contact
- advising@nic.edu
- (208) 769-3300
Louis Clark State College
Lewiston, ID Online + Campus
Louis Clark State College in Lewiston is an attractive destination for candidates searching for technical, professional, and liberal arts training, emphasizing hands-on sessions and small class sizes.
Tuition
$6,982 - $20,238Contact
- admissions@lcsc.edu
- (208) 792-5272
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID Online + Campus
Apart from its strong first-division athletics, Idaho State University is also notable for its comprehensive programs spanning various degrees from associate to doctoral programs.
Tuition
$7,872 - $25,326Contact
- info@isu.edu
- (208) 282-4636
Boise State College
Boise, ID Online + Campus
Boise State College is a respected Ada County institution offering comprehensive academic and professional courses. The school emphasizes research and is known to have a strong graduate studies philosophy.
Tuition
$8,782 - $26,976Contact
- admissions@boisestate.edu
- (208) 426-1000
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Northwest Nazarene University, which offers unique nursing programs focusing on rural healthcare, and the College of Southern Idaho, which offers welding, automotive, and cosmetology programs.